Small School, Big Game – Region 9

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Steve Quattrocchi June 29, 2020 @ 05:00 AM

This series will take a look at some lesser-known players from smaller schools across Kentucky that have or will tear it up at the varsity level. You might not be able to find their hometown on a map, but that hasn’t stopped them from making a name for themselves. [player_tooltip player_id="154512" first="Carlie" last="Arlinghaus"], Beechwood (2021) - One of the top Class A players in the northern Kentucky area, Arlinghaus does a little bit of everything for Beechwood. She led them in scoring and in nearly every offensive category last season and is looking for an even bigger Senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="157954" first="Rylee" last="Turner"], Newport Central Catholic (2022) - Turner and [player_tooltip player_id="157966" first="Annie" last="Heck"] share the majority of the scoring load for NCC and Turner is also the leading rebounder for a team that could be a big time factor in the 9th region championship race next season. Turner is primarily a slasher buy has also shown the ability to stretch her game out and hit open 3s. [player_tooltip player_id="157966" first="Annie" last="Heck"], Newport Central Catholic (2021) - The Senior leader for NCC, Heck is right alongside Turner in about every statistical category and is going to be one of the top Seniors in the 9th region in 2020-2021. More of a three point threat than a Turner, they combine their forces to be one of the best combos in the state. Amanda Schlueter, Saint Henry (2023) - The leading returning scorer for Saint Henry, Amanda should have a bigger role in the coming season as the Crusaders two leading scorers both graduated. Schlueter does her damage all inside the three point line but shot a very high percentage at 54% last year and could be a 15+ PPG scorer if she can add three point shooting to her repertoire. [player_tooltip player_id="167140" first="Kayla" last="Unkraut"], Saint Henry (2024) - The lone rising Freshman on the list, Kayla transferred over from Villa Madonna after an 8th grade season where she starred for Villa, averaging over 15 points per game. She could take a little time to transition to a new school and new teammates but she’s a talented scorer who can put the ball in the hole against any competition. Grace Bezold, Covington Holy Cross (2021) - One of the best Seniors in northern Kentucky this upcoming season, Bezold averaged 18 points per game last season and could easily be over 20 per contest as a Senior. If she can improve her shooting accuracy from behind the three point line, Grace may be one of the leading scorers in the entire state.