By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Holmes senior point guard James Bolden and Newport Central Catholic senior center Drew McDonald were named co-winners of the 9th Region Player of the Year in boys’ basketball by local members of the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches.
Bolden, a University West Virginia recruit, averaged 20 points, four rebounds and four assists during the regular season. He’s ranked among the nation’s top 50 point guards on the 247Sports website.
McDonald, a Northern Kentucky University recruit, is averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds and shooting 61 percent from the field going into the district playoffs. He set a new team record for career rebounds during his four-year varsity career.
Holy Cross senior center Ally Mayhaus was named 9th Region Player of the Year in girls’ basketball by local KABC members. She’s averaging 13 points and nine rebounds for the Indians and made the game-winning basket in the Kentucky All “A” Classic state championship game.
Scott Ruthsatz of Covington Catholic and Jaime Walz Richey of Highlands were named KABC 9th Region Coaches of the Year in boys’ and girls’ basketball. At the end of the regular season, CovCath had a 24-5 record and Highlands had a 28-3 record.
Rhonda Klette of Scott was named 10th Region Coach of the Year in girls’ basketball. Her team finished the regular season with a 19-8 record.
The KABC will present awards to the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year in each of the 16 regions around the state during the boys’ and girls’ state tournaments in March.
Terry Boehmker, NKyTribune sports writer, is former sportswriter and editor for The Kentucky Post. He is an award-winning writer with extensive background in both print and digital. Reach him at terryboe@yahoo.com.