The top two teams in The Enquirer's Northern Kentucky coaches poll drew into the same half of the boys Ninth Region bracket Saturday.

        Top-ranked Covington Catholic and defending region champion Newport Central Catholic could meet in the semifinals at 5:30p.m. Friday at Holmes. NewCath takes on Scott in the first round at 6:30p.m. Monday, followed by CovCath against Conner at 8:15p.m. Monday.

        In Tuesday's first-round games, Simon Kenton takes on Holmes at 6:30 p.m., and Dixie Heights meets Highlands at 8:15 p.m. The winners meet in the semifinals at 8:30p.m. Friday, and the final begins at 7p.m. Saturday.

        If you go by the numbers, CovCath has the edge. The Colonels beat Conner, NewCath and Scott in the regular season.

        “It's been two months,” CovCath coach Mike Listerman said of the Conner win. “They're playing a whole lot better. They've got balance; we've got balance. It'll come down to who plays better defense.”

        Scott squeaked past NewCath 69-66 on Jan.9. But the Eagles are 3-4 over their last seven games, and Friday's 46-37 loss to Dixie Heights in Friday's 34th District championship game was Scott's lowest point total this season.

        NewCath coach Ron Dawn said he knows why his team lost to Scott in January.

        “(Scott senior center Ben) Lye killed us on the boards,” Dawn said. “Corey (NewCath senior center Corey Myers) got in foul trouble.”

        Tickets for first-round games are $5 for adults and $3 for students. All semifinal and championship tickets are $5.

        Campbell County takes on Harrison County in the opening round of the 10th Region tournament at 8p.m. Monday at Mason County. Bishop Brossart, the defending 10th Region champion, meets Paris at 8p.m. Tuesday.

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