Northern Kentucky girls basketball coaches believe Highlands can win its third straight Ninth Region title.

PRESEASON POLL

1. Highlands (8) 181   2. Holmes (7) 175   3. Boone County (3) 149   4. Notre Dame 137   5. NewCath 131   6. Holy Cross 75   7. Bishop Brossart 59   8. Holy Cross 51   9. Dixie Heights 42   10. Campbell County 40   Others receiving votes: Villa Madonna 32, Newport 31, Scott 22, Conner 21, Saint Henry 15, Ryle 13, Pendleton County 6, Walton-Verona 5, Lloyd Memorial 1, Heritage Academy 1.

        The Bluebirds edged Holmes in the Enquirer's preseason coaches poll. Ninth Region runner-up Boone County is third.

        Highlands coach Luci Cecil said the Bluebirds will go as far as senior center and Xavier signee Tara Boothe takes them.

        In addition, sophomore point guard Abi Gibson will have to improve upon her five points a game and 32 percent shooting from 3-point range.

        Holmes reached the Ninth Region semifinals last season. This year's Bulldogs have a new coach, former boys assistant Casey Sparrow, and one more season from senior guard Erica Hallman, who has signed with Kansas.

        “(Erica is) the most dynamic player I have ever coached,” said Sparrow.

        Boone County also has a Division I signee in senior guard Christian Stefanopoulos, who is headed for Austin Peay. The Rebels probably will revolve around Stefanopoulos and senior forward Chrissy Isaac.

        Notre Dame fell from 20-8 two seasons ago to last year's 16-11. Look for the Pandas to go to junior guard Marquise Hanser, who averaged 15.4 points a game last season.

        Newport Central Catholic reached the All “A” Classic final last January. Sophomore guard Nicole Chiodi (11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.9 steals) is the leading returning scorer.

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