By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Newport Central Catholic’s five-year reign as 9th Region All “A” Classic boys’ basketball champion came to an end Monday with a 63-55 loss to Holy Cross in overtime on the winner’s home court.
Playing without its top two scorers –Brennan Hall and Brendan Luken — NewCath had a 43-42 lead going into the fourth quarter. Holy Cross tied the score at 51 in the final seconds of regulation and then outscored NewCath, 12-4, in the overtime period.
Holy Cross outscored NewCath, 12-2, at the free throw line and 21-15 from behind the 3-point arc. The Indians’ leading scorers were senior guard Parker Zimmerman with 26 points and junior center Pete Knochelman with 17. Senior guard Jalen McDaniels netted 17 points for the Thoroughbreds.
St. Henry and Newport also won first-round games on Monday. The quarterfinal round will begin Tuesday.
Boys All “A” Classic regional tournaments
8TH REGION AT OWEN COUNTY
Tuesday
Championship: Walton-Verona vs. Gallatin County, 7 p.m.
9TH REGION AT NEWPORT
Tuesday
Dayton vs. St. Henry, 6 p.m.
Beechwood vs. Heritage Academy, 8 p.m.
Wednesday
Villa Madonna vs. Newport, 6 p.m.
Lloyd vs. Holy Cross, 8 p.m.
Friday
Semifinal games, 6 and 8 p.m.
Saturday
Championship game, 7 p.m.
Girls All “A” Classic regional tournaments
10TH REGION AT NICHOLAS COUNTY
Wednesday
Championship game: Nicholas County vs. Brossart, 6 p.m.
8TH REGION AT WALTON-VERONA
Friday
Championship game: Walton-Verona vs. Carroll County, 7 p.m.