Northern Kentucky University 2010-11 Men’s Basketball Preview

After a disappointing 17-13 season (8-10 in conference play), the NKU Norse men's basketball team looks to return to the top of the GLVC with a entirely re-shaped roster of D-1 transfers and several key returning players.

Although the Norse will be without David Palmer and Scott Bibbins (graduation), Dustin Maguire (medical setback - quit team) and Dennis Gagai (torn mcl - out majority of the season), the team has much to look forward to with four transfers, three from D-1 programs, including:

Josh Tabb (6-4, Sr.) - Tabb comes from the University of Tennessee. He started 11 games last years for the Volunteers and saw action in 33 games where he primarily served as the sixth man. He averaged just over three points and nearly two assists per contest. Volunteer coach, Bruce Pearl, suspended Tabb last year and gave no reason for Tabb’s suspension, other than saying he “hadn’t taken care of his business like we expect him to.’’ It was reported that Tabb withdrew from Tennessee to be with his ailing mother.

Malcolm Eleby (6-3, Sr.) - Eleby comes to the Norse from the Bonnies of St. Bonaventure, an A-10 powerhouse…Eleby started 57 games in three season for the Bonnies racking up nearly 6 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per contest.

James Cotton (6-8, So.) - Cotton is a transfer from Maryland-Eastern Shore. He played in 19 games last season as a freshman, starting three times. He averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds per game last year.

Bobby Shannon (6-5, Jr.) - Shannon is a JUCO transfer who led the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference in scoring with an average of 23 points per game for Southern Maryland. In high school, Shannon led all Washington, D.C. area players in scoring during his senior year at Potomac High School. He averaged 27 points and led his team to a share of the Prince George's 3A/2A league title and the Maryland 2A South Region postseason championship. He originally signed with Marshall out of high school and was recruited by some big schools, including: Arkansas, Georgetown, Maryland, Villanova, Memphis, UTEP, George Washington and Iowa State.

The Norse also return:

Chris Knight, a 6-7 senior who averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds per game last season.
Corey Sorrell, a 6-5 sophomore who averaged 8 points and 3 rebounds per game.
Ethan Faulkner, a 6-1 sophomore who averaged 4 points and 3 assists last season.
Tony Rack, a 6-0 junior who averaged 4 points and shot 52% from 3-point range last year.

Although the team may be small, I feel they could put together a good showing in the GLVC this year. Team chemistry could be a problem early on as it may take some time for players to get used to all the new transfers and the changing in the offensive scheme due to the graduation of Palmer (averaged 17 points per game last season as the teams go-to guy in the post).

It's always tough to project a roster with so many new players, however, this is how I think things will pan out:

Starting Lineup
F - Chris Knight
F - Bobby Shannon
G/F - Corey Sorrell
G - Josh Tabb
G - Malcolm Eleby

Key Reserves
F - James Cotton
G - Ethan Faulkner
G - Tony Rack
F - Eric Stenger

2010 Recruiting Class: Best Ever in Northern Kentucky High School Football?

This upcoming high school football season will questionably have the most talent ever showcased on the football field in Northern Kentucky. More than 10 players will more than likely receive Division-1 scholarships, some of which have already signed with big programs. Listed below are the top-tier players to watch this upcoming season:

Miles Simpson (Simon Kenton - RB)
Simpson was unstoppable last season rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground. He scored 40 total TD's in just 15 games! Yes, you're not seeing things, he did run for 37 TD's and is drawing comparisons to Boone County great Shaun Alexander. Simpson single handily led his team to the 6A state championship where they eventually lost in the finals but he is hoping to get back to the championship game this upcoming season. Simpson is currently being highly recruited by several local teams and has scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky, Purdue, Indiana and Illinois.

Tate Nichols (Ryle - TE)
This 6'7, 240 pound monster committed to play for the Cardinals of Standford back in April of this year. Nichols only played in six games because of a injury last year. In the limited time he played last season, Nichols caught 11 passes for 98 yards. Nichols is projected as a tight end but could also play offensive line because of his stature. Prior to verbally committing, Nichols had other offers from Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky and Indiana.

Austin Collinsworth (Highlands - WR/DB)
Son of former Cincinnati Bengal, Cris Collinsworth, Austin played wide receiver and defensive back for the state champ Bluebirds. Collinsworth is mainly being recruited as a WR/DB as he caught 47 passes for 840 yards and five touchdowns last season and also intercepted four balls. However, coach Dale Mueller has said he would like to use Collinsworth as a running back this year as he put up 190 yards and a score on just 11 carries last season. Collinsworth currently has offers from Louisville, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

Tyler Grubbs (Highlands - OL)
Grubbs is a 6-6, 280 pound behemoth and the core of the offensive line for the Bluebirds. Grubbs has verbally committed to play for the Miami Redhawks and prior to verbally committing also held offers from Western Kentucky, Ohio, Central Michigan and Troy.

Jordan Hansel (Simon Kenton - OG)
Another offensive lineman, Hansel stands 6-4 and weighs in at 285 pounds. Hansel anchors the Pioneers line and has currently received one offer from Ball State. He's also receiving interest from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky.

Nick West (Conner - QB)
West is described as a "dual-threat" quarterback. Not only did West pass for 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns last year, he also ran for 622 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. West is being looked at by Alabama, Cincinnati, Indiana, Louisville and Ball State.

Other Notable Players:
Will Bardo (Highlands - QB): being looked at by Cincinnati, Tennessee, Boston College, Kansas State and Western Kentucky.
Charles Quainoo (Boone County - RB): being looked at by Cincinnati, Kentucky and Miami (OH).
Ryan Wilson (Dixie Heights - QB): being looked at by Cincinnati, Akron, Hawaii, Marshall, Toledo and Western Kentucky.
Seth Chappie (Lloyd - RB)
Andy Roenker (Holy Cross - RB)
Nick Buten (Highlands - WR)
David Hogue (Highlands - WR)
Kevin Connaughton (Covington Catholic - OG)
Brandon Roller (Highlands - LB/TE)

If you would like to view preseason rankings put together for the 2009-10 season, click here.

Ranking Northern Kentucky’s Public Golf Courses: Who Deserves Top Honors?

The following are a list of public golf courses in Northern Kentucky. I’ve played each of these courses more than once through the years and ranked them accordingly. Things to consider when ranking each course are the conditions and overall experience.

Birdie
Lassing Pointe – One of the most challenging courses in Northern Kentucky is at the top of my rankings. Lassing Pointe is a par 71. Although it’s not one of the more inexpensive courses in the area it tops my list because the course is always in great shape, is spread out, and hole number eight is one of the best holes in the area and plays as a 521 yard par 5 from the back tees. (see photo)

Fox Run – A close second to Lassing Pointe, Fox Run is one of three courses owned by Kenton County Golf Course. Fox Run is a par 72. The course is known for some very picturesque holes, such as the 558 yard par 5 number 18 (see photo)

Par

Boone Links – this course is host to three nine hole courses: Brookview, Lakeview, and the newest of the three Ridgeview. If you’re looking for a challenging play the original nines Brookview and Lakeview which play a par 72. All three courses are well-maintained and challenging in their own ways. Ridgeview is the easiest of the three courses and plays much shorter than its counterparts.

Hickory Sticks – the biggest sleeper of all the golf courses on the list. Hickory Sticks is a par 71 located in California, Kentucky. The course opened its doors in 1998 and is challenging, well-maintained, hilly, and has some great views. If you’re looking for a challenging hole play number three, a 450+ par 5 which plays all up-hill and includes one of the smallest greens in the area.

The Willows –The name describes everything about this Kenton County Golf Course. If you like a challenging course with a ton of trees this is the course for you. The Willows is a par 72. The course is the hilliest of the three courses which leaves you with some tough hill side lies along the way.

A.J. Jolly – Another hidden gem, A.J. Jolly is a par 71 golf course in Alexandria, Kentucky. The course is challenging to all levels of play and has some of the tightest holes in the area, meaning you can’t afford to hit a bad shot off the tee on most holes. The course features many scenic views and on occasion you’ll see deer run across the fairways. If you don’t like lakes then hole number 10 will be your worst nightmare, a 350+ yard par 4 with lakes that run along the left and right side of this tight fairway.

Devou Park – opened in 1922, Devou Park is by far the hilliest course in Northern Kentucky. The course is home to some of the most scenic holes in the area and is known for hole number five, which overlooks downtown Cincinnati. The course plays as a par 70 and forces you to tee off with an iron on many of there challenging holes. The courses fairways are “beat-up” at times and the lakes aren’t well-maintained.

Bogey

Twin Oaks – built in 1927, Twin Oaks is one of the oldest courses in Northern Kentucky. The course plays as a par 70 and is one of the only courses in the area that feature Bermuda grass. If you’re going to play Twin Oaks go in the spring when the grass is bright green and before the course is beaten up throughout the summer. The greens and course could be maintained better and in the fall the Bermuda grass turns brown, which makes it look like dead grass sprayed throughout the course. In my opinion, the owners should’ve put more money into the course and not the new clubhouse.

Pioneer – built in 1968, Pioneer is the first of the three Kenton County Golf Courses. Pioneer is a par 70 and can be described as the tale of two nines as the front nine is far easier than the back in my opinion. The course is usually in good shape but the holes feel like they’re too bunched together as you may hit from the wrong fairway on many occasions throughout your round.

Flagg Springs – another course in California, Kentucky Flagg Springs plays as a par 71. The course is very open which allows you to hit a bad tee shot and recover quite easy throughout your round. Every time I’ve played here the course has been in decent shape, but the one thing that stands out in my mind are the cable lines that run along and in some cases in play throughout your round.

Double Bogey

World of Sports – the last facility owned by Ralph Landrum, World of Sports is the only “par-3” course in the area. This par 59 golf course does include five par fours but is mainly made up of short par threes and was created for the beginning golfer. The course is usually in bad shape but Landrum is currently investing more money into his only property left. If your idea of fun is watching a guy in jean shorts hack at a ball far to many times and playing behind slow “golfers” this course is for you.

Meadowood Golf Club – the course has taken a turn for the worse after selling off their back-nine to build condominiums. This par 35 nine hole course includes below-average maintenance and the slowest play in the area. The fairways are often hard as rocks and I usually find myself wanting to skip holes in order to play in front of slow individuals on the nine-hole course! If you’re a beginner to the game of golf and don’t mind playing nine holes in the span of three hours this course is for you. By far, the worst course in Northern Kentucky.

*birdie - is the highest ranking and deems the course is highly recommended.
*par - means the course is above average but is not in the same league as the top courses.
*bogey - means the course is average.
*double bogey - means the course is below average and has some flaws.

Although I’ve played all of them country clubs aren’t eligible for the list.

Price wasn’t used as a main factor when ranking the top courses. For a complete list of rates/prices, addresses and more information of Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area golf courses, Click Here.

Your Thoughts?