The ranking of Boone County at No.1 and Highlands at No.2 in The Enquirer's preseason girls basketball coaches poll has fans circling Feb.8 on their calendars — that's when the Bluebirds travel to Florence to play the Rebels.

        This season's game could have an even sharper edge, due to the transfer this year of junior guard Christian Stefanopolous from Highlands to Boone County.

        “It's a huge rivalry, but we're trying to avoid that issue,” said Boone County coach Nell Fookes.

        “I'm certain that they (Highlands) aren't very happy that (Stefanopolous) left. There will be plenty of added pressure just playing that game. I would just as soon not want to comment on that.

        “She's a high-profile player from a high-profile program, but that's too much pressure to put on any kid. We're trying to downplay the rivalry.”

        Highlands coach Luci Cecil is even more low-key on the issue.

        “I'm not trying to be difficult, but I would prefer to not comment on that that,” she said.

        Notre Dame Academy is ranked No.3 in the poll, followed by Bishop Brossart, Holmes, Newport, Newport Central Catholic, Walton-Verona, Holy Cross and Campbell County.

        Fookes and Cecil agree the Ninth Region may be more balanced this year than ever, which creates the prospect of key games almost every night. Certainly, games involving Highlands and Boone County, as well as any combination that includes Holmes, Newport and Notre Dame, should be games to watch.

        "It's fairly wide-open,” Cecil said. “Boone County's extremely strong, as are several other teams. I know we have a tough early part of the season. Obviously, what you look for is where you're at at the end of the season.”

        “I think our region is stronger than it was last year,” Fookes said. “We have a lot more experienced coaches, and a lot of experienced players. There are just a lot of things that make it more competitive. Being in the top spot at the beginning of the sea son really doesn't mean that much any year, but I think it means less this year.

        “I think Holmes-Newport is probably a good game to see. Highlands-Newport, Holmes-Highlands — they're all good. In terms of a sleeper team, I think Scott will have a nice team. I was impressed with them this summer. They're a strong team.”

        Fans might want to check the teams out even when they're not banging heads with each other, because of talented players such as Holmes junior guard Erica Hallman, Boone County senior guard Ciara Henderson, Highlands junior center Tara Boothe and senior forward Stephanie Ripberger (who has committed to play in college for Wofford), Newport senior forward Ashley Mills and Notre Dame junior guard Ashley Noll and sophomore guard Marquise Hanser.

        The Ninth Region also features stars such as Dixie Heights senior center Julie Farley and Stefanopolous.

        In the 10th Region, Bishop Brossart guard-forward Katie Schwegmann is probably Northern Kentucky's top returning player. She's paired in the backcourt with fellow senior Carrie Clift. Campbell County forward Leah Ballinger also is returning for her senior season.

        Among the top Eighth Region players is Walton-Verona senior forward Jessica Schmidt, who averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds per game last season. Schmidt is bound for Georgetown (Ky.) College.

        “I don't think people talk enough about (senior center) Colleen Pairan, and the girl from Beechwood, (senior forward) Katie Pohlgeers, is strong,” Fookes said.

        Scott is under the guidance of a new coach, Mike Philpot. Other local girls teams with new coaches are Bellevue (Joe Utz), Campbell County (Tom Russell), Ryle (Kenny Nutter), St. Henry (Amy Petroze) and Pendleton County (Keith Smith).

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