SIMON KENTON HIGH SCHOOL PIONEER SPORTS BLOG

Neer Double Dip

2012-01-28T23:21:00.003-05:00

The Pioneer Varsity basketball team played a double header at the Joe tonight. It was the first such lineup for the teams this year. I really like the double dips and hope the teams can schedule more in the future. The fans who came out to Indy tonight saw two dandys as both teams of Neers played extremely hard. The boys battled a strong Henry Clay team and lost on a bad call at the buzzer by a final of 53 to 51. The girls broke their 4 game losing streak by upsetting the Conner Cougars in a flat out battle.

Boys Game- SK struggled early on to hit shots. It almost looked at first like they didn’t have their legs as they missed shot after shot. Part of the missed shots were caused by Henry Clay closeouts and block attempts but the boys just didn’t seem to hit shots they usually connect. Senior Cody Chambers would start heating up in the second quarter as he stymied the Devil runs. SK would trail at half-time by 8 points but it was one of those games where it felt like the lead could have been a lot more.

The Neers came out in the third quarter and didn’t seem to have an answer for Clay. The Neers fell behind by 15 points and looked like they were ready to be blown out of the Joe. SK trailed by 13 at the end of the third.

The Neers would get the lead down to about 10 with just over 4 minutes to go. The Devils decided at that point to take some time off the clock. With the stall in place, the Neers got feisty on defense. SK was getting stops and converting and suddenly you got that feeling things were going their way. Henry Clay got complacent but the Neer boys kept clawing and scratching. On the offensive end, the ball went to Chambers and he was sticking it in the basket both off nice drives to the cup and several treys. SK got possession down 3 points. They connected on the first foul shot but missed the second. SK challenged for the rebound and the deflection bounced off the Devil player. With the ball out of bounds under the basket, everyone knew the play would have gone to Chambers; it didn’t. Andrew Sampson got the ball, took a short drive and pulled up for a 10 foot jumper that was good and tied the score at about 5 seconds. Clay didn’t call timeout, made two passes up the floor and got off a wide open lay-up. Only problem the pictures and videos circulating on camera phones sure made it seem like the Devils got a break. I didn’t think the shot was good but the problem was the crowd was so loud from the Sampson bucket that it was hard to hear the horn. The refs kind of looked at each other like, “did anyone see that?” One of them signaled good and they ran off the floor without even a discussion. Too bad. The boys played hard and never quit. Check out the videos and see what you think?

Henry Clay 13…15…16…9=53
Simon Kenton 7…13…11…20= 51

Henry Clay (17-6) -- Kimball 10, Green 10, Cunningham 9, Setzer 8, Tisdale 6, Grundy 5, Blackburn 4, Tichenor 1.
Simon Kenton (15-7) -- Chambers 23, Ayers 10, Sampson 9, Barnes 5, Mullen 4.

Chambers was nails tonight.

Sampson's game tying shot.

The girls team came into the game riding a 4 game losing skid and with the 7^th ranked team in Northern Kentucky was sporting an impressive 18-4 record. The girls had been falling behind early in their last several games. Tonight was no different as the girls had trouble scoring. As the game progressed, the tone was set; ugly. The game was about as scrappy as a game can get. Both teams got after lose balls and challenged on D. However, it was SK who played just a little bit harder than the Cougars. The game was probably the girls’ most physical effort since the Lex Cath tourney. They took charges, dove on the floor, tackled at times, and gave it all they had all night long. An early deficit was erased as the girls took a 4 point half-time lead.

The girls came out in the third quarter and the Neers caught fire, especially from outside as they stretched the lead out to 15. Abby Owings was connecting from 25 feet while Hannah Stephenson was scoring from just about everywhere. Stephenson would score 27 and Owings 22. The girls definitely gave one of their hardest efforts on the season as the losing streak comes to an end. Definitely an effort the girls will want to bottle and save.

Owings broke things open against Conner.

Sara gets tagged on the knoggin driving to the hoop.

B-ball Pics Available

2012-01-27T15:35:00.001-05:00

Here are the links that some of you asked for regarding picture galleries for basketball:

SK Boys Team:
http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_boys_basketball_2011-12

SK Girls Team:
http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_girls_basketball_2011-12

As always, if you would like additional pics of a particular athlete, just let me know.

Another Night of Dual Hoops

2012-01-24T23:55:00.001-05:00

The boys and girls teams took to the hardwood again in opposite directions as the boys travelled to W-town and the girls hosted the Boone County Rebels. (Am I the only one who wishes that the teams didn’t play so often on the same nights; how about some more varsity double headers?) The boys win to lock up an undefeated season in District 32 play in a lopsided win, 90-44.

Boone headed to the Joe tonight without head coach Nell Fookes who had a death in her family. A moment of silence was observed before the start of the game.

Once again, the Lady Neers fell behind big early as they went down double digits right from the start. SK would cut the lead to 8 with about 3 minutes left in the second quarter but Boone would counter following a timeout to finish the quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 17 point half-time lead. SK didn’t give up in this game like they did on Saturday against Walton Verona. They never did chip into the Boone lead but they played hard and held serve for the second half. Boone wins by a final of 68-47.

Boone 19…20…16…13…..68
SK 10…12…15…10…..47

Boone Co. (20-1) -- Popp 2, Jones 4, A. Switzer 6, Murphy 2, Moss 26, Nash 19, E. Switzer 5, Hill 4. Simon Kenton (12-9) -- Owings 13, Jones 6, Stephenson 7, Cook 2, Cox 2, Morrison 3, Bosse 9, Tomlin 2, Webb 3.

AO Wings puts up a shot and avoids the block by the Boone player. Sticks played as hard as anyone tonight. The eyes are the key in the first shot.

Lady Pioneers Downed by WV

2012-01-22T01:29:00.002-05:00

The Lady Neers travelled to Walton this afternoon for a matinee match-up with the Bearcats. SK was coming off of a pretty solid effort against the NDA Pandas while the Bearcats were coming off a fairly close game against Grant County.

The JV team to things off to a good start as they looked much better than they did the other day against Notre Dame. SK hands the Walton JV team only their second loss of the season by a final of 40-37 after some sharp shooting by sophomore Katie Jones.

The varsity team took to the floor and it looked like it was going to be a long day right off the bat as SK fell behind 10-2. Falling behind early has been a trend with SK but they came rolling back in this game and actually took a 15-14 first quarter lead as the Neers got the pace of the game rolling. That would be the end of anything positive for SK as the Bearcats would go on a 21-0 run and lead by a score of 35-15 after the run. SK would score a miserable 3 points in the second quarter and simply could not buy a basket.

Things would not get any better for SK in the second half as they only scored in single digits in the third quarter as well. The Neers would match Walton in points in the 4th quarter but the final score winds up at 62-39. The loss marks the third loss in a row for SK and ends up being those games that you just want to forget about and mover forward. The loss means that the Neers will not have the top seed in the District Tournament for the first time since the school joined the 32nd District. SK will host the Boone County Rebels on Tuesday.

Simon Kenton…..15-3-8-13--- 39
Walton-Verona…14-21-14-13--62

Simon Kenton -- Schmiade 6, Owings 3, Hester 2, Stephenson 12, Cook 7, Cox 3, Bosse 2, Robinson 2, Morrison 2.
Walton-Verona -- Clinkenbeard 2, Slavey 12, Hoffa 3, Ginn 7, Sandlin 17, McAdams 4, Taulbee 7, Judy 10.

Hanah gets fouled on her jump shot.

Cookie up up and away.

Haley with a drive.

Spidey with a pull.

Coach Wendeln instructing her troops during a timeout. The team extended their record to 14-1 on the season.

Neers Swept by paNDAs

2012-01-19T23:45:00.002-05:00

The Pandas came all the way out to Independence tonight for a triple header with the Neers.

The Frosh and JV Neer teams saw win streaks come to a halt against NDA. I’m not sure how about the length of the Frosh streak but the loss for the SK JV’ers was their first of the season in 14 games. They never were in the game as they simply didn’t bring their “A” game and played to an intimidated level. Maybe it was the pressure of the winning streak but it definitely wasn’t the girls’ best effort of the year. Time to start a new streak on Saturday.

In the varsity match, the Pandas came out with some swagger and jumped out to a 12-5 lead. NDA let their swagger turn to relaxation while Stowers’ kids kept up a nice level of intensity and hustle. It looked early on like SK was going to get blown out but the next thing you know, SK went up by 4 points in the second quarter. Neer turnovers at the end of the half were converted to Panda baskets and NDA took a 24-21 half-time lead on the strength of a 7-0 run at the end of the quarter.

While I have seen Neer girls’ teams “fear the name on the jersey”, that certainly wasn’t the case with this SK team tonight. The only question though was whether or not the Neers would have a let-down in the second half like they did against South Oldham.

SK came out in the third without a let-down. While they couldn’t chip into the lead, they played to a 10-10 draw with the Pandas in the quarter. The game got quite scrappy in the quarter as much of the game was played laying down skin on the SK hardwood. SK had trouble making shots in the fourth quarter and committed more turnovers but kept the score within shouting distance. NDA’s experience seemed to wear down SK going down the stretch. NDA wins by a final of 48-41 in a rough game.

Although SK loses their second game in a row, they really did put together a game where they found that they can compete with one of the better teams in the area. The Neers will need to remember the results of this test on Saturday as they take on defending regional champ Walton Verona at Walton.

Lots of the varsity game played on the floor.

Coach Stowers directing the D in the second half.

Kaitlyn Morrison gets called for a blocking foul.

Cookie had to use her wheels a lot tonight against the scrappy Pandas.

Abby O got beat up tonight. At one point, the refs stopped the game because they thought she was bleeding. Just floor burns.

Lady Neers get Drenched by Raiders

2012-01-17T23:57:00.001-05:00

The Lady Pioneers travelled to Union tonight for a match-up with the Raiders of Ryle. The Frosh and JV teams set the tone with W’s against the Raiders.

The varsity team ends up falling short on the night as they go down by a final score of 53-34. SK fell behind big early on as Ryle picked up several buckets on fast breaks as they jumped out 15-4. The Neers would trail at half 29-16. SK would trim the lead down to single digits as thy got as close as 7 in the third but trailed 37-28 at the end of the quarter. Ryle would get things going again in the 4th quarter and stretch the lead out to teen+.

A strange moment happened in the 4th quarter as a Ryle player knocked the SK Gatorade cooler off of the stand into the floor. Yep, 5 gallons of ice water all over the place. The game was delayed for several minutes as it took Whitt and some of the Ryle staff a while to clean up the mess.

SK has another tough match-up on Thursday as they host the paNDAs from Notre Dame.

Hannah with a second half jumper.

Sarah Tomlin waiting for the free throw rebound.

The aftermath.

Whitt taking charge.

Pioneer Boys with Good Effort but Just Fall Short

2012-01-12T00:08:00.000-05:00

The Neer boys hoop crew took their turn travelling tonight to Edgewood and Dixie On the Heights. The crowd looked a lot more like a Friday night gathering as the parking spots in the Dixie lot were at a premium.

Inside, the game had somewhat of a tourney atmosphere. The crowd and pressure of the game perhaps had an effect on the game in the first quarter as neither team looked sharp. Shots weren’t falling and offense wasn’t moving as the teams seemed to be getting a feel as to how the game was going to shake. SK actually held a lead at the end of the first period at a score of 11-9. The teams started loosening up a little in the second quarter as shots started to fall. B. Hatton from Dixie started warming up as the Colonels came back and took a two point lead. SK would take a battering as the Colonels finished the quarter on a 7-0 run and took a 31-22 intermission lead. This run turned out to be the big momentum changer of the game as the Neers would never enjoy another lead.

SK came out in the third quarter and scored 8 straight points thanks in part to a pair of Reidog Barnes’ triples. SK now trailed 31-30 forcing Dixie to take a timeout in the first minute of the quarter. The Colonels momentary shakiness settled as Dixie started slowly pulling away from SK. Dixie would stretch their lead at the end of the quarter to 50 to 41. The Neers would scrapdappery in the 4th quarter and get the final margin down to 6 and a final score of 69-63.

Overall, I thought a nice effort by the Neer boys over the number one ranked team in Northern Kentucky. They go down by two possessions but you can certainly look back and several chances where SK could have converted these possessions into big shot opps. You can’t really point to any one thing that kept SK out of the win column. They outrebounded Dixie but committed more turnovers and didn’t shoot the rock as good both from the field and line. The misses that plagued the Neers seemed to have the worst of timing as they never could get over the hump. Hatton from Dixie still got his 25 points but he certainly didn’t go off on SK like he has in previous meetings. He was kept in check from the arc and he seemed to force some ill-advised shots when Dixie was trying to kill the clock. SK committed several fouls while trying not to foul as Hatton did a good job of drawing the contact and did get several old fashioned three point plays.

The Neers were led in scoring by Cody Chambers with 20 points while Barnesey chipped in 14. It was good to see Barnes looking for his shot more tonight which I hope continues. I really think he has some untapped offense for the Neers.

SK did come out on top in JV action as Noah Robinson hit a foul shot with 2.8 seconds left in the game and the score tied at 31.

The Neers will travel to South Oldham on Saturday night to take on the Dragons. The number one ranked team in the 8th Region. SK certainly has not shyed away from a challenge this year.

Ayers with 10 boards and some tough sledding inside. He gets racked on this play.

Barnes with a trey over Hatton.

Hatton with a nice bucket in the first half.

Coach Steiner with some defense coaching to Barnes

The old tie over the shoulder get in there player trick.

Chambers with a late drive.

Monson with a second half bucket.

Coach confused me here; started the game with no jacket.

Pregame meeting with Randall and his court.

Lady Neers with Triple Header Sweep Over Dixie in Marathon Night

2012-01-11T00:03:00.001-05:00

The Lady Neers capped off their Kenton County games by travelling to Dixie Heights tonight in another triple header. SK come out on top in all three games by a final score of 60-37. The Freshman game got over in pretty quick fashion but I wasn’t sure that the JV game was ever going to end. The girls squeeze out a win in an ugly game. (Actually calling it ugly is a compliment.)

The varsity girls looked sharp early as they jumped out to an early lead and held Dixie to 2 first quarter points and led at half-time by 32-10.

SK seemed to lose some flow as Dixie would cut into the big SK lead. The Neers would get things together late in the 4th quarter and went on to cruise for the win but only outscores Dixie by a point in the second half 28-27.

Abby Owings led all scorers with 20 points tonight.

The Neers have a break the rest of the week but will take on Ryle next Tuesday for the toughest part of their regular season as they take on Ryle, NDA, Walton, New Cath, Boone and Conner in that order. Four of these teams are ranked in just about everybody’s Top 20 in the state.

No doubt that the biggest Neer smile tonight came from Kelsey Blau. She got news today that the docs don’t think her ACL is torn. Awesome news Kelsey!

Cuttin up with a little dancing before the game.

Schmee goes up for a lay-up in the JV game.

Cookie with a nice take.

Abby put up 20 points but some of her best plays were on D.

Neer Hoop Teams with Big Wins Over Eagles

2012-01-09T23:33:00.000-05:00

The Pioneer basketball teams took on the Scott Eagles tonight; the boys travelled to Taylor Mill while the girls stayed home. Both SK teams come out on top in big ways. The girls completely dominated by a final of 71-29 as Coach Stowers was able to use his JV girls for a good portion of the game.

In boys action, the Neers jumped out to a 36-19 half-time lead as Senior Cody Chambers had 4 treys in the second quarter to put the game out of reach. The Neers end up making it two in a row over their county rivals by a final score of 74-54. The big stat in the game was rebounding as SK outrebounds Scott by a total of 32-15.

The girls will take on Dixie tomorrow night at Dixie while the boys will travel to play Dixie on Wednesday.

Prayers go up tonight for Kelsey Blau who suffered a knee injury with 1.1 seconds left in the JV game. Kelsey went up for a lay-up and was hit which caused her to land awkwardly and twist her knee. She’ll see the doctor tomorrow for a diagnosis. Be strong Kelsey!

Girls
SK-…21 21 11 18…71
Scott-…5…5…8… 11….29

Boys
SK- 17...19...17...21...74 26-49 (53%) 7-14 (50% from 19'9") 15-20 (75%) 32 reb Scott...09...10...13...22...54 17-41 (41%) 4-12 (33%) 16-23 (70%) 15reb

Pioneers Outlast Bearcats

2012-01-07T09:57:00.000-05:00

After spending twenty-four days on the road, Simon Kenton welcomed their 32nd district foe, Walton-Verona to the friendly confines of the "Joe". It took the entire thirty-two minutes for the game to be decided and when the final horn sounded SK had escaped with a three point win, 58-55.

Three weeks ago SK traveled to Walton and plastered the Bearcats by twenty-eight points. Tonight my expectation was that coach Danny Trame would have his Cats ready to show SK that game was a fluke. My expectations were correct.

SK took the early lead but it didn't last long. The Neers struggle to make more than a few chip shots while also struggling from the line, WV took advantage of the miscues. After one quarter WV led 17-8.

The second quarter was much better for Coach Steiner's squad. An aggressive defense caused multiple turnovers that his boys converted into buckets. SK tied the game at 29, seconds later WV scored two more to take the lead at the half, 31 to 29.

The defensive pressure continued into the third quarter and with 2:18 left they were finally able to grab the lead, 34-33. Back to back three pointers (Barnes, Mullen) propelled the lead to four, 40-36.

The Neers' lead lasted until the 2:20 mark, when Zach McNeil made a hoop and was fouled. He missed the free throw and that was the last time WV had a lead, 50-49. Cody Monson drilled a three from the left wing at the 1:52 mark. Fifty seconds later Nick Ayers made a wide open lay up to push the margin to four. WV converted a three point shot to pull within one which was followed by two free throws by Ayers. The Bearcats were able to penetrate into the lane and after a made lay up trailed by one with 15 seconds on the clock. With 5.6 seconds left, Andrew Sampson found himself toeing the free throw line for a one and one attempt. Sampson, who was scoreless in the second half torched the nets on both to stretch the lead to three. WV's McNeil carved his way down the court and was able to get off a deep three which missed by inches, sealing the Pioneer victory.

Simon didn't have one of their better shooting nights but they were assassins from the line (14-18, 8-9 in the second half) while being opportunistic on the defensive end. Next up for SK is two more road games, both against their Kenton County brethren. First is a trip to Taylor Mill on January 9th followed by a Wednesday night tilt against 9th region favorite, Dixie.

WV...17...14...05...19...55

SK.....08...21...11...18...58

Lady Neers Bury Grant County After First Quarter Struggle

2012-01-07T00:03:00.000-05:00

The Lady Neers hit the road to Dry Ridge for their second meeting of the season with the Grant County Lady Braves in 32nd District action tonight. SK looked like they were stuck in 2011 out of the gate as they trailed 8-5 at end of the first quarter. The girls struggled to make any sort of shot during the quarter and looked out of synch.

Just when you started to think it might be a long night for SK, the girls went on a 23 to 2 run to take a 28-10 lead. The Neers would end up leading at the break by a score of 28 to 13. The first half was rough and haggard. The three dudes wearing black and white were also looking for 2012 as some of their calls bordered on bizarre. Not sure what they were seeing as neither side was pleased with the calls. We certainly could have used Randall in Grant County yelling that's terrible!

The Neers outscored the Braves 12 to 4 in the third in another scrappy quarter. The game got out of hand allowing Coach Stowers to clear the bench as SK went on to win 58 to 21 following a 53 to 13 run after trailing in the first quarter. Sophomore Abby Owings led SK with 19 points.

Abby Owings

2011-12-30T12:58:00.000-05:00

Here's a poster shot of Sophomore Abby Owings...

Congrats Neer Boys B-Ball!

2011-12-29T19:34:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the Pioneer Boys Basketball team for an outstanding showing in the Republic Bank Classic at Lexington Catholic this week.

*The Neers knocked off Fayette County, a ranked team from Georgia

*Lost to a very athletic Lakota West team in Game 2;

*Ended a 7 game losing streak to Scott;

*Capped the week off with a W against Louisville Central.

A great showing going 3-1 in one of the better tourneys in the Bluegrass.

Great Job Guys!

Congrats Youngeers with Great Run At Lex Cath

2011-12-24T12:28:00.001-05:00

The Lady Neers improbable run at the Republic Bank Classic at Lexington Catholic came to an end last night at the hands of Monroe County. The Youngeers simply ran out of gas as the Lady Falcons experience and size was just too much to overcome for tired SK team.

The win still meant that SK took second place in the silver division. 24 teams entered the tourney with 8 going to the gold, silver and bronze after pool play so a second place finish in the middle bracket is a huge accomplishment. To give you an idea of the competition, Louisville Assumption and Scott County were in the Bronze final.

Coach Stowers had a meeting with the parents before the tournament last weekend and said he wasn’t sure how ready his young team was for the best competition in the Commonwealth. Coach Stowers’ team answered that question with a resounding “yes” as the young kids from SK were one of the teams of discussion at the tourney with the onlookers standing around the bracket posted on the wall. SK knocked oft the two top teams out of the always tough 12th Region. SK’s youth showed up even during warm-ups as they looked like a middle school team compared to some of the other teams in the tourney. It didn’t matter once the games started as SK played with a tremendous amount of heart.

There is still a lot of room for improvement and a tough schedule ahead but they Youngeers have certainly emerged as a team to reckon with the 8th Region. Great job coaches and players!

Merry Christmas Everyone. Have a Blessed Weekend with your families and friends.

Girls getting their hardware for their runner-up silver finish.

Maverick with a flyby.

Size of tourney you ask? #45 from Monroe County was a beast on the offensive end.

Coach Stowers got about as much as he could have asked from his team.

AO getting hacked on the arm as she takes a shot trying to win the game in regulation. The refs had the whistles in their pocket for the last SK possession.

Tomlin with a good tourney going toe to toe with the other team's bigs all week.

Youngeers win again at Lex Cath!

2011-12-23T11:33:00.001-05:00

The Lady Pioneers just pulled off another upset by knocking off Lincoln County in overtime by a final score of 60 to 57. The win puts SK in the silver division finals at 6:30 tonight.

Lady Neers with Big Win at Lex Cath

2011-12-22T14:56:00.000-05:00

I just got word from Lexington Catholic from my roving reporters on the ground that the Lady Neers knocked off Casey County by a final of 47-30. The win puts the Youngneers in the semifinal bracket of the silver division. WOW! Casey County is ranked by some media outlets as a Top 15 team led by D1 Post Player Megan Pittman. The Pioneers last played Casey County in the Sweet 16 in 2009 when the Rebels snapped the Neers’ quest for a Final 4. Pittman was the player in that game that carried Casey County to the win as a Freshman.

I’ll try and get some more details and post later.

SK will play in the semifinals at 9:30 Friday morning. Come on down and support the girls!

Good Day for Lady Neers

2011-12-21T00:29:00.001-05:00

A successful day for the Lady Pioneer basketball teams.

In the Republic Bank Holiday Tourney at Lex Cath, the varsity team brought back a winner to Indy after knocking off East Carter by a final score of 55-35. The team struggled early as the tough loss they took from Dupont Manual (#1 ranked team in the state and best team I’ve seen in KY in years) last night seemed to be lingering in the girls’ game. Coach Stowers went to the bench early and often as he looked for the right combinations to shake the jitters. SK trailed much of the first half but made a run late in the second quarter to lead by 4 at the break. The team pulled away from East Carter in the second half and locked a placement in the Silver Division of the prestigious tournament. Mackenzie Hester and Hannah Stephenson led a balanced scoring attack with 9 points each. 9 Girls would get in the scoring column tonight. The Neers will play on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. at Lex Cath against TBA.

East Carter 11 6 6 12-35
Simon Kenton 8 12 14 21-55

Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic

East Carter (4-3) -- Steele 4, Gee 3, Mayo 3, Stickler 8, Pennington 5, Damron 3, Hall 5, Limings 2, Bayes 2.

Simon Kenton (4-3) -- Cox 6, Tomilin 8, Owings 8, Stephenson 9, Cook 4, Hester 9, Jones 5, Schmiade 2, Figgins 4.

The Freshman team also had a thrilling day as they brought home the top hardware in the Scott High School Freshman Holiday Tournament featuring most of the schools in Northern Kentucky. The Frosh would top Notre Dame in the semifinals as SK pulled out a 2 point win by a score of 29-27. In the finals, the girls would play Walton Verona who they recently beat in a thriller at SK. This game would not disappoint as SK wins the tournament in overtime by a final of 40-33. Congrats!

5 Years and Counting

2011-12-15T21:47:00.000-05:00

I just realized that the “SK Blog” has celebrated its 5th year anniversary this school year. I have had the opportunity to Blog over 500 SK biased posts in those 5 years covering a wide array of Pioneer and Independence related activities. There have been over 50,000 visitors to the Blog viewing 75,000 pages. During this Christmas season when we pause to thank those who have done something nice for us, I want to take today’s post to pass on some acknowledgements of my own.

I appreciate everyone who takes the time to check out my babblings and pictures. I really appreciate those who let me know when they see something they like. It really isn’t much fun to take the time to do “this” if nobody is reading. I especially appreciate the VIP readers; the service personnel stationed around the world who are able to keep up with their kid’s sports through the Blog. Your emails and comments have made me feel like what I do here is really important.

I appreciate AD Jeff Marksberry’s assistance to make sure that I get in positions to cover the Pioneer events. It certainly isn’t always easy to get into BOK Arena, Diddle Arena, Cardinal Stadium, Nippert Field, Winchester Gymnasium, etc. but Coach Marksberry always makes sure I’m there.

Although I enjoy covering all the SK sports but the neatest thing I’ve been able to do is sit under the baskets at Diddle Arena shooting pictures of my daughters playing in the KHSAA Sweet 16 Tournaments. I still don’t know how I kept my mouth shut when Lyndsay was slammed to the ground for her 5th foul in a losing effort to Casey County that could have put them in the Final 4. I also had to bite my tongue from cheering as Caitlyn played an outstanding game despite a back injury that had sidelined for the District and Regional tournaments at the end of her junior season. I’m looking forward to covering my youngest daughter Rachael during the next 4 years and hope that her experiences academically and athletically at SK are as good as her sisters.

It is hard to pick my favorite “non-family” events. The football team’s run in 2008 to the state finals was the season long event that jumps to mind immediately. Every playoff game seemed colder than the previous week’s game but 1,000’s of Neer fans from Indy continued to come out every week and outnumber the fans sitting in the opposite stands. Putting on multiple layers of clothing in the parking lot got to be hilarious at times as the Neer faithful put on enough garb that would have kept them warm in the coldest of deer hunting tree stands. Seeing the support of the community was probably the best thing about that improbable playoff run. I’ll forever remember the image of Mr. Pioneer, Randall Wagner, wrapping his arm around David Simpson and heading out to the middle of the field with the team and community to celebrate the win against Boone County. Kevin Carrico’s appearance in the last home football game was very special and a real perspective builder for us all. The little post I did that night was the most read entry post in the 5 years as local media outlets picked up the story.

A couple of things that meant a lot to me personally; first was the girls’ soccer regional win and their first appearance in a state game in 2007. I had coached the majority of those girls and I was proud of them not just because they were winners but they were great kids off the field as well. The other thing was seeing the Fieldhouse named the Cook Wagner Fieldhouse after Junior and Betty Sue Cook and Randall and Patsy Wagner. If you don’t know these folks personally, please do me a favor and introduce yourself to them this basketball season. You can find them in the top row at center court at every single home game. They define what community support means.

Finally, I also want to share a huge thanks to all of the SK coaches. I’ve posted a lot of” interesting” pictures with roasting types of captions. Every one of you has been great sports about these posts but please remember, the camera is always watching.

To all of the athletes, thank you for your efforts in and out of the classroom. Sports should not define your entire high school experience but should be a teacher of life and a positive outlet for your energies and gifts. Once you are finished with your career at SK, always remember, Once a Pioneer, Always A Pioneer. Your SK experience can help you in your future to achieve you hopes and dreams in life.

Thank you for reading!

Marc
Class of 1982

NOTE: As always, please feel free to shoot me an email with your thoughts and comments; I can be reached at figsphotos@fuse.net

SK Downs Demons Before Awesome Half-time Show and Special Jag Exhibition

2011-12-13T23:02:00.000-05:00

The boys hoops team took their turn tonight taking on Williamstown. A surprisingly good crowd for a Tuesday turned out but there were a couple of other events going on tonight. The defensive pressure was working very well tonight as SK jumped out to a whopping 27-11 first quarter lead and a 46-25 half-time lead. The Neers would end up winning by a whopping 40 points at 84-44 as13 Neers would get recorded in the book. Cody Chambers would lead SK in scoring with 17 points as the senior hit several early treys. Ryan Mullen would connect on 10 straight points on his way to 12 points.

The SK-ettes were accompanied by boy dance partners onto the floor tonight. They absolutely stole the show tonight as they each took their turn entertaining the crowd with a little solo of some sort. Freshman John Webster’s aerobatics were unreal; yet almost scary. The premise behind the dance was a fundraiser that the SK-ettes put together for Toys For Tots. Just caught a little bit about this but I think the team that raised the most votes/dollars was named Mr. Pioneer. LaShawn wins the coveted crown. A really neat deal and entertaining half-time show with a nice Christmas flair. Well done.

The boys' team will travel to Walton on Friday night for their third district match-up in a row. The girls will play South Oldham on Saturday in a matinee.

The Dog gets fouled on his way to the basket. Barnes would score 9 points. Does his facial expression ever change?

Coach Meford posing with some members of the Grant County Jaguars. The Jags put on an exhibition between the games.

Monson putting the rubs on.

John Webster with some amazing moves out on the Joe floor.

Kevin Cooper with some new wrestling stretch.

The old tie on the head trick

LaShawn gets a celabratory hug.

Lady Neers Over Demons

2011-12-12T23:55:00.002-05:00

Atmosphere; I always like making road trips in the 8th Region. You just get a sense of community. Williamstown, home of the Demons, fit that bill tonight as the Lady Neers travelled down 75 for District 32 action.

When you step into the Williamstown gym, it makes you think about how basketball was back in the 50’s. They have got the most obnoxiously good pep band maybe in the State of Kentucky, (although blowing their horns in the ears of the visitors borders on an infringement of sportsmanship) cheerleaders that cheer, students who cheer to the cheerleaders and sit behind the opponents bench heckling the players, and of course the local Mr. Williamstown himself who does a stupendous job of screamin like a demon wearing out the referees. I found myself bopping to the band’s rendition of Billy Idol’s Mony Mony, Jingle Bells and of course the blaring W-town fight song that is now engrained in my head for the next 24 hours. The band is doing a new thing now where every band members blows into their instrument as hard as they can while the director does an airhorn pulling motion to make it sound as if a train is coming through the gym; my ears are still ringing. After the game was over, one of the cheerleaders grabbed the microphone and sang the school’s anthem while the band accompanied. The band closed out the night by playing My Old Kentucky Home. Pretty neat stuff.

In the games, the hometown Demons were feisty tonight. The SK JV’ers started a little slow but cruised out to a 50-20 win. Scoring was very balanced as K-T Joooones paced the Neers with 11 points.

In varsity action, Williamstown kept pace with the Pioneers through midway in the second quarter before Cookie and Abby started the scoring barrage of drives and lay-ups. I think you could say that atmosphere thing spilled over in the game. At one point in the second quarter, the Neers were whistled for 15 fouls to Williamstown’s 2. Interesting. Coach Stowers shuffled players in and out which took a toll on the Demons. Although Williamstown put up a good fight, the Pioneers pulled away large as expected and cruised to a 69-33 winning score. 10 or 14 Neers scored as Christina Cook led the way with 18 points and Abby Owings put up 14 points which almost all came in the first half.

SK will host one of the top ranked team in the 8th Region this Saturday in the South Oldham Dragons.

Couple of more b-ball pics from WV Game

2011-12-11T22:44:00.000-05:00

Stephenson draws a tie-up.

Bam with a nice block.

Tim and Tom discussing quandry regarding split the pot.

Triple Teamed

Stephenson scored on this take.

Cookie scoops up the loose ball.

No Quit in Youngneers

2011-12-11T01:34:00.002-05:00

Walton Verona stops in the Joe for a prime time match-up with SK. First an unusually serious meeting to start tonight’s post. Let me say, what a great crowd for tonight’s games. The student section was weak but thanks to a great band, cheerleaders, dance team and lots of folks from the Indy community. There were lots of former Lady Neers in the crowd and it was a just a nice night of hoops and support for the Lady Neers.

Now the warm and fuzzies are done, to the games. The Freshman game was the most exciting contest of the night. After trailing much of the second half, the Neers would get a couple of nice buckets from Ellie Smith to draw close. However, with 10 seconds to go, the frosh would still trail by 3. That was until Kelsey Blau drained a trey from the top of the key to tie. WV would call time-out with less than 10 seconds to go at mid-court. Big mistake; the speedy Anna Cully would lay low until the inbounds pass came in. Cully broke on the ball and she was delivering a lay-up for the winning basket and final score of 37-35.

The JV game featured two teams without a loss. After a close game early, the young SK would eventually stretch a double digit lead over the veteran WV JV club and would maintain and win by a final of 42-31. Freshman Rachael Figgins would lead the Neers with a ten-spot.

The varsity team would take to the Joe floor looking for the sweep. The tone of the game was set early on as SK had trouble hitting their first basket. They played hard as Coach Stowers’ teams always to but they just seemed tight. WV would jump out to a 18-14 point lead at the end of the first frame. SK would keep it that close until about the 4 minute mark of the second quarter when they once again had trouble scoring. WV would outscore SK 16-10 in the quarter and lead 34-24 at half.

SK’s nemesis tonight was somewhat of a two headed monster. First of all, the offensive rebounding success of WV; second, third, and fourth attempts were way too frequent. The other problem for SK tonight, poor shooting, especially from bunny range. Once the Neers got a close good look, they seemed to rush and rattle missing the shots that very well could have had them closer. The third quarter would find the Bearcats once again outscoring SK 16-10. The Pioneers continued to play hard throughout the game and would outscore WV 19-13 in the fourth. Senior Hannah Stephenson would lead the Neers with her season high of 20 points. SK ends up making 18 field goals while WV scores on 23. I guarantee you that SK missed 10+ point blank chances.

WV was definitely the stronger team tonight. However, I know that the SK coaching staff learned several things about their young team. A veteran SK coach tells his players year after year, the regular season is made up of practice games, the real season starts in March. I have a feeling this same coach will have his Young Neers ready come 3/12. Their schedule is brutal but they will continue to learn and get better.

NOTE: T Jacks told me after the game that this was the first regular season W that WV has had over SK since the Neers joined the 8th Region.

AC calmly jogs back to the defensive side of the floor after showing her jets and scoring the winning basket.

Schmee off to a nice start as a Neer; CCC.

Getting some twin support tonight.

Tip

Not an ounce of quit in this baller. She played hard the entire night.

"Get on the floor!"

Take-off

Stephenson getting knocked to the floor trying to take a charge.

Another nice performance by the SK-ettes

Prayers tonight for Sara Sergent who sufferred and unknown knee injury in the frosh game.

MORE PICS TOMORROW AFTER THE UPLOAD COMPLETES

Friday Night Winter Foulies

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

SK travelled to Dry Ridge tonight for their first District 32 match-up of the season versus the Grant County Braves. SK comes out on top in the game by a final of 70-59. Tom Jackson, veteran SK scorekeeper, was the hardest working man in Grant County tonight as the Neers and Braves were whistled for an amazing 63 fouls. BRUTAL.

I’m still scratching my head a bit. There were times when the referees blew their whistles when they probably shouldn’t have but both teams pressed from the beginning of the game until the end. When you have teams pressing this much, it is going to result in a lot of natural fouls. Thinking about it, the refs probably tweeted a little too much but the game plans of the game actually contributed to the hack filled contest.

It really didn’t seem like either team really ran a whole lot of offense. Offense tonight really was more of breaking the press and then breaking to the basket; usually for a two shot foul or a three point play attempt.

Senior Cody Chambers led all scorers tonight totaling 29 points. Chambers went to the line 24 times on the evening. At one point in the fourth quarter, Chambers would score 10 straight points. As a team, SK was 32 out of 51 from the foul line while Grant County was 27 out of 37….88 foul shots! Andrew Sampson and Nick Ayers would join Chambers as double figure scorers with 16 and 11 respectively. Grant County had 4 players foul out on the night while SK had just one when Swanson took to the chair shortage bench.

The JV team would come out in a big way tonight by taking Grant County 52-28.

The girls team will host defending Regional Champion Walton-Verona at the Joe tomorrow night.

Chambers gets tagged on one of his trips to the rim.

Swanny tasting the new Jordans after picking up his fourth.

"Did you happen to see what the feature is up at the Cracker Barrel?

QB Kuntz with the last second pass attempt that went for an incompletion.

Lots of free throw line-ups tonight.

Part of the entourage looking over some stats.

Another foul

Ayers with a nice defensive play.

Varied reactions

Probably would have been better to have backed this one out but it turned into guess what? Yep, two foul shots.

Neers Back in the W Column

2011-12-06T23:10:00.000-05:00

The Pioneers returned to the friendly confines of the Joe tonight following their losing venture in Warsaw last Friday night. The opponent tonight was the Conner Cougars with an early season record of 0-2 while SK was 1-1.

The JV Neers started the game off with a win by a score of 54-30. The JV game marked the return of Jarred Bowling who rang up 12 points in the game.

In the varsity game, SK’s defense came to life tonight. The Neers were trapping as soon as Conner crossed the timeline. SK was aggressive and the referees were obliging as the Neers turned Conner turnovers into points. SK went up 11-4 right out of the gate and led the first quarter by a score of 14-8. SK actually missed some early lay-ups that could have contributed to an even more lopsided score. The Neers would go on a tear in the second stanza and outscore the Cougars 24-9 for the 38-17 lead at the break. Coach Steiner and Company didn’t keep the boys in the locker room very long as the Neers were hitting on all cylinders in the first half.

The tone of the second half was a little different as the referees called early holding calls as SK applied the defensive pressure. The deflections of the first half were called fouls in the second half which seemed to affect the whole flow of the game. SK maintained a comfortable lead but the offensive just didn’t click the same way it did in the first half. At times, the offense looked more like one on one AAU ball at times as the Cougars did make a nice little run towards the end of the third quarter. SK only outscored Conner by 2 in the third and led 57-34. Coach Steiner was able to go deep into the bench in the fourth quarter. 13 of 15 guys in TJ’s book were able to get their name in the box score as the Pioneers would go on to a W by a final of 76-49. SK was led in scoring by Andrew Sampson’s 16 points and Cody Chambers 15 points. Jared Swanson would net double figures off the bench contributing 10 points. The Neers would force 25 Conner turnovers on the night that was clearly the big reason for the SK win.

SK will travel to Dry Ridge to take on the Grant County Braves in District action on Friday night.

Tip.

The Dog scoring two on a nice drive in the first half.

Looks like Monson is about ready to punt this ball.

Chambers with a nice take in the second half.

Can't think of a caption.

Now that's a leg kick.

Nice sized student section on the half-time roller coaster ride.

Lady Neers Soak Eagles

2011-12-05T23:54:00.002-05:00

The Lady Neers loaded Ark Number 96 and headed down Banklick Creek for a match-up with cross-county rival Scott High School. A very nice crowd actually turned out tonight on such an absolutely awful evening for some early season hoops.

The JV’s hot shooting against Grant County in the opening night looked like it was left up the creek early on as the Reserve Neers struggled to put the ball in the basket on the tight Scott rims. The pace of the game was quite frantic and the Eagles seemed to wear down as SK turned the game into a lay-up match. The JV’ers end up cruising on to a sizable W by a final of 52-23. Rachael Figgins led the Neers with 17 points while Mackenzie Hester was everywhere and pitched in 15 in the opening contest.

In the varsity night-cap, the Eagles would score the first two points in the opening moments of the game for their one and only lead. SK’s defense was way more than the Eagles could handle as Scott flat out struggled to run any type of offense. The Neers would jump out to a 17-3 first quarter lead. The Eagles would not get their second field goal until just under 4 minutes of the second quarter as SK would lead at the break by a score of 33 to 11.

Coach Stowers was once again able to let all the girls get minutes in the varsity contest tonight. 13 out of 14 Neers would score as the JV girls got a good amount of the varsity minutes. SK would lead after the third quarter 51-18 and wound up winning in a score almost worthy of mention on Mo’s show by a final of 69-25. SK’s defense would hold Scott to just 7 field goals on the night.

SK was led in scoring once again by Abby Owings who netted 14 points. Christina Cook would "chip" in 13 and Hannah Stephenson would add 10.

Things get much tougher on Saturday night as the Neers host the defending Regional Champs from Walton-Verona.

Youngest Fig getting up in the gap in the JV game.

Haley Robinson with a block in the JV action.

Abby Owings digs in her heels and then goes up for a shot in the first half.

Rachel Cox draws a foul in the back.

Hannah Stephenson taking the ball to the rack in the second half.

Cookie gets planted on the court after this tag.

Hester was everywhere tonight.

Friday Night Hoops

2011-12-03T11:29:00.001-05:00

The girls’ team got their turn for opening night at the Joe tonight as the Lady Neers hosted Grant County in an early season 32nd District match-up. Despite away games for the boys teams, a nice crowd turned out to see the girls’ opener in their new Nike uniforms. (Am I the only one who hates it when they schedule this way?) Grant County returned much of the nucleus of their team and was looking for their first W against SK since the Neers joined the district.

The Freshman team rolled to a very easy W. The JV team got off to an unbelievable shooting start making 8 out of their first 9 shots from both ends of the floor and cruised out to a 35 point lead. Freshman Haley Robinson led the JV girls with 18 points.

The varsity team took to the Joe floor and actually looked a little jittery. SK turnovers and poor shooting allowed the Lady Braves to lead early and through much of the quarter. Senior Hannah Stephenson would hit a couple of big shots and score 8 points in the first quarter. SK went up 8-7 and never looked back. SK would lead at the intermission by a score of 30-20.

The pace of the game caught up with the Braves in the second half as turnovers led to layups for the Pioneers. Sophs Abby Owings and Kristina Cook made basket after basket for SK as the pair would connect for 21 and 14 respectively. SK just looked better conditioned and went out to a 30+ point lead. Coach Stowers was able to get everyone in the action as they cruise to a 64-40 win.

Overall, a nice opening night for SK. They didn’t quite play as good as they did in the scrimmage against Highlands last week but it was a good night to shed some jitters and open up the season. Not much of a break for the girls as they travel to Scott on Monday night. The young Coach Stowers team probably has the toughest schedule in the team’s history. It will be exciting to watch the year unfold.

In boys’ action, the Neers travelled to Warsaw for a regional contest against Gallatin County. SK won the match-up last year by two. What a difference a year makes. SK trailed at half-time by two but fell behind by as many as 20 and end up getting trounced by the Wildcats by a final of 74-55. Gallatin always seemed to find the open man and seemed to scrap for every single loose ball. The Neers matched up with the Cats in size but the Cats were hungrier. Senior Cody Chambers got open shots but had trouble connecting. SK returns to the Joe on Tuesday to take on Conner.

Quick Bake gets to a loose ball. The speedy soph scored 14.

Freshman Haley Robinson scores here first varsity bucket.

Abby Owings sporting the new Swoosh uniforms scoops up 2 of her 21 in the second half.

Coach Stowers will get to do a lot of coaching this year with his youthful team. The SK roster is chocked full of sophomores and freshman.

Great job by the pep band. I'm likin' the extra bass this year.

Owings was tough tonight.

JV tip went for an instantaneous basket.

Bass-keet-ball Time in the Bluegrass!

2011-11-29T22:55:00.000-05:00

It is bass-keet-ball time in the Bluegrass!...as Oscar Combs from the UK Broadcast Team would say. I love starting the Blog with these words each season as the SK hoop teams get a chance to put on their real uniforms (new Jordan ones I might add) and a chance to play someone other than their teammates.

The SK boys team would get to take center stage first this year as the 10th Region touted Harrison County Thoroughbreds would make their way north from the land of JoeB. Harrison comes into the game with a 10th Region ranking of second while the Neer boys tip off the season with an 8th Region ranking of 6th. These rankings are according to the Lexington Herald Leader.

The one thing that was apparent from the first time I saw this team this year; they are pretty small. That is compounded by the fact that Coach Steiner lost the three leading rebounders from last year’s season to graduation. What the Neer boys lack in vertical size, they seem to make up for in getting after it on the defense as the team showed a high energy trapping defense early on in the game. SK looked like they were going to blow the Thoroughbreds out early on as SK sprinted out to a 13 point lead. The Breds capitalized on baseball baseline to baseline passes for some quick hitting points and were able to get the first half lead down to single digits, 40-32 at the intermission. Cody Chambers was red hot and posted 17 first half points.

SK didn’t seem to have the same intensity in the third quarter as the Breds actually came back and tied the game. Riley Barnes would hit a couple of big 3’s down the stretch and SK would take a 52-49 lead into the final stanza. The Neers went into a pass and cut offense with about 4 minutes to go in the game; wasn’t a true stall but it was clear that they weren’t looking for their shot. They did chew up a bunch of clock and Nick Ayers was able to get a put-back to extend the Neer lead to 4 with less than a minute. Harrison would go down and get a bucket off an inbounds play to draw within a two point bucket. SK would then turn the ball over with about 28 seconds to go. The Breds would get off a three pointer at the buzzer that would draw rim but not fall. SK wins 63-61. Chambers would lead all scorers with 23 points while Monson, Sampson and Barnes would all put 9 on the board.

The girls team will get their chance to tip off for real on Friday night as they host Grant County in an early 32nd District match-up.

Coaching by numbers.

Chambers with a deep second half trey.

Swanny modeling the new capri style Jordan uni's.

Sampson with a nifty save keeping his dribble alive.

Coach reacts to an unforced TO.

Barnes drew two 5 second closely guarded balls calls against the Breds.

Good Luck Asbury U Soccer!

2011-11-27T23:58:00.001-05:00

More where are they now?

Good luck to Lyndsay and Caitlyn Figgins this week as their Asbury University Soccer Team travels to Florida for the NCCAA National Tourney. Asbury won the regular season and conference tourney and recently won the regional NCCAA in Nashville to earn the tournament berth. Safe travels and good luck!

The juniors played soccer this fall after playing on the Asbury basketball team during their freshman and sophomore seasons.

Feel free to shoot me updates on where are they now for Pioneer Alumni Athletes to pioneerssk@yahoo.com

Here’s a couple shots of them in action at a game this fall.
Cait

Lynds

Hopp...

2011-11-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

Since we are in between fall and winter sports season, I thought it would be kind of neat to cover a few former Pioneers in “where are they now?”

On a beautiful Cincinnati Saturday afternoon, I made the trip across the river to take in the Bridge Bowl between Thomas More College and Mount St Joseph in a game of football. This game was the last football game for former Pioneer Tyler Hopperton who has played for the Mount for four years. Tyler was a co-captain and starting linebacker for the Lions during his senior campaign. Hopp did not disappoint his family and friends, including his former SK coaches Burns and Fossett, who made the game today Tyler would log 15 tackles in the rivalry game against TMC, 11 of which were of the solo variety. He would also break up 4 passes and blocked an extra point. The Lions were underdogs but nearly pulled off the upset in a great game; final score 33-28.

Tyler was the Lions’ leading tackler on the team this year. Congrats Hopp on a great season and college career. I look forward to watching you wearing a headset somewhere next year!

UPDATE FROM HEARTLAND COLLEGIATE ATLETIC CONFERENCE WEBSITE: College of Mount St. Joseph linebacker Tyler Hopperton (Walton, Ky./Simon Kenton) had a Mount and personal season-high 15 tackles in the Lions’ 33-28 loss to No. 19 Thomas More and has been named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Football Player of the Week on defense.
The senior registered 11 solo tackles, four assisted tackles, four pass break-ups and a blocked extra point attempt in the contest against the nationally ranked Saints.

MSJ (6-4, 5-3 HCAC) placed second in the HCAC standings alongside Bluffton, Hanover, and Rose-Hulman.

Tyler wearing 36 as a Neer

Tyler wearing 57 as a Lion

Carr-i-Co!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-29T01:21:00.000-04:00

A cold night on tap at Meneffee Stadium as the Scott County Cardinals came north from Georgetown tonight via tour buses sporting an undefeated record at 9-0. The home team boys from SK came into tonight looking to spoil the Cards perfect season as they come into the contest with a 2-7 record. SK played hard and showed some fight but was no match for SC. Final score Scott County 41 and SK 0. That’s about all to say regarding the game.

A bad night for the Pioneer fans? Not at all; as a matter of fact for a lot of fans it was perhaps the best night of the season. Well, actually, the best 7 minutes of the season. You see, Kevin Carrico made his season debut on the field tonight late in the 4th quarter after spending the last several months of his life battling cancer. I’ve overheard him talking on the sideline this season about how tough some of his weeks were in his battle that makes football seem like a game of jacks. Not in a complaining sort of way, but just in conversation where he was just happy to be wearing his jersey and standing on the sideline with his teammates and getting through another week of treatments.

The chants of Car-i-co rang from the stands as the fans waited for a chance to see Kevin take to the field. It gave me more chills than the sub-35 degree temps over Indy tonight hearing the chants and even thinking that this rock would get a chance to play in a game of football. A nice cheer from the fans that remained came forth as Big 78 jogged onto the field and took his place on the defensive line.

A 2-8 season is miserable and a disappointment? Not at all because tonight was just plain awesome. Kevin, congrats on a great season. You were truly the winner tonight.

78 takes to the field and lines-up.

Action

Leaving the field; well done.

SK with Road Loss

2011-10-22T09:34:00.001-04:00

By JIM WALKER

Ironton Tribune Sports Editor

Ironton 28, Simon Kenton 20

IRONTON — The Ironton Fighting Tigers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 28-20 win over the Simon Kenton Pioneers on Friday.

Ironton racked up 298 total yards with 215 coming on the ground. Tyler Hager ran 14 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns and he also returned an interception 32 yards for a score just before the half to put the Fighting Tigers (5-4) up 20-13.

Trevor White had 68 yards on 14 carries and also caught three passes for 60 yards. Quarterback Tyler Kratzenberg was 4 of 5 for 81 yards.

Simon Kenton (2-7) was led by quarterback Brenen Kuntz who was 15 of 29 for 208 yards including a 78-yard scoring strike to Tyler Wilke in the second quarter that tied the game at 7-7.

However, Kuntz was just 8 of 16 for 51 yards in the second half. He ran 10 times for 54 yards and a fourth quarter touchdown. Trey Pinkelton ran 13 times for 69 yards and a score.

Ironton Fighting Tigers' defensive back Patrick Lewis (22) knocks down a pass to help preserve a 28-20 win over SK. (The Ironton Tribune / Tony Shotsky of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.com)

Lady Neer Soccer Season comes to a Cold End

2011-10-21T00:05:00.003-04:00

The Lady Pioneers soccer season came to and end tonight on an absolutely brutal night at the hands of the St. Henry Crusaders. SK had beaten the Cru earlier this year by a score of 1-0. St. Henry gets revenge on SK by drilling them by a final score of 7-0.

Conditions were not the best as the wet turf made for interesting soccer and bounces. Those bounces didn’t go the Lady Neers way and every strange possible scoring thing that could happen did.

SK finishes the season at 7-11-2 and closes the book on a very good group of seniors. Good luck to all of them!

SK O-pher in Districts for Season

2011-10-15T02:10:00.001-04:00

Wow, what a tough week for the Pioneer athletics. Seasons come to an end for the boys’ soccer team and the volleyball team, the girl's soccer team has a 5 year District championship string broken and tonight, the football team caps off an O-pher season in district play by going down to the Dixie Colonels by a final score of 35-14. I don’t understand all of permutations of the playoff system but tonight’s loss very likely means that SK will get to take on nationally ranked Louisville Trinity once the playoffs get underway.

Things looked good for SK as they got on the board first on a quick hit to Swanson on an 8 yard touchdown pass from Brenan Kuntz. Dixie would get even at 7 still in the first quarter. SK would get the go ahead touchdown after Nate Powell scored on a two yard running play. Dixie would get even before the Dance Team took the field at intermission to knot the score at 14 with just about 30 seconds to go in the half. Dixie would score three more touchdowns in the second half while the Pioneers were unable to get anything going on offense. The final score, Dixie 35 and SK 14 and the Pioneers finish with a district record of 0-4.

Although the football team went down, it was still a very special night on campus. The night started with memorial for Jennifer Fossett, the SK grad and teacher who recently passed. The family, friends, students and fellow educators gathered in the south end zone for a moment of reflection. Jennifer’s favorite scriptures were read over the public address system and a moment of silence was observed giving time for those in attendance to pray for her family. The Student Council sold memorial candles before the game where the money raised will be used for a scholarship in Jennifer’s name. At half-time, there was a balloon release that raised money for breast cancer research.

The crowd that gathered at the for the Jennifer Fossett memorial.

Nate Powell with an awesome run that was a big gainer on the first touchdown drive.

Lady Neers District Championship Streak Ends at 5

2011-10-14T00:10:00.000-04:00

The Lady Neers soccer team travelled north to Scott High School for the 18th District Final against the upstart Dixie Colonels. The Lady Neers have had some outstanding performances lately and there was little doubt that the girls had a chance to come away with their 6th straight District Title. Unfortunately, SK left their “A” game back in Independence as the girls had a tendency to want to blast the ball everywhere but to the feet of their teammates. Don't get me wrong, they played hard but just not with the level of passing that they have shown recently. It was apparent early on that it just wasn’t going to be the girls’ night as Dixie put a lot of pressure on the SK defense. Dixie would get two first half goals; the first off of an unlucky bounce and the second when the Colonel midfielder simply went to goal with some nice footwork. Dixie would add two more goals in the second half as their attackers came off some nice lateral runs on direct free kicks that ended up for scores.

The good news for the girls is their season isn’t over and they have a chance to put things back together and make a run at the regional title. There is no doubt that they have the skill and talent to win the region. The other thing that convinces me of this is the fact I could see it in the player’s faces tonight that they knew that they didn’t play their best soccer. I saw some tears and disappointment which tells me they aren’t finished. This is a great group of senior girls who will get it together before next week. They will play next Tuesday at Dixie at a time to be announced.

Freshman Abel with a slide tackle in the first half.

The Bulldog played hard as usual. I've watched this player enough to know she wasn't satisified with the game tonight.

Coach Barwell trying to rally the troops at half-time.

Lady Neers Soccer Advances to District Ship; Secures Regional Berth

2011-10-12T22:13:00.000-04:00

The Lady Pioneers soccer team took down the home team Scott Eagles in 18th District play tonight by a final score of 3-0. SK will take on Dixie tomorrow night at 6:15 at Scott in the District Championship. The win secures a bid in the 9th Region Tourney next week.

Cassidy Abel with an extra battling device on top of her knoggin.

Eagles End Neer Season at a Screeching Halt

2011-10-11T23:11:00.000-04:00

The Lady Pioneers took on the Scott Eagles in 36th District action tonight at the Joe. A win meant extending the season to regional play while a loss meant the end of the season for one of the teams. SK was coming off a victory over Scott just two weeks ago as they compiled a 18-14 winning record during the regular season and had shown some really strong potential in matches during recent weeks.

As the match started, SK looked tight while Scott had a more focused tournament business look. Scott jumped on SK early on and went out to a 18-5 first set lead. They would win the first set by a score of 25-9. SK looked better at the start of the second set but Scott pushed the GO button and ended SK’s Regional tourney hopes by cruising to a 25-16 win. SK never got on track and made a number of uncharacteristic unforced miscues on serves and kill attempts.

I’m not sure if the Pioneers weren’t focused, ready or just hungry enough. They just didn’t have the same fire that they did the first time they played the Eagles. Frankly, they probably had one of their worst outings of the season as Scott took the Neers down with little fight. Scott often rode the powerful kills of Erin Romito during the regular season. Tonight, the entire Eagle team seemed to step up their game which is a key when it comes to post-season.

The Lady Neers great season comes to an end. Best of luck to seniors Carly Caverly and Emily Damico and congrats to all the players and coaches of all three teams.

Carly Caverly with a kill attempt in the second set.

O Woes Continue

2011-10-08T00:41:00.001-04:00

It was a beautiful night for football as SK took on Boone County in an away game in 6A District Action.

Things were looking good for SK early on as Mikey Krallman blocked a Boone County punt on the Rebels’ first possession, scooped up the pig skin stumbled into the endzone for a touchdown. SK up 6-0. Boone would get on the board with an offensive TD to go up 7-6. Boone would follow special teams suit as they also blocked a punt that went back for 6. When was the last time you saw two blocked punts go for touchdowns in the same game? Boone would get another TD before the intermission to go out to a commanding 21-6 lead. SK’s defense was strong in the second half limiting the Rebels to just a field goal.

Now for the tough reality: the Pioneers have only scored one offensive touchdown in the last 14 quarters and they were completely shutout for the second week in a row. The last offensive touchdown was against Ryle and was also was set-up by another punt block by Krallman that took SK deep into Ryle territory setting up a very short field. SK scored 5 touchdowns in the opening game of the season against Casey County but have only scored 4 in the last 6 games. The Neers are just in a funk right now and just can’t seem to get out of it. On the bright side, the defense is really playing pretty well but is just out on the field logging serious minutes.

SK will entertain Dixie Heights next Friday night in the last District Game of the season. Dixie has been struggling lately as they were drilled by Campbell County tonight.

Derek Iles waiting for kick-off as the fireworks smoke takes over the SK bench.

Krallman reacts to scoring the TD after a blocked punt.

Pinkelton goes airborne for the tackle while Schneider loses his hat again.

Lady Neers Win On Senior V-ball Night

2011-10-06T00:04:00.003-04:00

The volleyball teams celebrated senior tonight by recognizing their two seniors; Emily Damico and Carly Caverly. It was the Boone County Rebels coming over for the festivities tonight and SK did exactly what they are supposed to do in front of a nice sized crowd on senior night; win. All three teams take their matches tonight in order to send Damico and Caverly out as winners.

Two things stood out tonight about the seniors. Caverly had an attitude all night of refuse to lose. She got her normal aerial acrobatics going but her defense was also a notch above tonight. In the third set, SK jumped out to a big lead but let Boone back in just a bit. Appropriately and in dramatic fashion, Damico would send a kill from the right side cross Boone’s court into a hole for match point. It was a pretty cool moment as Damico got mobbed by her teammates which then transitioned into a group hug.

This concluded the regular volleyball season and now as the Pioneers move on to District Play next week at SK. Good Luck Girls! It has been fun covering you this year.

Dunn and Murray react to Emily Damico's match winning kill.

Caverly

Damico

Caverly with one of her patented celebrations. I had this picture about 35 times tonight.

Group hug after match.

Students did a great job supporting the team this year.

Gut Check Night for Lady Neer Soccer Teams

2011-09-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

A gutsy night of soccer in Indy from all three Lady Pioneer teams tonight as the NDA Giant Pandas ventured into the southern end of the county. SK loses all three games but by a collective score of 3 goals; 3-2, 1-0 and 1-0 in the Frosh, JV and Varsity games respectively. I’ve been watching Lady Neer soccer for years but I can honestly say that I don’t recall SK losing by such a narrow margin to the Giant Pandas in three games.

The JV team lost a heartbreaker. With just 50.4 seconds left in the match Notre Dame sent a cross that bounced of Abby Thatcher after a nice dive and save. A NDA player crashed the goal, was in the right place at the right time and was able to clean-up the garbage and sending the ball into the back of the net. The home team comes up short of the tie by less than a minute. Great job JV team. I really think that you set the tone for the varsity game.

In the varsity game, the girls played harder than they have all year. Period. Girls, you went toe to toe with the 2nd ranked team in the state and lost because of a lousy PK. You played with hearts and guts all night long. I can watch a game and usually pick out a few kids that had good games; tonight, you all played hard. Notre Dame ran 6 college recruits out on the field. Sure, they may have been better soccer players, made better runs, had better foot skills etc. but SK, you played harder. When it comes to playing hard versus talent, I’ll take my chances with the guts.

With respect to the PK itself, I’m not saying it was a bad call because I didn’t see it. The part that stuck out though on that play wasn’t the foul, the encroachment by NDA or the goal; it was the fact that you went over and picked up your teammate after the goal. That’s just good stuff. Soccer is about as a team oriented sport as there is and frankly, I hadn’t seen the level of teamwork required to compete with the teams in this region. I saw it tonight and it was fun to watch.

Just an awesome job tonight. Remember what you did, how hard you played and how important your team was to you and I’ve got a good feeling about how things will go for you in the post season. Good luck.

Steele showed some fire tonight. I liked it.

Russell showed why she is a Russell tonight. She was tough as nails.

I heard a parent who I respect the other day say, "We've got to get back to playing SK soccer." To me, that means hard working and physical. I saw it tonight.

Meyer with a good enough game for the W.

4th Time Not a Charm for Neers V-ball

2011-09-28T00:53:00.000-04:00

There is an old sports cliché that it is hard to beat a good team three times. If that’s true, then it is even tougher to beat a team 4 times in a season. This was the Neers/Cooper Jaguars 4th match-up of the year and the third since Saturday. SK is unable to secure that 4th win of the season and goes down by scores of 21-25 and 22-25. The Lady Neers dug themselves in a hole in both sets and actually did a nice job of digging out and making decent games on the night. As with some of the other losses for the year, this one came down to untimely and unforced errors.

Both JV and Freshman teams were able to nail down wins tonight. The JV team looked lights out in the first set as they cruised to a 21-12 win. Cooper got even in the second by a score of 21-14. SK comes back and played a solid third set to take the match by a score of 15-10.

A scary moment in the JV match when Chloe Turner went down with an unknown neck injury. She left the gym on an Indy Life Squad Stretcher as a precaution. Please pray that everything is OK with Chloe and that she recovers from her injury.

Carson with the 14th point in the third set of JV action.

The ball next to the light got stuck; the other ball is on its way up to knock it lose. Lucky shot by me.

Sophie after getting a Cooper kill off the noggin.

Lady Pioneer Senior Night

2011-09-27T00:06:00.000-04:00

Senior night festivities took place tonight for the Lady Pioneers Soccer on a beautiful fall night. SK celebrated Aris Kuntz, Carrie Ayers, Kelsey Russell, Casey Emerson, Heather Federmann, Malorie Steele, Tiffany Landrum, Meghan Meyer and Kaitlyn Book.

The game between Conner was closely contested. Back and forth action was on tap as both teams had several good chances to score. Appropriately, SK would get the lone goal of the match with just over 6 minutes to go in the match when Senior Malorie Steele ran through the ball crashing through the keeper for the goal that trickled over the goal line. SK withstood a last minute push from Conner to preserve the shutout for the defense.

Nice job by the football team who entertained the fans in the stands.

Seniors

Spirit

Mallory Steele with the winning shot.

Pioneer Football Still Searching for O

2011-09-24T10:24:00.004-04:00

Friday night lights at SK last night found the two best teams in Northern KY 6A over the last 4 years matching up in an identity crisis game. Ryle comes in after getting waxed by two teams from the Buckeye State and without the services of their best player in Travis Elliot while SK comes in trying to sustain some offense that they found in the loss against New Cath last week.

Ryle got on the board before I even had my camera set. On the second play from scrimmage, the Ryle QB, Davis, darted over the right side and in front of the Ryle bench and took the ball to the new greenhouse. The extra point was good and Ryle had all the points they needed for the win. Ryle would score another TD on their third possession on a pass to their tight-end Ryan Smith. Smith was only touched by his teammate who almost knocked him down. Smith regained his balance and scurried off for a 14-0 first quarter lead.

Meanwhile, SK moved the balls between the 20’s but never got the ball into the red zone. The teams head to the locker room for the half-time show and a very nice job by the SK Band and Dance Team.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle as neither team scored. Once the fourth quarter set in, SK’s defense continued to play strong while the offense still failed to get on the board. Some mo would come to SK when Mikey Krallman blocked a punt that ended up deep in Ryle territory. Nate Powell would end up scoring a touchdown for the Neers only score of the game. The extra point failed but the game certainly felt winnable for SK at that point. SK decided to go for an onside kick following the touchdown that ended up only going 5 yards and out of bounds. Ryle chose to take the ball at the out of bounds spot and took it from there for another touchdown for the final score at 21-6.

Ryle showed themselves they can beat a district foe while the Neers go back to practice this week looking for some more grunt on offense. The defense for SK continues to play well and I’m sure the O will get moving before the real season comes around.

Jake Schneider was playing with an unbelievable energy level last night. My player of the game.

Nice job by the band and dance team last night. What a nice back-drop.

Lady Neer Volleyball with Tough Night at the Joe

2011-09-23T00:46:00.000-04:00

The slightly just north of SK Ryle Raiders made their way to the Joe tonight for regional volleyball action. The Pioneers were coming off wins over their arch-rivals, Scott High School, on Tuesday night. Everything seemed like a go tonight; another good crowd of fans turned out, the rowdy student section was ready to rip. Only problem was all three Pioneer teams came out flat as all three teams go down to the Raiders in two game matches.

Credit due though to Ryle as they looked sharp and more ready for the matches tonight; especially their varsity team. However, it looked to me like one of two things happened tonight. On second thought, a couple of things happened tonight. First, when you come off of a rivalry game, it is hard to get back up for the next game. The Neers didn’t bring that same energy that was on the floor Tuesday. Secondly, when you are on a roll, you can’t just step on the court and expect the roll to continue. That was especially the case with the JV team tonight.

Chalk up the night to a learning experience and one of those nights where you look at the regular season as getting ready for the real season.

Despite the fact that the girls didn’t win on the court, I still was very impressed by the SK students. It was a awesome show of support this week by packing the stands for two games in three days. Pat yourself on the back; it certainly makes for a fun night for everyone.

The varsity girls travel to Cakeville this weekend for a two-day Friday and Saturday tourney. Good Luck and may you taste the cake!

Tip of my Neer cap tonight to the students. They were ready to start rockin but things just never got going good on the floor.

Schmee with a dig in th JV match.

Rachael sneaks one by for an SK point.

Ryle was very efficient.

Girls Soccer falls to Boone

2011-09-21T22:47:00.000-04:00

I headed up to Meneffee Stadium tonight after taking in some La Rosa’s for a volleyball fund raiser. I got there slightly past 7:30 expecting the varsity game to have just started. When I got there, only 23 minutes were left in the match. Hard to believe that Boone didn’t field a JV team this year; just a freshman and varsity which is why things were so ahead of schedule. The freshman team wins by a final of 5-0. The varsity team falls by a 2-1 score, the lone goal coming from Abbey Bridges’ first goal of the season. SK’s record on the season stands at 4-6-2 although their regional record stands at 4-1-2.

Savannah Steele does battle in the second half.

Lady Neer V-ball Sweep over Eagles

2011-09-21T00:55:00.004-04:00

The Joe was the place for high school sports action as the Lady Neers hosted the Scott Eagles in a regular season district volleyball match-up. The Lady Neers put on a nice show for the home folks as SK sweeps Scott in all three matches of the trifecta. I might add that it was a good sized and raucous crowd with special props to the painted dudes who came strolling in at the end of the JV match. A very nice display of school spirit. With the realignment of the districts and region next year, this will be the last time around for the schools to meet in regular season district play.

The Freshman and JV teams got the night off to a good start by shooting down the Eagles in 2 game fashion. This was the third time this season that the JV Neers team bested Scott as they also came out on top in the Bluegrass Games and at the Cupcake Classic. This young JV bunch keeps rolling with an attitude of never getting rattled.

In varsity action, it seemed more like a district final than a regular season match. The gym was loud, the players were giving it all they had, and the coaches were not holding anything back. It was apparent early that both teams wanted to play for keeps. I had to go back in the KHSAA archives to find that SK hadn’t beaten Scott since the 2007 season. Another way of saying it, the two current seniors haven’t seen the Pioneers with a varsity victory over Scott. SK certainly didn’t overpower the Eagles but they definitely showed that it isn’t going to be a Scott dominated district this year.

SK looked a little shaky at first as maybe they were just a little too pumped up. Service failures were too common early but the aerial acrobatics of Murray and Caverly settled the Neers down. SK got the lead and started pulling away but not before Scott came roaring back at the end of the set. SK holds on and comes out on top in the first set 25-23.

The win seemed to almost surprise the Eagles but I would also say woke them up. Their hitting was more aggressive and their game definitely went up a notch in the second set. Scott comes back and takes the set by a final of 25-19 and sends the match to a third set.

SK came out relaxed in the third and took a nice lead on Scott early. SK maintained the lead and it looked almost like they were going to stretch the lead for maybe a sizable victory. Not so fast, Scott came back with a vengeance and both teams had some rallies/volleys/dives/ you name it where the action was just fast and furious. I never knew quite where to point the camera because both teams were getting after it. Good guys come out on top in the third by a final of 25-19.

Stats for the night:
Kaitlin Murray 9 kills, 2 aces, 4 digs
Saralyn Callahan 6 kills, 7 Blocks, 3 aces
Samantha Eudy 6 Kills, 2 Blocks
Sophia Dunn 16 assists, 2 aces, 6 digs
Kelsey Henderson 10 digs

A great team effort tonight by SK. Every player that took to the floor for the coaches had their big moment. The celebrating was as much fun to watch as the effort. Great job girls!

More pics tomorrow after they load to the host. Also, ALL 250 pics that I kept will be available at the following: http://www.figsphotos.com/g/holy_cross_and_scott
Murray all fired up.

Haley Robinson with a nice stuff.

...and the reaction.

Bad picture but gives you an idea of the effort.

What do you mean that wasn't in? Like the reactions in the background.

More effort as Kloeker and Henderson crash.

The landing after being up in the air about 4 feet.

Emily and Carly taking in the JV game from the top of the bleachers.

More effort...getting the picture?

Now that's pretty cool.

These just don't get old.

Effort? This actually went over the net.

Effort from the other side.

Effort in the stands; I think the people on the left look like they are encouraging the lady in the middle to throw the ball at the people on the right?

Celebration after the match win.

Picture Galleries Updated

2011-09-18T16:44:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the dealy but here are several galleries through this week. If you are interested in pictures, all orders are individually edited through Photoshop and all prints are ordered through a professional service and printed on Endura pro paper.

Football
http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_football_2011

Volleyball
http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_volleyball_2011

Girl's Soccer
http://www.figsphotos.com/g/girls_soccer_2011

Send me an email to figsphotos@fuse.net if you have an athlete you would like to have photographed at a SK sporting event.

SK Football Homecoming

2011-09-17T11:18:00.000-04:00

Homecoming activities were on tap as the Pioneers hosted the Breds from New Cath. The evening got started with an awesome tribute to Junior and Betty Sue Cook and Randall and Patsy Wagner. The new fieldhouse was dedicated in their honor. Many of their family members were able to join them on the field as the plaque that will placed be on the building was unveiled. Dr. Terri Cox-Cruey, Superintendent of Kenton County schools, presented them with game balls. I know this dedication meant a lot to the Cooks and Wagners but also a lot to the community and all of the former SK students they have supported.

The football team has been struggling in their last two games and with a highly touted foe coming into Indy, things didn’t look good for the Neers. That played out as New Cath scored a touchdown on their first possession. However, SK came out with a new look. There were some players in different positions and the energy level of the players was obviously different. SK would actually take the lead after a Nate Powell touchdown that was set-up by a long run. The two point conversion gave them an 8-7 lead. SK looked poised to take the lead after a nice run by Powell to the 10 yard line was ripped out of his grip. Powell was digging and clawing but as often happens in those situations, allowed the defense to make a play because of his extra effort. New Cath got the ball to SK’s 2 yard line on the next possession and it looked like SK might hold. A 4th and goal TD pass would be the final play of the drive as New Cath would go up 14-8. SK would draw even after a nice pass play to Jared Swanson took the ball deep into New Cath territory. Trey Pinkelton would eventually score the touchdown on the drive but a series of related extra point attempts following penalties would be blocked. New Cath got a field goal before half-time to go up 17-14 after penalties against SK helped move the ball up the field.

SK’s offense had trouble moving the ball in the second half as they were blanked on the scoreboard.

SK would get some nice punts from Smith to win some field possession. SK had New Cath backed up deep in their own territory. Heightchew, the NCC QB went back to pass in the endzone and was chased into the end zone. It sure looked like Heightchew intentionally grounded the ball for an apparent safety but there was no call. Terrible as Randall would say. The Neers lost focus on the next play and New Cath ripped off a long run that would set-up New Cath’s final score by way of TD for the night.

Although SK lost, there definitely was a turnaround in play and attitude tonight. The offense looked much better and the defense really kept New Cath in check with the exception of a couple of big plays.

Festivities before the game.

Look mom, no helmet.

Toughest dude on the field. Kevin Carrico

Powell runs through a hole big enough for a truck.

Dedication Tonight

2011-09-16T10:24:00.000-04:00

Dedication will happen on the field tonight at 6:45. Should be a great night for celebrating, homecoming and of course football.

Randall and Patsy

Betty Sue and Jr.

2011 Homecoming Parade

2011-09-15T22:41:00.000-04:00

What a great evening for the 2011 Homecoming parade. Sure, it was a little cool but it just felt like fall. It was awesome to get to see everyone paying tribute tonight to Randall and Patsy Wagner and Jr. and Betty Sue Cook. I know how much they appreciated the applause, the waves and the hometown greetings.

Driving Randall and Patsy in the parade tonight, I heard the same things over and over; "Hey, I had her for a first grade teacher"; "that guy used to me my mailman"; "those are the people always at the SK games". There were no less than 10 people that said, there’s the real homecoming queens and kings.

Randall gave me a nice history lesson about Independence as we made our way down Main Street. At one point, Randall pointed to a house and hollered to the folks on the front porch, “ I grew up there.” “That’s where one of the first school houses in Kenton County was located.” Randall and Patsy thanked folks for coming out and apologized that they forgot candy.

It was a blast to get to be a part of the parade tonight. The Wagners and Cooks were humbled and honored to be a part of the homecoming weekend. The new Fieldhouse will be dedicated in their honor before the game tomorrow so make sure you get there on time. I look forward to seeing a great crowd tomorrow night and giving the Cooks and Wagners a big ‘ol Pioneer standing O.

Thanks to Saralyn for the use of her ride and letting her mom drive and my good friend Jack for the use of his vert.

Holy Cross Wrap

2011-09-14T23:36:00.001-04:00

Latonia was the place to be tonight as the SK volleyball team travelled for a 36th District match-up with the Indians of Holy Cross. A great looking crowd showed up for the tri-match. Although it was a nice evening outside, the indoor temp in the gym must have been about 110.

The Freshman team needed three games to best the Indians in the first match of the night. In JV action, the team kept rolling along by knocking off Holy Cross in two games by scores of 21-12 and 21-19.

In varsity action, the girls seemed to bring more determination and focus than they did when they matched up with Cross two weeks ago. The girls made some phenomenal plays in winning points and jumping out to an early lead. On one particular play, a deflection was put in the air, Kelsey Henderson went crashing into the wall pad to keep the ball alive and Carly Caverly somehow sent the ball over her head backwards for the return. No pictures of this nice play available as I sat there watching the whole thing unfold. The game would stay fairly tight until Holy Cross would go on a run at the end to preserve the 25-18 win. In the second set, SK lost a little mo jo and got away from their game. They seemed to turn towards a finesse game and Holy Cross jumped out to a huge lead putting Neers in a hole. The girls would settle down and make a game of it losing by a final of 25-17. It seemed like SK would put together a string of really good plays and then miss a point they normally would make. The service errors were much better than they were in the two team’s last match. In the end, the Indians had just a little too much deuce.

Tonight, Holy Cross was better but SK is right there. A great sports philosopher once said, regular season high school games are just practice. The real season starts in a few weeks. I have a good feeling that the girls will be ready.

Taylor Barhorst has been a big reason for the recent JV success with digs like this one.

Rachael stayed with this one until SK got the point just like that obnoxious guy in the stands kept yelling.

Carson putting away the first set point in the first photo; in the second, she has a look on her face as to say, what's the big deal?

Another night with some strong serves.

Got it?

K Murray has looked strong with her jump serve this week.

Dunn and Henderson tangle trying to keep the Holy Cross return alive. The girls played hard all night.

Alright, wrong team but this girl is tough. Seems to me that 70% of HC points go through her in some way or another. Reason she was MVP of the All A Classic this past weekend.

Rachel with some strong play the past several games.

If you look really close, you can see the clipboards are attached with electronic wires that allow the coaches to communicate with each other.

Finally, I think I have a suspicion why the Indians came out on top tonight.

Our 7th Man

Their 7th Man... the microphone was quite the megaphone! I think we need that.

Girls Night Out on Campus

2011-09-13T23:42:00.002-04:00

It was a busy evening on the SK campus tonight for the girls teams as the volleyball team hosted the Holmes Bulldogs and the soccer team entertained the NewCath Breds.

Both the JV and varsity teams v-ball teams won in convincing fashion against the Bulldogs. Varsity final scores were 25-7 and 25-11. SK will travel tomorrow night to district rival Holy Cross in Latonia. Holy Cross is coming off an All A State Championship this past weekend. SK played Holy Cross in the September Slam at Scott the weekend before last and lost in two games. However, SK committed several service and unforced errors in match that definitely made things hard to overcome.

I finally got most of the pictures available on my website today. You can go to http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_vb_through_911

In soccer action at Meneffee Stadium, the varsity team fell behind 1-0 at half. New Cath would get a second goal in the first minute of the second half and a final goal with just under 10 minutes to go for the win. SK got some decent pressure on the Breds but overall could not sustain the passing necessary to beat a skilled team. New Cath wins 3-0.

A few miscellaneous shots:

JV action

Check back for more pictures; uploading to host was going extremely slow for some reason.

Cupcake Recap-Bakery Edition

2011-09-11T01:00:00.001-04:00

The three SK volleyball teams all loaded up one of Kenton County’s finest at the crack of dawn to head to the land of the Bluebirds for the JV Cupcake Classic. 12 teams participated in the event including Highlands, Scott, Boone County, Beechwood, Dayton, Tates Creek, Campbell County, Walton Verona, Holmes, Cooper and of course our Neers.

The Lady Neers were in Pool A with Dixie, Holmes, and Tates Creek. This SK squad has been up and down all year but when they are on, they can play with any team. SK came off the bus oven hot as they absolutely smoked Dixie by scores of 21-1 and 21-4. I completely missed the first game stuck in the wonderful traffic of single lane 275 but SK made it clear that they were in Ft. Thomas to take the cake for keeps. After the battering of Dixie, SK turned attention to Holmes. It wasn’t a good morning for Holmes to take on the hot Neers as SK took down the Bulldogs in an Easy Bake fashion. With SK looking strong, they turned their attention next to the Tates Creek Commodores. SK came out still looking strong and took the first set in easy fashion. Someone flipped the pilot light out and SK would lose the next two games without much of a fight to end up with the number 2 seed in the pool.

The first bracket play match was against Boone County. The Neers brought their top shelf game back and jumped out on the Rebels early and often. SK took the match in two game fashion without much pressure from Boone.

SK now moved from the refrigerator-like confines of the middle school to the warmer at the high school in order to face the host cakes in semifinal action. Highlands looked bigger than SK but the Lady Neers went toe to toe with the Birds up front. Several contested points right at the net would go SK’s way. This match was tight from the start as no team led by more than three points the entire match. SK won the first set 26-24 and the second set 21-19.

The Neers move onto the ‘ship to face their cross county rivals in the Scott Eagles. This match also was close from the start. SK won the first set by a score of 21-18 but the Eagles were not going away without trying to ice the Neers. Scott jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the second set. Scott looked confident but Hacker’s kids remained calm. She called a time-out and SK came back to tie the score at 7. Back and forth scoring and several lead changes led to a wild ride once SK went up 20-19. No less than 6 ties would go on the scoreboard until Carson delivered the winning hit for a 27-25 SK victory.

Bedlam would break out on the floor as Saralyn Callahan passed out the coveted blue iced cupcakes to the winning Neers.

Back to serious for a moment, the thing that struck me all day was player after player stepped up at key times. It was a total team effort and a lot of fun to watch. The other thing that was evident was the girls didn’t get rattled in the especially tough games against Highlands and Scott in the semis and finals. Scott was serving for game point on multiple occasions but SK kept digging and scratching and clawing. Kudos again to the entire program. Sure, it is no fun getting up pre-dawn to catch a bus but you guys obviously did a fantastic job supporting each other.

Let me say a great week of volleyball for the Pioneers! Great job coaches and players. I already can’t wait for next week.

A less serious pose.

Highlands was bigger up front but SK went right at them; here it is Megan powering for the point.

Team!

The girls remained lose through the entire day; Taylor and Sara in a light moment towards the end of the match with Scott.

Ellie with a smash.

Schmee with some tough D.

Taylor digging.

I've learned that volleyball coaches love to talk through their clipboards.

Keepin up on homework during the match.

Waiting during Boone County's warm-up

Sara Sergent was stong with the service today.

Future recruits.

Taylor with a hit from the back row.

Hannah laying out to get a touch on this ball.

Taylor getting down for a dig.

Not the best pic but it was a strong kill.

This dude can get up in the air.

More team

Chloe is usually one of the emotional cheerleaders; here she gets some serious instruction from bench.

Ellie, you just won the Cupcake Classic, Where are you going now? I'm going to Kona Ice!

Oh Yeah, JV Team Taste Sweet Cupcake Success in Highlands Tourney!

2011-09-10T22:17:00.001-04:00

The Lady Neers Volleyball team won the 12 Team Cupcake Classic at Highlands today. Congrats to the JV girls, all the coaches and the entire program for being there all day to watch the team lay out some sweet volleyball and win the coveted tray of cupcakes; oh yeah, they got a trophy too. More to follow later but here's a couple of shots.

Coach Danah Hacker and Team on the Home of the Cake steps.

Yep, you actually get cup cakes when you win the Classic.

This one's for you. Carson calmly delivers the winning tournament kill.

...and then we celebrate!

UGLY Football Win

2011-09-10T00:41:00.002-04:00

SK took on Holmes tonight in football action at Tom Ellis Field in Covington. SK comes out on top by a whopping score of 7-6. A defensive struggle for sure. Or maybe, better to call it the offensives struggled.

The Pioneers once again had trouble moving the football in the game. SK managed only one decent trip into Bulldog territory in the first half after Brennan Kuntz connected with Jared Swanson on a big pass play. The Holmes defender tracked Swanson down with some serious closing speed and kept the Pioneers off the scoreboard as the drive stalled out from there.

Neither team would see the goose egg move off the scoreboard until 9 minutes to go in the game when the Bulldogs put together a decent drive and a resulting touchdown. Fortunate for the Pioneers that the extra point was drilled into the backside of the line.

A sense of urgency started setting in for the Pioneers. They finally started moving the ball after a big gainer off a screen pass to Nate Powell got the Neers into Dog territory. A couple of nice running plays mixed in with the handoffs to Powell got SK deep into Holmes territory. On a 3rd and 2 play, Kuntz was able to hard count the Bulldogs off sides which put the ball near the goal line. Powell got his number called again and went in for the score. Tyler Smith would make the extra point good as SK saw their 7 quarter streak without a score come to an end in an opportune time.

Both teams managed a total combined yardage of only 276. Powell had 17 carries for 63 yards and Kuntz would come up with 87 passing yards on a 5 for 14 night.
t wasn’t the prettiest of games to watch for sure but I’m sure Coach Marksberry is glad for the win to push his squad to a 2-1 record.

SK makes its first appearance at home next Friday for homecoming against New Cath. The parade will be on Thursday. I’ll get more details out as they come available.

Derek Mills grabbing whatever he can to get the sack.

Alec Smith watching the action from the sideline. The senior is progressing well following his knee surgery.

Tate Huesman and J. Swanson with the nice tackle.

Swanson unable to pull this one down.

Big kick for Smith; look at the crutches signalling good on far right.

Darrin Ford gets blown up on a defensive pass interference. Unfortunately, the Neers committed a face mask penalty on the same play resulting in a replay of the down.

Jake Schneider taking the air out of the Holmes QB.

Now That's A TEAM!!!!

2011-09-09T00:46:00.004-04:00

WOW!!! What a fun time at the Joe tonight. The Mighty Fightin’ Lady Pandas from NDA came to Indy tonight with all the swagger you would expect from one of the top teams in the state and the Greater Cincinnati area. Tonight was supposed to be a snoozer. After all, NDA is undefeated on the season and had been rolling through Northern Kentucky competition like a buzz saw. The night was anything but a snoozer as somebody forgot to tell the Southern Kenton County Lady Neers they were supposed to roll over.

The Freshman team got things started and even though they lost both games showed some nice fight in the second game and tested the Pandas. Some of the laid back assertiveness went by the wayside in the second set as the girls picked it up and started putting points on the scoreboard.

The JV team came out and competed right out of the gate. Coach Hacker’s Heroes were primed and ready and weren't intimidated as one might expect. The JV’ers didn’t play particularly well in the first set but they were right there with much of the difference in the game being self inflicted points for the opposition. There never was a mode of panic or frustration and Coach Hacker’s focus was clearly on keeping the girl’s level of excitement on the positive side of the slope. As the second set started, the girls were clearly giving it all they had. Player after player stepped up and you could really see the camaraderie of the team becoming contagious and sticky. SK went out to a 12-6 lead and the panic and frustration moved to the navy and gold side of the net. The excitement of what the JV girls were doing caught on in the stands with the painted dudes and parents. The JV Lady Neers pulled off the second set win behind a total team effort. The third game was tight but the Pandas prevailed over the Pioneers. It was Whoville on the court though. NDA looked beat even though they had won but the SK girls left the court disappointed in the L but with a level of satisfaction that they played their best. To me, the SK JV bunch took away the swagger out of the air and laid down the blueprints for some fun and excitement for the evening.

The varsity girls came out and looked pumped from the onset. While I said they looked flat the other night, Coach Atwood clearly had her girls mentally ready for tonight’s contest. The Lady Neers didn’t look like the same team that just lost two sets to Conner. They went right at NDA. Sure, they sometimes ate a little Tachikara sushi but they kept going back for more and stuck their noses right back in the ring. When SK scored, they celebrated. I’m talking, jump out of the gym type celebrating. It was fun to watch the girls, team, and coaches having fun. A nice student section and decent crowd from the rest of the Indy community made it the place to be tonight.

In the end, Notre Dame was too big, strong and talented. But that’s OK; SK scored double digits in both sets and hung a 20 spot on the board. This might sound strange, but SK outplayed them.

Tonight represented a couple of ah-ha moments for me. First. I think I made a transition over to a volleyball dad. I’ve always been a soccer and b-ball dad but I felt like I made some transition tonight high fivn’ some of the other dads and cheering for #13 to the point she would have corrected me if she had been close enough. Second, ah-ha was for the program. The girls showed that they have a ton of potential when they play the game to their capability. They let the cat out of the bag about how they can play.

A moral victory you might ask? Nope, sorry, no moral victories in sports but there sure isn’t a lot wrong with losing when you have fun, compete and get after it. I’m not sure how the team felt but I kind of walked out of the gym feeling like the girls had won the matches. The matches tonight reinforced for me what high school sports should be all about. If you were there, you were proud of your daughters, neighbors, and school. Congrats Lady Neers for playing with Pioneer Pride.

JV ACTION

Hannah with some really nice play.

Fig with the Kill and game point.

So go ahead and celebrate!

Taylor B

Tonight; teammates celebrated as much as the player making the play.

Woo-hoo!

Smith had to go back, back, back to claim this one.

Meanwhile, her serves were key again tonight.

Carson getting ready.

Look like sisters? Nope, first cous.

VARSITY ACTION

Murray up and away. Nice night with 3 kills and 2 Aces.

Nobody gets more pumped than this senior! Caverly with 5 kills on the night.

Nice play by Robinson.

Kelsey got tagged like a punching bag tonight but she never did back away. She logged 8 digs for the night.

Eudy talking it through.

Eudy with one of her 5 kills on the night.

Dunner trying to outjump Caverly.

Not so sure she did.

Sophie with 12 assists on the night.

Looking a bit happier than Tuesday.

Certainly doesn't look like a group on the downside of the scoreboard.

Murray giving out instructions.

Saralyn and Sam whooping it up.

Finally, fill in the funny caption; I had several.

Lady Pioneers Flat at Conner

2011-09-06T23:12:00.002-04:00

The Lady Pioneers volleyball team headed to Hebron tonight for a JV/Varsity match-up with the Conner Cougars. The varsity team came off a two set win against Conner on Saturday in the September Slam at Scott by scores of 25-19 and 25-19.

The JV team came out of the shoot pretty strong and it looked like they were going roll. Conner buckled down and came back to take the win in the first game. SK got even in the second JV set to send the match to a third game. SK fell behind early but Freshman Ellie Smith caught on fire with her serves to win the final 7 points for the match win.

The varsity team had to feel pretty good about the prospects for the W tonight. However, it became apparent early on that they didn’t bring their A game tonight as they never could sustain a run to get over the hump. Junior Samantha Eudy got on a service roll at the end of the first set to pull the Pioneer within 1 at 24-23. SK was unable to get the crucial point and they lost by a final score of 25-23. SK would take an early lead in the second set and would actually lead for the majority of the match. Conner got some momentum going towards the end of the set and pulled off the dupe and took the Neers 25-23.

I’m not sure what it was tonight but neither team really had it together; who knows; too many dogs and burgers on Labor Day or just the case of the Mondays on Tuesday. The girls have little time to get it together as Notre Dame rolls into the Joe on Thursday.

Kaitlin Murray gets up for a first set kill as her teammates look on.

Schneider and Callahan up for a block in the second set.

Caverly getting way above the post.

Ellie Smith with a nice run of serves including several aces.

SK with Tough Match versus Lloyd

2011-09-02T00:42:00.003-04:00

The Lloyd Juggernauts made their way to Independence for a toasty night of v-ball action. Thank goodness for the AC in the Joe tonight.

The JV team got the momentum going early and had 2 fairly easy set wins to take the match.

In varsity action, Lloyd came in riding a 4 game losing streak while the Pioneers have been hitting some early season stride that started at the Bluegrass Invitation Tourney.

Things were looking good for SK early on but Lloyd caught some strong service action that pulled them ahead at 11-10. Lloyd would eventually stretch the lead to 16-12. SK would make a game of it but lost the mo’ at the end and went down to defeat at 21-25.

The Pioneers took control of the second set early on but Lloyd did not buckle. Things would tighten up mid-way through the set but SK went on a nice run at the end of the set to take the win 25-17. The second set win gave the Neers some nice rhythm that they parlayed to the third and deciding game.

The Neers struggled early in the third set but took over after trailing 4-2, went on cruise control and ultimately won the set by a final of 25-15. The entire match was played with peaks and valleys for both teams but SK got things going when it mattered.

Som key stats for tonight's match:
Senior Carly Caverly 5 kills, 8 digs and 3 aces
Junior Samantha Eudy 5 kills, 5 digs and 5 aces
Freshman Haley Robinson 4 kills, 1 block and 1 ace
Sophomore Kaitlin Murray 4 kills and 1 block
Sophomore Sophia Dunn 11 assists and 3 aces
Junior Nicole Kloeker 5 assists, 4 digs, and 2 aces

The varsity team plays this weekend in the Super Slam at Scott High School at 9, 11, 1 and 3 on Saturday. Good luck girls.

Getting ready to Go.

A couple shots of the V-ball Seniors
Emily Damico

Carley Caverly

Being new to volleyball, I’m still getting used to the celebration deal. Here’s a celebration compilation from tonight’s match.
After the win:

Getting on a role in the third game.

Haley all smiles after a big hit.

Good job Murray.

WooHoo

Eudy after a nice run of serves.

Oh yeah, the facial expression is priceless.

Double fist pump.

Kelsey with a cheer in the foreground and a single fist pump in the background.

Dunner with a little song and dance

Back to the action.

Nice block here by SK front line.

Haley Robinson with a monster smash here.

Nicole Kloeker with a set.

Take a left at the light and go about two miles.

Eudy with a hit off the net.

That girl can get up.

Rachel with some key plays

Lady Neer V-ball Back in Action

2011-08-30T23:44:00.001-04:00

The Pioneer volleyball team got back to the court tonight after taking a week off from tri-match action. The Pendleton Lady Cats made the track north for the home team’s match-up. SK hadn’t had a tri-match since they faced Highlands on August 18th after all three teams participated in tourneys in Lexington over the course of the last two weekends. SK comes out in a sweep of all three matches.

The Lady Cats were probably overmatched for SK tonight. The Freshman and JV matches got over in fairly quick fashion as my shift in the concession stand peddling pizza, dogs and Frito bags laced with taco meat during the Freshman match was abbreviated by the quick nature of the match.

The varsity team looked as if they were going to follow suit as they jumped out to a sizable lead behind the consistent serving of Saralyn Callahan as SK jumped out to a 10-2 lead. However, The Cats put a string of points together in the latter stages of the set but still fell to a 25-13 defeat in the first game. In the second set, SK once again caught fire early on in the match and it looked like we were headed to the Indy Restaurant District early. The Lady Cats finally grabbed some momentum and actually took a 15-14 lead. The Lady Cats were playing hard and giving it everything they had. Coach Atwood maintained a tight grip on her clipboard and didn’t call timeout. (I’m new to volleyball but I can tell you that if this were basketball, the clipboard would have ended up on the floor somewhere with a loud thud.) Anyway, she let the girls solve things on the floor and the Neers finally got their act together and finished the match pulling away by a final score of 25-18.

Stats for the match:
Freshman Haley Robinson had 5 kills
Sophomore Kaitlin Murray had 4 kills
Junior Samantha Eudy had 4 kills
Junior Saralyn Callahan had 2 Blocks and 4 aces
Sophomore Sophie Dunn had 10 assists and 6 aces

My compliments to the Pendleton County team. While it seemed to me that SK was the better team(s) tonight, I was really impressed with the Lady Cats program. I reluctantly admit, I was sitting in the stands after the SK's JV 21-4 trouncing and thinking, wow, this must be a little tough for the players and parents to come up here and lose in pretty solid fashion. A slap of reality hit me upside the head later and I recognized that those kids were proud to be a part of a team representing their school and their community. After all, if everyone wanted to play on the championship team, there would technically only be one team to play for and after all, every kid can’t play for the Trinity football team or the Assumption volleyball team. I'm always amazed by those who send their kids to schools primarily to be on strong athletic teams so that they have a chance to win a championship or have a better chance to get noticed by college scouts. Give me a break.

Anyway, Nice job Lady Cats. There will be an SK team on the same side of the scoreboard this season as the Lady Cats were tonight. I hope they carry themselves in the same manner. OK, enough warm and fuzzy. I’m out.

Carson with some really nice serves in the JV match.

Nice dig by Kelsey Henderson.

Carly Caverly with a nice jump serve in the second set.

Study hall.

Freeze frame of Murray and Eudy

Kaitlin Murray with a first half kill.

Fill in your own caption; I don't have one.

Coach Atwood watches as the Lady Cats take the lead in the second set.

New Lady Neers Take Cru

2011-08-29T23:33:00.001-04:00

The SK Lady Pioneers soccer team broke a losing streak on Monday night to the St. Henry Lady Crusaders that dated back to the fall of 2007. The Crusaders are coming off a season when they won the state championship while the Lady Pioneers are coming off of a couple of games that they should have frankly won.

I got to the field at with just over 20 minutes to go in the game when I heard the call of GOAL for SK. I passed through the gate, looked up at the scoreboard and saw that it was the only goal of the game. That goal was scored by Aris Kuntz from an assist from Christina Cook.

What I saw on the field was amazing. The SK team didn’t look like the same team of the last few games. That’s definitely an overused sports phrase but I was amazed. The girls challenged every possession, worked the ball and played solid soccer for the win. They did get outshot for the game but Natalie Meyer kept the Crusaders off the scoreboard. They put the entire package together and let the cat out of the bag about how good they can play. Keep it up!

Kassidy Abel wins the ball but gets the infraction call.

Christina Cook got some good pressure on St. Henry and shows that she may be one of the fastest soccer players in Northern KY.

Check out the bench. This was shot with under a minute to go.

Prayers for the Fossett Family

2011-08-28T21:28:00.001-04:00

My thoughts and prayers for Coach Chris Fossett an his family in the passing of his wife Jennifer after a long illness. Everyone I talked to this weekend went on and on about what a fighter she was. Please join me in prayers for Chris, their family, friends and SK family.

I had some posts for the football game Friday and the girls volleyball tourneys on Saturday but it just didn't seem real important now.

Lady Pioneers Soccer Squanders Opportunities against HC

2011-08-24T22:55:00.001-04:00

The Lady Pioneers soccer team travelled to Rosedale tonight for an early evening match with the Holy Cross Indians. A warm night was on tap for the match with game time temperatures in the low 90’s.

The Indians would get on the board first after an infraction was called against the Pioneers in the penalty area. The ensuing penalty kick would give the Indians the first score of the night. The goal would hold up for the half-time margin for Holy Cross.

The referees stopped the match mid-way through each half in order to allow the players to take a water break.

SK came out in the second half and was getting some solid pressure on the Indians. Holy Cross would get what ended up to be the deciding goal of the match early in the second half. SK had the ball in their offensive third of the field but as happens so many times, the ball pops out, the other team runs onto it and they are off to the races. This gave HC the 2-0 lead.

SK did not give up as they continued with lots of pressure and shots. The Lady Neers would get a goal late in the second half as a cross played off the goal line by Aris Kuntz found the foot of Christina Cook for a half volley score. The goal energized SK for the rest of the half but the Indian defense was strong enough to preserve the victory.

The girls in blue outshot the Indians by a final tally of 27-7 However, it just always seemed like the team was either one pass short or a shot too early or late to finish for the score. Soccer is about capitalizing on opportunities; HC capitalized while SK didn’t. Additionally, the Neers set plays and direct kicks lacked the organization and failed to present solid scoring chances. The one goal the Pioneers did come away with was perfectly executed; the girls just lacked that extra bit of execution that could have led to the needed goals and the W.

The Lady Pioneers will travel to Cooper on Saturday night for a match with the Jaguars.

Aris Kuntz in a tussle with Holy Cross defender Kelly Kreutzjans in the first half.

Coach Barwell trying to rally the troops at half-time.

L.Landrum sends a ball to the goal with the keeper out; a defender would send the ball out for a SK corner kick.

T. Landrum with some nice energy in the second half.

This cross found Christina Cook for the SK score.

Lady Pioneers Take Silver Division at Bluegrass Invitational V-ball Tourney

2011-08-21T18:19:00.002-04:00

The Pioneers persevered through a tough opening day of matches losing against Lafayette (13-25); (13 – 24), and Loan Oak (23-25); (20-25); however, they finally hit their stride and won against Woodford County in three games (25-19); (21-25); (15-12).

The Lady Neers held their steady pace of play on day two going undefeated against South Laurel (25-16); (25-14) and Allen Central (25-22); (25-22) with Sophie Dunn winning the game point by tricking the other team with a set over net. The Neers beat Ashland (25-22); (25-16) with Haley Robinson hitting an ace to win the game point.

Silver Tournament Play was against Cooper High School. SK and Cooper were both first in their pool plays. In the first game Coach Atwood got her girls fired up when she got a yellow card for disputing a bad call. SK ended up winning the Silver trophy by beating Cooper (25-20) and (25-21). The trophy was a nice present for our girls celebrating birthdays – Nicole Kloeker, Carly Caverly and Samantha Duncan.

SK ended up 5-2 for the weekend and moves their season record to 7-3.

Stat Leaders for the weekend included the following:

Junior Saralyn Callahan had 21 kills, 15 blocks and 6 aces

Sophomore Kaitlin Murray had 37 Kills and 15 digs

Senior Carly Caverly had 22 kills, and 15 digs

Junior Samantha Eudy had 19 kills and 13 digs

Sophomore Sophia Dunn had 101 assists and 5 aces.

Junior Libero Kelsey Henderson had 56 digs.

Congrats girls!

Pioneer Football Opens Season with a Win

2011-08-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

The Pioneer football team headed to Lincoln County High School to take on the Casey County Rebels in the Death Valley Bowl. Casey County is a 3A school that dresses only 32 players on the roster; 7 of which play both offense and defense. Have to admit, Casey County leaves a bad taste in my mouth; it was their girls basketball team that kept SK from making the semifinals of the Sweet 16 in 2009. I know, different sport ancient history.

Back to football, on paper, it looked like SK had a good chance for a season opening win. Unfortunately for SK, Alex Bolin would get the Rebels on the board first with a 79 yard run for the touchdown. The extra point was good.

SK would get good field position after Trey Pinkleton took the ball to midfield. SK sophomore quarterback Brennan Kuntz would get SK on the scoreboard with a 6 yard touch down. The extra point attempt failed.

Kuntz would direct the Pioneer offense to a lead with a 31 yard toss to Jared Swanson. The two point conversion would be good as SK would take 14-7 lead into half-time.

Half-time notes: The downside for SK at half-time was the offense from Alex Bolin who racked up over 100 yards of rushing the first half. Kuntz started off 3-3 but went 1-6 for his next 7 attempts. Nate Powell had 3 first half carries for 29 yards. The Neers moved the ball pretty well but had some penalties that stalled a couple of drives off. SK got some decent punts from Tyler Smith who helped win the field position game for SK.

On the opening drive of the second half, SK got a nice return for some strong field position. Unfortunately on the first play from scrimmage, Nate Powell got popped after reaching the first down yard marker and coughed up the pig. Worst than the fumble was the fact that Powell was banged up on the play after just returning to regular action this week. Powell would return but you hate seeing him get banged up again after just returning to the field this eek. The Rebels best starting field position of the game was short lived as SK recovered a fumble on the Casey County 46. The Pioneers would stretch their lead to 21-7 after a Trey Pinkleton touchdown of 5 yards with just under 8 minutes to go in the third quarter. After Casey County started moving the ball late in the third, they would turn the ball over on a botched handoff. Prosperity would be short lived as Kuntz would throw his first interception of the season on the first play after the turnover. SK would extend their lead after another Kuntz to Swanson connection of 21 yards. The extra point would fail once again and SK leads 27-7. Casey would turn the ball over on a fumble with 6:46 left in the game for their third turnover of the half. SK would keep the ball on the ground as Casey County had burned all of their timeouts. After failing to move the ball, a high snap would travel into the endzone for a Casey County safety. The Rebels would make their 4th miscue of the half as they gave away the free kick after the safety. Nate Powell would finish off the Rebels with a 13 yard touchdown with under two minutes to go. The extra point would be good this time as SK extends the lead to 34-9. Unbelievably, Casey County would fumble the ball the fifth time of the half with under 30 seconds to go. Kuntz came out to run one play by taking a knee as the final horn sounded.

While certainly not a pretty game, it was a nice way to start the season for a young team with so many new personnel in key positions. SK will need to get some things cleaned up as they take on state “A” power in Beechwood next week in the Crosstown Showdown next Friday night at Dixie Heights.

Lady Pioneers Turn the Heat up on Birds

2011-08-19T00:27:00.003-04:00

The Lady Pioneers Volleyball team travelled to the sauna-like confines of Ft. Thomas Highlands gym for a tri-match with the Bluebirds on Thursday night. Highlands is in the process of being renovated and the air conditioning wasn’t working tonight in the gym.

The Lady Neers lose the Freshman match but come back to take the JV and Varsity matches. The Varsity team moves out to an early season record of 2-1.

In varsity action, the girls seemed to not be bothered by the heat. Their high level of energy was apparent right out of the shoot as they jumped on Highlands early and often thanks to some strong outside hitting Caverly (5 kills), Eudy (6 kills) and Murray (5 kills). Once the strong hitting set the tone for the match, Sophie Dunn stepped up and reeled several strong serves off as SK jumped out to a 22-10 lead. The Birds would catch some positive air and cut into the SK lead. Coach Atwood called a timeout to settle the troops and the team finished the set for a 25-16 win. The momentum captured by Highlands late in the first set was able to continue early on in the second set. SK lost some of the bounce in their step and fell behind by a score of 14-7. However, the girls regrouped behind the service of Dunn once again and continued to chip into the Bird lead. With SK down 18-14, Coach Atwood turned to the service over to Rachel Schneider who cut even more into the lead. SK would find their first lead of the set at 21-20 and finished off the Birds for a 25-22 victory. Dunner would finish a strong match with 13 assists and 6 aces while Libero Kelsey Henderson would finish the match with 9 digs.

In JV action, the SK girls had to go to three sets in order to take down the Birds. They won the match by taking Highlands by 21-17 and then put the hammer down in the deciding set by a 15-6 score. Although the Frosh team didn’t come away with the win, they also took Highlands to 3 very closely contested sets before succumbing to some bad luck in the deciding set after several leads.

The varsity team will travel to Lexington this weekend to compete in the Bluegrass Invitational Tournament. Good luck!

The way it is drawn up
Set

Hit

Celebrate

Eudy with a first set kill.

Let's GO!

Robinson successfully tips; hey, what's the girl on top of the bleachers doing?

Going on point.

Fig with a block in the third JV set.

Carson with a flier in JV action.

Maggie Mac with a nice hit in the Frosh game.

Lady Neers with a Sister Kisser at Ryle

2011-08-18T00:14:00.000-04:00

The Lady Neers travelled due west to Union tonight for an early season match with regional rival, Ryle. Some of SK’s best games that have occurred over the last several years happened in match-ups with Ryle.

The varsity team ends up playing to a 0-0 tie in a toughly contested game. Sophomore goalkeeper Natalie Meyer posted the shutout for the Neers by stopping 19 Ryle shots on goal.

SK played much of the first half on their defensive third of the field. Ryle got several shots off but none would get by Meyer. Perhaps the biggest play of the first half occurred when Meghan Meyer was able to clear a ball out of the box that looked like it was going to cross the goal line.

The Lady Pioneers came out in the second half with some increased intensity and got some good pressure on Ryle early on. Each team would take their turns of nice runs and opportunities but breaking the scoring column was just not meant to be.

The Freshman and JV teams failed to get in the win column during their matches tonight.

Each time I go to Ryle to watch a soccer game, I am reminded of a rainy night back in 2007; one of the best efforts I can ever remember by a SK sports team. I thought that going back in the SK Blog Archives might be interesting. Click the Link and Enjoy. http://skpioneers.blogspot.com/2007/09/now-that-was-team-in-union-tonight.html

Ironwoman Carrie Ayers gets jumped on by a Ryle player.

Malorie Steele points to where she wants a teammate.

Original Bulldog with some very key plays down the stretch.

Has anyone seen my other shoe?

Lady Pioneers V-ball Sweep Dixie on Back to School Eve

2011-08-16T23:40:00.000-04:00

The Lady Pioneers Volleyball team hosted cross-county rival Dixie Heights on “Back to School Eve” in the first home match of the season. The SK girls sweep the tri-match by taking all sets of the matches.

In JV action, the girls took the first set 21-13. The team seemed to lose some momentum in the second set and had to come from behind to win 23-21 in a much more competitive contest.

The varsity match looked much like the JV match with the SK coming out in a fairly easy fashion with a 25-18 win. However, the team let down their guard in the second set and fell behind 14-7. Coach Atwood called a time out at that point. Whatever she did worked as the Lady Neers went on a 9-1 run to take a 16-15 lead behind some key serves from Rachel Schneider and a momentum building block from the SK front-line. SK would keep the momentum going for the 25-16 win.

The team travels to Ft Thomas for a Tri-Match with Highlands on Thursday.

Kelsey Schmiade with some nice plays down the stretch of the JV match.

Ellie Smith with some nice service aces in the first set of the JV match.

Coach Danah celebrates her first SK W.

A key block here during the SK comeback.

A nice run of serves.

The youngest Dunner with a set.

Lady Pioneers with Blast against Blue Lightning

2011-08-16T00:04:00.000-04:00

A beautiful night on tap as the Lady Pioneer Soccer team opened their regular season tonight at Meneffee Stadium versus the Villa Blue Lightning. Although a much smaller school, the Lightning has posed a tough out for SK during the last several years. Tonight was an exception as the JV and Varsity teams rolled to comfortable victories.

In the varsity match, SK was led by Aris Kuntz with the hat trick. Kaitlyn Book, Savannah Steele and Emily Griffith also netted opening night scores for the Pioneers. Courtney Fulmer posted an assist. Natalie Meyer and Maggie Watkins combined for the shutout between the posts.

The JV team came out on top winning 7-0. Multiple goals were credited to Jasmine Cahill with 3 Mallory Valentine with 2 goals. Courtney Fulmer and Destiny Crawford also scored for SK. Abby Thatcher and Brianna Fischer combined for the shutout in the JV contest.

Great way to open the season and good luck to all of the players and coaches.

SK Volleyball with Season Opening L's

2011-08-13T01:39:00.001-04:00

The Lady Pioneers travelled across the Licking River to take on neighboring county foe Campbell County in the opening regular season tri-match. Unfortunately for SK, the Pioneers were swept in all three matches by the home team Camels. The Freshman team was the only group that was even able to pull off a set win as the JV and Varsity teams lost both sets of their matches.

The JV team struggled to gain any momentum out of the gate as they gave up a point due to a technical miscue. The team posed little threat to the Camels in the first game. In the second game, the Pioneers did gain some traction and were serving for the win but the Camels came back to win the final set and match on cap points.

The varsity team ran into a buzz saw in the form of #4 Kennedy Berkley of Campbell County. The Camel outside hitter played a phenomenal match and almost single handedly took down the Lady Pioneers. I’m certainly no v-ball expert but the #4 Camel must have been involved in some fashion in 70% of the Camels points. SK actually led in the second set by a score of 13-12 but the Camels went on a roll behind Berkley’s serving to win by a final of 25-14.

Carly Caverly with a nice hit.

Saralyn Callahan with a tip.

Rachael Figgins with a play in the JV game.

We're Back

2011-08-03T11:25:00.002-04:00

Looking forward to covering the Back to School Sports.

Please feel free to give a shout if you are interested in covering any sports!

Pioneers Fall to Cougars

2010-12-07T23:56:00.003-05:00

The Conner Cougars hosted SK tonight and when the clock struck triple zeros the Pioneers were on the short end, losing 60-42.

SK led early 4-2 after two DJ Rabe buckets but the lead would be short lived, SK trailed by three after the first quarter 15-12. The combo of Rabe and Doss in the paint along with sophomore Nick Ayers paced the Pioneers in the first half combining for twenty-one of the Neers' twenty-two first half points. At the half, Conner had stretched the lead to 28-22. Most of the first half was played without the services of senior, Nick Gray, as he hit the bench early with two fouls. At one point in the third quarter Conner had an eight point lead for what seemed to be five or six possessions and SK just couldn't seem to make a run while the Cougars struggled. Conner proceeded to nail a three at the end of the third to take an eleven point lead, 42-31, then opened the fourth with a massive dunk from 6'7" Tyler Hodges to push the lead to thirteen essentially putting the nail in the SK coffin. Sophomore Nick Ayers stood out tonight, pacing the Neers with 14 points, many of those on aggressive drives to the hoop. Rabe finished with ten while Jr Doss totaled eight.

Simon opens district play this Friday against the Braves of Grant County, at home in the friendly confines of "The Joe". SK should have the services of Jr guard Cody Chambers which should be a huge addition.

Simon Kenton...12...10...09...11...42
Conner.........15...13...14...18...60

Unofficial Scoring

Ayers 14
Rabe 10
Doss 8
Gray 5
Mullen 3
Barnes 2

Baskeeett Ball Time in the Commonwealth

2010-12-04T00:20:00.002-05:00

The girls and boys teams took to the hardwood tonight in 8th region match-ups with the girls travelling to District 32 foe Grant County while the boys hosted Gallatin County at the Joe.

The Pioneer boys looked good coming out of the gate tonight as they jumped out to a first quarter lead of 20-10. SK would get saddled with foul trouble which allowed Gallatin to creep back in the game. The Wildcats would pull to within one at 28-27 in the second quarter. SK would finish with a flurry after Matt Reilly hit a three point buzzer beater to go up 34-29 at the intermission. The Neers had a huge advantage over Gallatin in the size department but the foul trouble kept SK from taking much of a lead.

SK would slowly pull away from the Wildcats during the course of the second half as the Pioneer depth took a toll on Gallatin. You have to give the Wildcats credit though as the scrappy bunch never gave up.

Senior Matt Reilly was dialed in from three point range as the guard dropped in 7 treys for 21 points to lead all scorers. JR Doss, DJ Rabe 13 and Andrew Sampson pitched in 13 each for the Pioneers.

JR Doss goes up for two. JR was rattled by foul trouble much of the game.

SK coaching staff giving the looks.

Nick Gray with a lay-up and score.

Reilly knocks down one of his 7 treys.

Shots from Last Night...

2010-11-13T22:39:00.009-05:00

A thriller for sure in Lexington last night. A great turnout by the Pioneer faithful. Thanks a ton to Jamie Stark for his articles here this football season. The details he supplies the SK supporters is awesome.

Celebration after the defense stopped the Devils on the two point conversion attempt.

Coach Mac watching the last Clay drive.

Ryan Winkler pulls in perhaps the biggest catch of his high school career on third and long from deep in SK territory. Winkler would finally pull in the ball for a first down.

Miller from HC was a real warrior on Friday. He took hit after hit and was pressured all night. He dove for a first down here.

SK recovers the onside/squibb kick. A strange one because Herald drilled the ball off of the Clay player and the ball richocheted several yards away.

Nice turnout by the SK crowd...which was bigger than the HC sideleine IMO.

DJ Rabe hauls in a TD.

Deters unloads on Miller

Rabe and the entire special teams group made several key plays.

Lawrence with a good choice of throwing the ball away.

Celebration after a Clay 3 and out.

Jake Schneider pressuring the QB.

The D was simply awesome. This type of pursuit was common all night.

Welte eyeing the first down marker. He got the first down plus 15 more with the late hit out of bounds.

Defense Shines In Second Round Victory

2010-11-13T06:15:00.000-05:00

Eight weeks ago SK traveled to Henry Clay and came away with a thrilling victory. Tonight's game had a bit more significance but a very similiar outcome, this time SK survived a late HC rally, winning 21-19.

On Simon's first drive they moved deep into Devils territory but on a fourth down passing play Chad Lawrence was picked off and the Devils returned the interception to the SK eithteen. The SK defense, with their backs against a wall held strong turning the Devils over on downs.

After trading punts, HC took control of field possession, starting their first scoring drive on the Neers' thirty-six. It took three plays for them to reach paydirt, scoring on a 20yd TD pass with 10:34 left in the 2nd. HC 7; SK 0

The offense failed to gain a first down but DJ Rabe pinned the Devils at their own one after booming a sixty yard punt. The SK defense then forced a Clay punt from their own end zone, and SK was back in business at the Clay forty. Lawrence then rushed twice totaling 16 yards, then the Sr signal caller hooked up with Zach Carroll for a 24 yard score with 4:07 left in the half. The score was tied at seven.

Again the "D" held and Clay had to punt once again, and just like the last drive the Neers didn't miss a beat. Starting at their own 36 yard line they came out throwing. Lawrence hit Winkler for thirty-six, then Wetter ran for 11 yards. On the next play Lawrence hit Rabe for a 22 yard TD, SK took a 14-7 lead, the half ended with that same score.

The 2nd half opened with a squib kick that was recovered by SK at the Clay 38. This time the drive took five plays, on the fifth play Matt Reilly caught a five yard score from Lawrence, the lead was now fourteen.

HC didn't flinch, moving the ball seventy-two yards on fourteen plays. QB Vinny Miller ran it in from the 17 but the extra point failed, and that would end up being a huge miss. 4:40 left in the third, SK 21; HC 13

Clay intercepted a Lawrence pass late in the third but sophomore Jared Swanson answered with a pick of his own near the goal line, another defensive stop. Things started to get real interesting when SK fielded a Clay punt at the 4:56 mark. At this point HC had one timeout left so it appeared SK had a chance to win the game with no suspense but we weren't that fortunate. SK drove the ball 32 yards but faced a 4th and one. Lawrence handed off to Austin Baldwin but #36 was stopped short of moving the chains, Clay had the ball on their own 28. The Devils pushed the ball to midfield and after a pass interference call on the Neers the ball was marked at the SK thirty-eight. Vinny Miller then went untouched for the score but some yellow laundry was tossed, this time the Devils were called for holding. With the ball at the HC 49 yard line, Miller ran for four yards and HC called their last timeout. Miller then hit Blake Green for forty-nine yards, suddenly it was first and goal at the two. Miller took the next snap into the end zone, setting up the play of the game. Due to the previous mentioned missed extra point they were forced to go for the duece. Parker Deters dropped Miller short of the goal but the clock still showed ten seconds remaining.

The Devils had one more chance with the on-side kick but the ball went out of bounds preserving the Pioneer victory. When the final stats were announced, it was obvious the defense played well. They were able to hold the Devils to a season low 217 yards while holding the explosive HC offense (40ppg average) twenty-one points under their average. With the win SK advance to their third straight region final, their opponent, the Ryle Raiders. The game will be in Union on Friday night, and make sure you get there early since this will be the game of the week in Northern Kentucky and one of the premier matchups in the state.

SK Bucklles, Survives and Advances

2010-11-06T02:29:00.001-04:00

The Pioneers opened the 2010 playoffs against the Tates Creek Commodores, and it took an entire team effort to seal the 23-13 victory

SK was able to get on the board at the 5:18 mark of quarter one. The Neers marched sixty-three yards and ended with Chad Lawrence hooking up with Ryan Winkler for the 36 yard score. SK7; TC0

With 10:45 left in the half Tates Creek finished off a 53 yard drive, scoring on a pass from the fourteen yard line to tie the game at seven.

Zach Carroll proceeded to run the ensuing kicoff back to the Creek fifteen but SK was held to a 26 yard field goal by Cody Herald, Neers led 10-7 with 8:53 remaining in the half.

Creek then drove to the Pioneers' one yard line. On 3rd and goal SK dodged a bullet when the defense forced a fumble that was recoverd by Zach Carroll in the end zone.

After trading possessions SK moved the skin fifty yards but bogged down in the red zone. Herald once again converted on a 26 yard field goal with :21 left to push the halftime lead to six. SK 13; TC 7

The second half opened with some trickery, when TC recovered the on side kick at the SK 43 yard line. A few plays later the Dores faced a 3rd and goal from the fifteen and were able to score via the pass at the 8:51 mark of the third. Austin Baldwin then blocked the extra point, the game was tied at 13.

TC decided to go to the well again with the on side kick but the ball didn't travel the needed ten yards and SK took over at their opponent's forty-nine. Less than four minutes ticked off the clock during the drive but once again the Neers couldn't score a TD in the redzone. Herald took advantage of his opportunity converting another 26 yard field goal withe 4:56 left, SK led 16-13.

On the next kickoff, Tates Creek muffed the attempt and SK was back in business at midfield. SK again moved the ball down to the redzone but on third and goal were penalized for offensive pass interference. The Neers attempted another field goal from thirty-five yards out but this time Herald was unable to convert. TC took over at the twenty.

Two plays later, in what was likely the play of the game, Jontez Jones scored what appeared to be a seventy-six yard touchdown but it was nullified by a block in the back. Creek was unable to move the chains and SK's defense forced them into a turnover on downs.

The next SK drive resulted in two first downs but they were forced to punt and that's when the defense once again stood tall and the special teams put the game out of reach. On a third and six, Creek threw a short pass that resulted in a nine yard loss forciing a punt. The snap then sailed over the head of the TC punter, and speedy Derek Mills scooped up the ball at the twenty-one and followed a convoy in to the promise land. After converting the extra point SK led 23-13.

The SK defense followed up where they left off, sacking TC on consecutive plays. The first from Parker Deters for a loss of thirteen, then Baldwin for a loss of ten. Creek punted and SK was able nail down two first downs to run the clock to triple zeros.

SK moves on to the second round of the KHSAA playoffs, and will square off with a familiar foe, Henry Clay. SK defeated the Blue Devils on September 17, by a final score of 21-18. Henry Clay hasn't lost since that night and have been scoring in droves, averaging 51 point per game during their winning streak. The game will be in Lexington, likely a 7:30 start so fill up the tank and head down for this 2nd round tilt.

Scoring

TC...0...7...6...0...13
SK...7...6...3...7...23

1st

SK Ryan Winkler 36 yd pass from Chad Lawrence (Cody Herald kick is good) 5:18

2nd

TC 14 yard pass (kick good) 10:45
SK Cody Herald 26 yd field goal 8:52
SK Cody Herald 26 yd field goal :21

3rd

TC Crutcher 15 yard pass from Berry (kick blocked) 8:51
SK Cody Herald 26 yd field goal 4:56

4th

SK Mills 21 yd fumble return (Cody Herald kick is good)

Unofficial stats:

Passing
Lawrence 17-22-159-1TD

Rushing
Lawrence 18-80
Wetter 9-30
Crane 2-14
Baldwin 2-6

Receiving
Winkler 9-105 TD
Crane 2-19
Reilly 2-2
Welte 1-13
Baldwin 1-9
Rabe 1-9
Carroll 1-2

Fox 19 News Story Featuring Former SK Athlete

2010-11-03T23:18:00.003-04:00

Here's an interesting news story that appeared on Fox 19 News last night featuring Kristen Pace, former SK athlete, on young athlete burnout. I have a link posted and an embedded video. The video may or may not work depending on how large your screen is. Check it out.

http://www.fox19.com/global/Category.asp?C=195974&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5255997&flvUri=&partnerclipid==

Pioneers Tune-up Versus Scott

2010-10-30T00:24:00.002-04:00

Tonight was Senior Night at Chlorine B. Meneffee Stadium, and the Seniors ended the season on a high note, cruising to a 43-6 win. It didn't take long for SK to get on the board, sixty yards on five plays, Cory Crane scored from ten yards, extra point blocked. SK 6; Scott 0.

Scott's next drive lasted all of three plays, that's when Zach Carroll picked off errant pass on the Scott thirty-nine. Six plays later Danny Wetter scored from the one yard line, the extra point was good. SK 13; Scott 0

Three plays into the next Scott possession, SK forced another turnover. This time Keith Cubert took it back 20 yards for the score, SK led by 21. After limiting Scott to -6 yards on their next possession, it took one play for the score, Carroll hauling in a thirty-five yard strike from Lawrence. SK 27; Scott 0

The second quarter scoring didn't occur until the 6:47 mark. With Scott facing a 4th and long, the Scott punter could not wrangle in the snap, the result was a kick out of the end zone for the safety, SK now up 29-0. It took a little over a minute for the next score, a two play drive ended when Lawrence found DJ Rabe down the seam for a thirty-six yard touchdown. SK 36; Scott 0

Simon's last score of the night was another quick strike. After two Chad Lawrence runs, the Senior quarterback proceeded to hit Ryan Winkler and Winkler did work, breaking several tackles while scoring on the fifty-two yard reception. SK led at the half 43-0.

The reserves did a solid job in the second half before giving up a late score while facing the Scott starting offense. Next week the Tates Creek Commodores (6-4) will travel to Independence for a first round matchup. The Commodores have one common opponent with SK, that being Henry Clay. Simon defeated Clay earlier this season 21-18 while Tates Creek lost to the Devils last week by a score of 85-52. Game time will be 7:30 next Friday.

Scott 0 0 0 6--6
Simon Kenton 27 16 0 0--43

1st
8:34 SK–Crane 10 run (kick failed)
5:17 SK–Wetter 1 run (Herald kick)
3:58 SK–Cubert 20 interception return (Herald kick)
:57 SK–Carroll 35 pass from Lawrence (Herald kick)

2nd
6:47 SK–Team safety
5:46 SK–Rabe 36 pass from Lawrence (Herald kick)
3:12 SK–Winkler 52 pass from Lawrence (Herald kick)

4th
8:10 S–Sowder 7 run (kick failed)

Records: SK 8-2, S 2-8

Senior captains

Always kind of wondered about this?

Cory Crane carries the ball to the endzone with a beautiful sunset as a backdrop.

Parker Deters with a nice tackle.

DJ Rabe waits for the ball on an eventual TD.

Neers Dehydrate Camels

2010-10-23T01:18:00.004-04:00

The Campbell County Camels visited Independence this evening, and shortly after exiting the bus knew the boys in blue meant business. The Pioneers defense spent the evening harassing the opposing QB and the offense was as sharp as a knife. The game opened with SK receiving, and three minutes later Winkler hauled in a twelve yard touchdown from Chad Lawrence. SK 7; CC 0.

For those not familiar with the Campbell attack, they are the polar opposite of Boone County. The Camels pass nearly 90% of the game, and SK did a great job of pressuring one of Northern Kentucky's finest passers, Michael Kramer, forcing him into three interceptions on the night. From the onset the SK defense was running high, sacking Kramer twice during their nine play eighteen yard drive. SK forced CC to punt taking over at their own twenty-six. The blitzkrieg continued as the Neers scored in less than four minutes, a big 38 yard catch by Winkler was later followed by a six yard Lawrence TD run, SK led 14-0.

Apparently the special teamer's didn't want to be left out of the party; on the ensuing kickoff they forced a CC fumble. SK took over at the CC twenty-four and quickly converted the turnover into points when Lawrence spotted a wide open DJ Rabe for the 11 yard score. The two pointer was successful, the lead stretched to twenty-two.

On the next Camels possession, SK's Tyler Spegal intercepted a Kramer pass and returned it to the 18. On the fourth play of the drive, Lockard scored his first rushing TD. SK 29; CC 0. The Pioneer forced a Campbell punt, which set up a short field for the offense, this time it took one play to score, a 32 yard Cory Crane scamper around the right end, Crane's first of the season. SK took a 36-0 lead into the lockers.

Campbell put their first points on the board via the pass with 4:34 left in the half, SK answered with a four play, eighty yard drive. DJ Rabe made the play of the drive, a sixty-seven yard catch, he ended up falling two yard shy of the score but Danny Wetter sealed the deal on the next play. Campbell answered again on a one play strike, all three of these scores occurred in a span of two minutes and three seconds, totaling 218 yards. SK 43; CC 12

The scoring ended early in the fourth quarter, SK leaned on their ground game and added a splash of passing (Winkler 17yd grab), Crane scored his second of the night from three yards out, SK 50; CC 12. The reserves were able to play the final seven minutes under the Friday night lights, always an exciting moment for the young players.

Tonight's win clinched the #2 seed in district six, and means the Tates Creek Commodores will be traveling up I-75 in two weeks. Next week will close out the regular season, the Scott Eagles will visit Chlorine B. Menifee for senior night, come out and support these young men, or catch them on your AM dial.

Derek Mills with one of the first half sacks.

Danny Williams with a pounding sack.

Wes Winkler with the first half TD grb.

Cody Welte with a nice gainer in the second half.

Bo Lockard with what should have been a safety.

#36 with another good game.

Nice job by the dance team which is headed to the Orange Bowl to perform in January.

Lady Pioneer Soccer Season Comes to Tough Ending

2010-10-21T22:55:00.001-04:00

The Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers lost to the St. Henry Lady Crusaders 3-0 in the 9th Region finals Thursday Evening. This is the 3rd straight year the SK ladies have lost to St. Henry in the regional finals.

There was another large crowd of SK fans at the game including a nice representation from the football team, ladies basketball team and the boys soccer team.

The SK ladies seemed to come out a little flat this evening and initially gave St. Henry a little too much respect offensively as the Crusaders scored less than 2 minutes into the game. St. Henry would score another goal at the 11 minute mark to go up by 2. That seemed to almost relax both teams as SK started stringing more passes together and starting doing some good things offensively. While both teams had good scoring chances in the first half, neither team could find the back of the net. The half finished with St. Henry ahead by 2.

The second half opened up with the SK ladies determined to get a quick goal to cut the lead in half. But even though they had several scoring opportunities they could not seem to get that one goal they needed to get things going. St. Henry's defense continued to bend throughout the half but never broke. St. Henry only had a few scoring opportunities in the second half but did manage to convert on one of those opportunities to go up by 3, which held up for the final.

Kennedy Vercheek and Jessie Cooper were named to the all region tournament team.

The SK ladies finished the season with a 10-5-6 record which is the fewest loses by a girls varsity team in school history. Great Job Ladies and Good Luck to our seniors!

Good Luck Girls!

2010-10-21T00:21:00.003-04:00

Lady Pioneers take on St. Henry at St. Henry tonight at 7:00.

Here's a Tiffany Landrum's game winning crash against Ryle.

Lady Neers With Thrill of Victory in 9th Region Semifinals

2010-10-19T22:32:00.003-04:00

Wow, what a game. Very reminiscent of the Regional Semifinal game that I referenced in the post yesterday. The Lady Pioneers come out on top by a final score of 2-1 in overtime over the Ryle Raiders in 9th Region play at St. Henry tonight. SK had a great cheering section on hand. If you weren’t there, shame on you as you simply missed a classic.

The game could best be described as a momentum see-saw. Each team took turns with possession and shots. Both teams had some point blank range shots that they probably usually put in the net….but this is tournament play and things just tighten up a bit as the nerves increase with the scope of the game.

Neither team would score during the first half of play and you just had the feeling early-on that the regional rivals were going to give their fans bonus play for their money.

SK would get on the board first when Jessie Cooper would take the ball down the left side of the penalty area. Cooper was able to get off a cross in the box that Aris Kuntz was able to collect behind the sweeper and shoot past the charging keeper. This score was tallied in the last 15 minutes of the second half. Unfortunately, the lead would be short lived as Ryle would tie the match just 3 minutes later on a direct free kick from the left side of the penalty area. Ryle’s set plays would create havoc for the Pioneer defense as the Raiders made runs from beyond the goal area that seemed to confuse the Neers at times. This Raider play would be executed perfectly as the Pioneers watched their lead evaporate in just a matter of moments.

For whatever reason, the Ryle goal shot the air out of the Neers. During the last 10 minutes of regulation, the Pioneers were on their heels, backing up, retreating and playing into the hands of the possession style game of the Raiders. SK would take some narrow misses but were able to stave off the Ryle attacks.

Jessie Cooper and several of the girls walked off the field at the end of regulation looking beat, almost like they really didn’t want the extra frames. The game was physical and Cooper suffered what appeared to be a broken hand in the first half after getting stomped on while she was on the ground. In typical Cooper style, the senior dug in and got things going again with some possession and pressure on Ryle as overtime got underway. The team seemed to be playing with more confidence resulting in better passing and pressure. Several times through the first over-time, Tiffany “Bulldog” Landrum was able to pressure the Ryle defense with some full out half field runs. The Little Neer that could seemed to pick up steam as the period was rolling on. Despite the nice pressure by Cooper, Landrum and the other Neers, Coach Barwell chose to give Landrum some rest at the start of the second overtime after she made several long runs. Perhaps the small rest paid off. With just under 4 minutes in the second overtime period, Ryle was whistled for and infraction just outside the penalty area. Mallory Steele wisely grabbed the ball, sat it down and hit a strong shot that was tracking for the goal. As the Neer luck was going, the ball bounced off the crossbar and was looping in the box. Bulldog came crashing through the box and launched herself towards the ball. Landrum, sporting a vertical jump that had to be 30” in the air was able to get enough on it to put the ball over the goal line for the 2-1 lead.

The Raiders didn’t quit though. They again found another gear and had several point blank shots in the final two minutes that were unable to score. SK holds on for an absolutely thrilling victory. While the midfielders and strikers get a lot of recognition above, you have to tip your cap to the defense tonight. Fedderman, Kennedy, Russell, Repka, Carmony and others dug in, bent but didn't break. Great job girls.

Finally, it was great to see Carrie Ayers on the bench tonight cheering on her team after a successful knee surgery this week. Get well soon Carrie!

Congratulations to Coach Barwell, the players and the entire program for your 4th consecutive trip to the Regional Final. The game will be played on Thursday night at St. Henry at 7:00 versus the Dixie/St. Henry winner.

Aris Kuntz gets off the first goal of the game in the second half.

Take care of the hand Coop.

Able give up a little in the size department but will stick her nose in there with anybody. She looked as strong at the end of the game as she did in the beginning.

Great game by Verchek and the other defenders.

Ninja

Steele perhaps had the play of the game with a quick direct free kick that caught almost everyone but the Bulldog off guard...get it?

Carmony wearing the saddle several times tonight.

Aris Kuntz celebrates with the Original Bulldog after the tie breaking goal.

Just how close was Ryle to tying the game with less than two minutes to go?

A happy group of SK Pioneers leave the field.

Pat yourself on the back if you see yourself here for being a part of a great game. You were the 12th man on the field. Especially if your last name starts with a J or K; you were heard!!!

Lady Neer Soccer Tomorrow Night

2010-10-18T19:31:00.001-04:00

SK girls soccer takes to regional match play tomorrow night against a familiar regional foe in the Lady Raiders of Ryle. These two teams have been locked up in some good matches in the last few years. I still remember the match at SK during the freshman season of the current seniors. Jessie Cooper scored two goals in overtime to send the Pioneers to the regional title game. Come out and support the entire team at St. Henry High School at 5:30.

Pioneers Too Much for Rebels

2010-10-16T00:59:00.004-04:00

SK hosted the (3-4) Boone County Rebels tonight, and after the first twenty-four minutes it appeared as if the Neers were going to drop their second straight district game. Luckily for the boys in royal and white, the game is a forty-eight minute game, as they dominated the third and fourth quarters for an impressive 48-27 win.

Coming into the game, everyone knew that Boone County would run the ball 90% of the time, and they did so with plenty of success in the first half. Jordan Oppenheimer capped a seventy-seven yard drive, scoring on a two yard run to give the Rebels a 7-0 lead. SK's first drive mustered one first down but DJ Rabe's punt pinned the Rebels at their own five yard line. From there the Rebels pushed the Pioneer defense around on the ground before going up top to wide receiver Denzel Cain for a 53 yard catch and run for the score, their two point conversion failed, so the lead stood at 13-0.

Early in the second quarter the Rebs grinded out a sixty-four yard drive but failed to convert on a twenty-nine yard field goal. It took SK less than four minutes to move six points closer, An eighty-one yard drive was finished off by a nine yard touchdown reception by Austin Baldwin, SK went for two but the conversion failed, BC 13; SK 6.

Boone took over from their forty-five and proceeded to grind it out once again, this time Oppenheimer scored from four yards out, the Rebels left the field leading 20-6 at the half.

Whatever took place inside the new fieldhouse during those fifteen minutes apparently worked, the Neers came out in the second half and absolutely abused the Rebels. It took 107 seconds for the Neers to score their first TD, Matt Reilly making the big play of the drive, a forty-six yard catch and run to the one yard line. Chad Lawrence finished the business with a one yard score, the two point attempt failed, BC 20; SK 12.

After both teams traded punts, Boone found the endzone again, when Oppenheimer scored from five yards out, Boone stretched the lead to fifteen points, BC 27; SK 12. The Rebels never converted a first down from that point of the game, while the SK highlights just kept coming.

DJ Rabe hauled in a beautiful pass from Lawrence for thirty-seven yards, a few plays later Chad hit Winkler for an 18 yard TD, the two point pass completed to Rabe, SK pulled within seven, BC 27; SK 20.

After another BC punt, SK moved the skin sixty-seven yards, the final thirty-nine came on a touchdown pass from Lawrence to Winkler, this time Herald kicked the extra point, game tied at 27.

Boone's next drive ended with a one yard punt and SK once again took advantage of their opportunity. What looked like so many other plays this season, Lawrence was flushed out of the pocket, and just before being sacked, he found a wide open Jarrett Bach for a 19 yard completion. Chad finished the drive by scoring on a run from the five, extra point was good, SK 34; BC 27.

Four minutes later SK started their drive at the Boone forty-seven, the drive ended with a 29 yard Lawrence to Reilly score, Herald split the posts again, SK 41; BC 27.

Swanson then intercepted a Boone pass, two plays later Lawrence took off to his left, and scored from forty-five yards, SK 48; BC 27.

Records are meant to be broken, and a few were broken tonight. Lawrence passed for over 300 yards tonight, and moved into first place all time on the passing list, moving past former signal caller Justin Bishop. Ryan Winkler, caught seven passes for around 120 yards tonight, he passed Nate Ponzer for the most passes caught in a season while also breaking Derrick Vastine's career mark.

SK has now cemented their spot in the 6A playoffs, and will face off with the Campbell County Camels next week with a first round home game at stake. The Camels will bring a high octane passing attack to Independence and will be looking to knock the Pioneers off after losing the past two matchups. If you can't make it out, make sure you tune into 1160 am starting a 6:30pm.

Boone County...13...7...7.....0...27
Simon Kenton....,0...6..14...28...48

1st
9:34: BC- Oppenheimer 5 yard run, (xpt good)
5:22: BC- Cain 53 yard pass from Thompson (xpt good)

2nd
6:34: SK- Baldwin 9 yard pass from Lawrence (2pt failed)
:20: BC- Oppenheimer 4 yard run (xpt good)

3rd
10:13: SK- Lawrence 1 yard run (2pt failed)
4:43: BC- Oppenheimer 5 yard run (xpt good)
2:15: SK- Winkler 18 yard pass from Lawrence (2pt conversion, Rabe pass from Lawrence)

4th
9:37: SK- Winkler 39 yard pass from Lawrence (Herald kick)
7:11; SK- Lawrence 5 yard run (Herald kick)
2:56: SK- Reilly 29 yard pass from Lawrence (Herald kick)
2:30: SK- Lawrence 45 yard run (Herald kick)

The SK defense got real nasty in the second half.

Lawrence on a keeper for 6.

Wink was a magnet tonight.

Rabe with a big gainer.

Schneider and Pinkleton with a stop in the backfield.

Baldwin fired up after big third down stop.

Wes Winkler touched the ground not once but twice on this catch and run; quite impressive.

Nice to see a healthy Matt Reilly on the field this year; great hands and a burner with awesome YAC.

Cooper Powers Neers to 4-peat

2010-10-16T00:29:00.003-04:00

The Lady Pioneers soccer team took on cross county rival Dixie Heights tonight in the 18th District Tournament Final. Dixie entered the finals as the number one seed while SK came in as the two seed. SK comes out on top by a final score of 1-0 and has now won four consecutive District Tournaments.

This game was a physical battle. The two teams played to a 1-1 tie in the first game of the season on August 23rd and it was apparent early on that the teams just might have a similar plan in mind for tonight’s contest. You have to give both teams credit as they looked stronger thatn they did in the first game. As the first half drew to a 0-0 tie, you kind of got the feeling that the first team to score was going to come out on top. SK definitely held the ball in their possession and took more shots than the Colonels did but couldn’t get the ball past the stingy Dixie keeper. SK had a nice flurry of shots and corner kicks for all kinds of pressure with about 5 minutes to go in the first half but was still unable to score. Situations like this can frustrate a team but the Lady Neers hung tough despite the frustrating moments.

The Pioneers would get the lone goal of the game in the 48th minute of the match. The scoring play started with a through ball to Aris Kuntz. It looked as if Kuntz might have a breakaway but the Dixie defense recovered and put pressure on Kuntz with three defenders. Only problem, they forgot about super scorer Jessie Cooper who was trailing in support. Kuntz dropped a pass to Cooper who noticed the keeper was way off the goal line. Cooper launched a right footed howitzer from 35 yards out. The Dixie keeper could only watch the ball sail over her head for the score. GOAAALLL!!!!!!!!!!! Clearly, one of the longest shots I have ever seen score in a high school soccer game. Cooper said after the match that she was getting frustrated by missing some of her shorter shots and decided to take aim for the long shot when she noticed the keeper was so far off her line.

The Pioneers will advance to the 9th Region tournament on Tuesday versus Ryle at St. Henry. I will pass the time along once it becomes available.

Congratulations girls on two very hard fought games!!! Good luck next week!

Might as well jump!

Getouttamyway.

Nice Neer crowd cheers the SK goal.

Meanwhile, the girls celebrate on the field.

The REAL and Original Bulldog.

The Colonels have a tough time keeping up with #16.

Hey, what is that up there?

Your caption is?______________

Lady Neers Take Lightning After Lightning

2010-10-12T23:46:00.003-04:00

The Lady Pioneers took to the pitch tonight at Dixie Heights in tournament action against the Villa Madonna Blue Lightning in 18th District Tournament play. The Pioneers are out to defend the title that they have won for the previous three years. This match-up looked like an easy game on paper as SK bested Villa by a 5-1 score earlier in the year. Give Villa credit as they looked to have a nice case of amnesia as they played with a lot of heart tonight. More importantly, they played with a belief that they could knock off the favored Neers which made them a very dangerous team to face on the opening night of the tourney.

Villa’s game plan was pretty evident early on; blanket SK’s leading scorer in senior Jessie Cooper. Wherever Cooper went, she donned a blue shadow. 5 minutes into the match, Cooper took a through ball down the left side of the field. Cooper drew pressure from the Villa defense but was able to get a cross off from a foot off the goal line. Cooper’s cross found a sprinting Aris Kuntz who knocked the ball past the Villa Keeper from the 6 yard mark.

Villa would tie the game on virtually the first time that they were able to get the ball into Pioneer territory in the 10th minute of the game. The goal seemed to put a little more positive pressure on SK. The girls stepped up the offensive pressure and got shot after shot off. The Villa defense would bend but would not break until the 38th minute. That’s when Kaitlyn Book got off a nice shot just outside of the 18 yard box to give the Neers a one goal lead going into the half.

The game would take an interesting October turn 10 minutes into the second half as lighting was spotted off to the northwest. The game would be delayed for about 30 minutes which gave both teams a nice break. You have to believe that the break provided a little more boost to the Lightning who rarely made substitutions during the match.

SK would get a lot of pressure after the lightning break but would not score until just over two minutes to go in the match when Kuntz would place a perfectly timed shot past the Villa keeper. SK wins by a final score of 3-1.

A few thoughts other thoughts about the game;

*Villa took away some of Jessie Cooper’s scoring opportunities that then were presented to Aris Kuntz. Aris looked like herself again tonight and played with a lot of confidence after dealing with a knee injury for most of the season.

*Jessie Cooper’s assist on the first goal was amazing. I thought the ball was going out but somehow the senior was able to center the ball right in front of the net for and easy SK goal. Cooper will likely see additional pressure in future tourney games and will need to look for similar connections for SK to be successful.

*Neer kudos to Shelby Meier who played tonight with a banged up knee and will have surgery after the season. Meier had some key stops by winning the ball out of the air to break up some of the Villa scoring threats down the stretch.

*The bite in the Bulldog; Tiffany Landrum ended up with a caution after a questionable call went against her sister. Gotta love it.

*SK will take on the winner of the Dixie/Scott game on Friday night at 6:00 at Dixie.

C. Landrum gets drilled in the first half.

Villa played hard and physical with a size advantage over the Lady Neers.

Villa giving chase as Jessie Cooper gets ready to make the cross for the first SK goal.

SK had several set plays and corners but failed to score on any of them.

Neers Fall In OT to Raiders

2010-10-09T00:30:00.000-04:00

SK traveled across Ky 536 tonight to face the Ryle Raiders. From the beginning of the season most felt this would be the deciding game for overall district supremacy and the coveted #1 seed. The game didn't disappoint the casual fan but I'm sure all of the Pioneer contingent left with an empty feeling. SK had an opportunity to put some points on the board late in quarter one but a fumble in the red zone thwarted their opportunity, the quarter ended in a scoreless tie. With Ryle backed up inside their own 20, Zach Carroll picked off a Conner Hempel pass and took it to the house, giving our boys a 7-0 lead. SK proceeded to squib kick, which they recovered at the Ryle 37 yard line. Chad Lawrence proceeded to completed a 33 yard pass to Ryan Winkler down to the Ryle four, three plays later Cody Herald split the uprights on a 19 yard fieldgoal, SK 10, Ryle 0. On Ryle's next possession, Hempel connected with his tight end for a 57 yard completion. Two plays later Hempel put the Raiders on the board, SK 10, Ryle 7. SK punted after three plays, and on Ryle's first play of the drive Hempel scored from 41 yards to put the Raiders on top, 14-10. Late in the half, SK had an impressive scoring drive, moving the ball 56 yards culminating with a 37 yard Herald field goal. At the half, SK trailed 14-13.

SK opened the second half with a solid drive, and on 4th and 11, Lawrence connected on a 30 yard TD to Cody Welte, SK took the lead. SK faked the extra point and Lawrence hit a wide open Jacob Krummen for two, Neers led 21 -14. The lead didn't last long, 79 seconds to be exact, Hempel scored from thirty-six to tie the score at 21. After fumbling the ensuing kickoff, Ryle took over at the SK 33. The defense didn't budge, holding the Raiders to three yards after four plays, the fans were on their feet. Nine plays later Danny Wetter put six on the board, SK 28; Ryle 21. Ryle took over on their fifteen, and on 3rd and six, Travis Elliott finally got on track, breaking a few tackles and out running the SK defenders to the endzone, SK 28; Ryle 28. On the next drive SK took the lead again on a nine yard toss from Chad to Matt Reilly, SK 35; Ryle 28. SK had to have one more defensive stop to win the game and it looked promising after sacking Hempel for a seven yard loss the Neers had Ryle right where they wanted them. On 4th and eleven, Hempel completed a twelve yard pass moving the chains and four plays later Elliott scored from the Pioneer eight yard line, with 1:09 left the score was again tied. Four plays later SK punted to Ryle and the game went to overtime.

Ryle won the coin flip and elected to defend, and it looked like the game could possibly last for eternity since every possession in overtime starts at the ten yard line. Ryle dropped Wetter for a five yard loss on first down, Chad's pass to DJ Rabe fell incomplete in the endzone on down number two. On third down Chad ran to his left for ten setting up a fourth and goal from the five. Coach Marksberry decided to go for it on fourth down and Ryle successfully stopped SK, blanketing the Pioneer receivers. The defensive was stout again but in the end Ryle ended up converting a chip shot field goal to clinch the victory. The call on fourth was a gutsy call by the coaching staff but you play to win the game, and while most were question the decision not to kick, the odds of holding Ryle to a field goal were slim. As we all know it's easier to call the plays from the bleachers, hindsight always being 20/20.

SK will begin a three game home stand to end the regular season, hosting the (3-4) Boone County Rebels at Menifee Stadium this coming Friday.

Soccer Senior Night Pics

2010-10-06T13:54:00.002-04:00

Boys.............. http://mfiggins.exposuremanager.com/g/sk_senior_night

Girls............. http://mfiggins.exposuremanager.com/g/sk_vs_campco_senior_night

SK Boys Soccer Senior Night

2010-10-05T23:41:00.002-04:00

The Pioneer boys team took their turn with Senior Night Festivities at SK tonight. The boys team celebrated the careers of 8 seniors including GW Bridges, Tony Gardella, Nick Kentrup, Casey Jones, Cody Sterling, Kyle Shearer, Tim Feidler and Dexter Santiago. No cupcakes for SK tonight for Senior Night as they took on Highlands, the state’s 13th ranked team. SK came out and played with a lot of heart but came out on the losing side of the scoreboard.

SK will take on Calvary next Monday night at Dixie in the 18th District Tournament.

Congrats Seniors!

Interesting pic, no less than 9 Pioneers in the frame.

Junior Austin Cagle with a nice save.

Nick Kentrup putting pressure on the Highlands attacker.

Lady Pioneer Senior Night Photos

2010-10-05T17:26:00.002-04:00

All of the shots from senior night will be posted. Here are a couple of more of some of the hard hitting action.

As Someone said on Senior Night, Golly, Gee, Willikers

2010-10-05T00:07:00.007-04:00

The Lady Pioneers played their annual senior night game tonight at Meneffee Stadium. Seniors Jessie Cooper, Shelby Meier, Elyssa Carmony, Ashley Repka, and Karla Klee were honored in a nice ceremony before they took to the field in their final regular season home game. Oops, Golly, Gee Willikers, I almost forgot Chelsea Landrum.

The Pioneers really controlled the ball for much of the game but would have to settle for the 1-1 tie. The Camels scored their lone goal in the first half while SK’s goal would come with just under 13 minutes in the second half off a direct free kick by Mallory Steele. The game started off innoncent enough but would finish as one of the physical contests that the two teams have seen over the course of the last several years.

On a down note of an otherwise great night, Shelby Meier would leave the game with an unknown knee injury in the second half. Please be sure to send prayers her way as she will be seen by doctors tomorrow.

The girls will have over a week to rest before they take on Villa Madonna in defense of their 18th District Crown at Dixie Heights at 6:00 on October 12th after finishing the regular season with a 7-4-6 record.

Congrats Chelsea on a great career.

Getting a little advice from Coach Grandma

Great group of young ladies.

Shelby got some good news today; no ligament tears, basically a banged up knee. Here's a shot from last night's action.

Football Picture Galleries

2010-10-03T23:57:00.002-04:00

See more football pictures at: http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_football_2010

Homecoming pictures available at: http://www.figsphotos.com/g/homecoming_2010

Pioneers "Deliver" Knock-out Blow to Jags

2010-10-02T00:06:00.007-04:00

A huge crowd came out tonight for the Homecoming Game tonight at Meneffee Stadium. Anyone who was anybody was in the house tonight with the exception of the SK Head Coach, Jeff Marksberry. He was with his family welcoming his new daughter Chloe Elizabeth into the world. Congrats to the entire Marksberry family. (By the way, did anyone besides me think that Coach’s daughter has a future in radio? The youngster was quite impressive in her radio debut on her dad’s coach’s show. Maybe she will fill in for him this week. Players, take note of her delivery.)

The feeling in the stadium was that this was going to be a good game after Cooper lost to Ryle last weekend by a single touchdown. Cooper was riding the back of D’Vontae Bradley who rushed for over 180 yards against Ryle. It didn’t happen tonight as the stingy SK defense kept the tough back in check. He did make some nice runs but the Pioneers were able to contain him, especially in key situations. Bradley did make a few Pioneers pay who tried to tackle him up high but they were able to keep him from the end zone.

SK scored on their second play from scrimmage as Danny Wetter took the ball to the south end of the stadium virtually untouched as the improving SK line opened up a huge hole for Wetter. The swinging gate conversion worked and SK was up 8-0. Chad Lawrence would become SK’s all-time leader for touchdown passes on SK’s next score on a connection with Zach Carroll. The two point conversion failed this time. The Pioneers would get their final score of the half when Lawrence connected on a beautiful timing throw to Ryan Winkler. Again, the two point conversion failed but SK leads 20-0 at half.

The Pioneers final touchdown of the night came from Lawrence in the third quarter as he scampered into the endzone for an 11 yard run. Cody Herald would nail two field goals in the final period to wrap up the SK scoring by a final score of 33-0.

The defense has been obviously been stingy the last two games as the first team defense has not been scored on. The one thing you kind of notice by watching the game is the other team’s offense starts getting tired while the Pioneer defense seems to get stronger as the game progresses. The linebacker corps of Baldwin, Lockard and Deters has been fun to watch as they flat out deliver some tough blows. Things will get tougher on the boys as they take on Ryle in Union next week.

Coach McDonald celebrated his first varsity win unknowingly as Baldwin and Wetter delivered the ceremonial Gatorade cooler on the one game interim coach.

Danny Wetter carries on this play for SK's first TD. Great work by the O line opeing up a huge hole.

Zach Carroll pulls in Lawrence's pass to break Josh Elbert's career TD passing record.

Lawrence with a first quarter run.

Awesome pass play from Lawrence to Winkler

Great night for Friday night lights, some of them provided by the Man upstairs.

Matt Reilly with a nice catch in the second half.

The Jag offense had trouble against the swarming SK D.

Coach McDonald in there.

Piooneers Throttle Cougars

2010-09-25T00:57:00.003-04:00

The Pioneers travelled to Hebron tonight to take on the Conner Cougars in the first game of District Play for both teams. The Pioneers come out on top as they throttle the Cougars by a final score of 48-6 behind the strength of a tough defense and nearly 500 yards of offense. SK scored touchdowns through the air, on the ground, by the defense and on a strange special teams play. The special teams play happened in the first half when placekicker Cody Herald’s field goal attempt was blocked. The ball took a fortuitous SK bounce into the hands of Chad Lawrence who found DJ Rabe headed to the endzone with no Courgars within 10 yards of him. It looked like the Cougars were celebrating the block with some of them actually heading to the sidelines while Lawrence and Rabe were playing pitch and catch. The play would send the momentum the Pioneers way as they jumped out to a 21-0 first half lead that was capped by a nice touchdown drive with under a minute to go.

The SK defense jumped on the touchdown when nose tackle Jake Schneider pounced on a loose ball that was teetering on the goal line. The play was set-up by a spectacular punt by Rabe that ended up backing Conner up to their own three yard line.

Nice way for the Pioneers to start district play by playing strong in all 4 quarters and in all phases of the game.

Lawrence scores on a 60 yard touchdown where he might have covered 100 yards with all of the side to side running.

Jake Schneider moves him for his defensive TD.

Austin Baldwin is under there somewhere after he carried the pile for about 5 yards. Nice run by the senior- maybe more to come?

Baldwin on the other side of the ball with a punishing tackle.

L to R, Carroll, Rabe, Winkler and Reilly take a break in the 4th quarter.

Home Opener for Football

2010-09-11T01:10:00.002-04:00

Home opener tonight for the Neers, and the weather couldn't have been better for their matchup with the New Richmond Lions. New Richmond, a Division 3 team from Ohio, fought hard for much of the game until SK got their offense clicking. The first half didn't produce a highlight reel unless you consider fumble recoveries a highlight. SK got on the board first on a 12 yard TD pass from Chad Lawrence to his Tight End, DJ Rabe. SK then ran the swinging gate and Zach Carroll put two on the board to give SK the 8-0 lead.

SK expanded on that lead midway through the 3rd quarter, that's when SK's kicker, Cody Herald converted from 30 yards, SK 11 NR 0. The Lions then proceeded to scratch six plus minutes off the clock, capping their drive off with a five yard TD run. Their two point conversion attempt fell short, SK 11, NR 6. On SK's next possession, Lawrence hooked up with wide receiver, Matt Reilly for a 54 yard pitch and catch, extra point was good, SK 18, NR 6. The fourth quarter produced two more touchdowns for the home team. Ryan Winkler hauled in a 21 yard TD pass from Lawrence for one score while Lawrence scampered in for a TD run to cap off the scoring.

Unofficially SK totaled 240+ offensive yards, 170 via the pass and 70 on the ground. The Neers' defense played a solid game, holding New Richmond to 220 yards combined.

Next up for SK is a road game against Lexington Henry Clay, 7:30pm next Friday night. Simon Kenton will look avenge their only home loss of '09, a game in which HC outscored SK, 42-31. Both teams will enter the game with identical (2-1) records and it's sure to be a test for the boys from Independence. This will be the last game before the district schedule starts in Hebron against Conner on September 24.

Swanson breaks up the first half NR pass.

New Richmond player with a pass interference demo versus Winkler. The senior wideout had a big night with 60+ yards receiving and a TD.

The NR Coach may have been the leading rusher in the game as many times as he ran out on the field.

NR player pays the price on the tackle.

DJ Rabe with a first half TD reception

Lady PIoneers Tie Raiders at Home

2010-08-30T23:47:00.005-04:00

The Lady Pioneers hosted the Raiders of Ryle in a regional match-up on a toasty evening at Frontier Field tonight. The Lady Pioneers have kind of had the Raiders number over the last few years. Match-ups between these two teams are usually pretty good contests; tonight was no exception.

The game was one where both teams took turns controlling the momentum and flow. Ryle looked good early on. The Raiders would tap the net first in the 29th minute of the match. That goal seemed to wake the Pioneers up as senior Jessie Cooper would tie the game in the next minute. This goal sent the momentum the Pioneers way.

The second half would start off with SK getting several good shots while posessing the ball. The ladies did a much better job of controlling the ball and putting pressure on Ryle. I am not sure what happenvd though because with about 12 minutes to go in the half, the Raiders would keep the ball in the Pioneers defensive end of the field. SK got one final strong push in the last minute but the game ended up tied 1-1. Hats off tonight to the Defense. Several girls really stepped up tonight to keep the Raiders out of the goal.

The Freshman and JV teams brought home W’s for SK tonight.

KR trying to control the ball late in the game.

Cooper has been on a tear offensively.

Huh?

Vercheak goes up to contest for the ball.

Abel going up for the headball.

Nice evening put in by the D.

The Team's Parts

2010-08-30T12:31:00.000-04:00

"Now the team is not made up of one part but of many. If the left tackle should say, 'Because I am not the quarterback, I do not belong to the team', it would not for that reason cease to be part of the team...If the whole team was just all quarterbacks, where would the sense of blocking be?...And the quarterback can't say to the tackle, 'I don't need you!' On the contrary those parts of the team that seem to be less important are indispensable..." (I Corinthians 12:14-22 Authorized Football Version)

Pioneers Shutdown at Skyline Showdown

2010-08-29T00:49:00.008-04:00

The Neers traveled across the river today, to face the Middletown Middies at UC's Nippert Stadium. In last years opener, In last years opener, SK faced AA stalwart Newport Central Catholic, but Coach Marksberry and his staff want to prepare their boys for the speed that Louisville's finest bring to the field, and they may have gotten more than they expected. Middletown, 10-2 in 2009, lost 21 seniors, SK 11-2 in 2009, also lost their fair share of talent as well, both teams entering the game after promising scrimmages last week. Most knowledgeable football fans knew SK had their work cut out for them, but I'm not sure many would have predicted a Middletown shutout. The Pioneers looked good coming into Nippert Stadium lined up by their numerical jersey numbers. They looked fired up before the start of the game on the toasty turf. SK kicked off to start the game and it looked even more promising when Parker Deters picked off a Middletown pass, giving SK great field position. Those high hopes dimmed when SK failed to put a dent in the Middletown defense, starting a trend that continued throughout the game.

SK’s offense was anemic and barely eeked out 100 yards of offense for the afternoon. SK's defense seemed to be on the field for most of the first half, SK mustering only one two first downs during the game's first thirty minutes.

Middletown's sophomore QB, Jalin Marshall was the difference maker today. When SK appeared to have him stopped for a loss he would make a play, usually a big play. The Middies scored seven in quarter one, then went on to tally twenty points in the second quarter, taking a 27-0 lead into the half. The good sized SK crowd was quiet although it is likely that's not the way the locker room was.

The second half wasn't anything to write home about but SK didn't fold like a deck of cards, they played hard and were actually able to drag Marshall to the turf a few times. Bottom line, this was an amnesia game, the boys need to learn from their mistakes and come out willing to improve. Dixie is up next, the Colonels are 1-1 after beating Beechwood. SK will get their first glimpse of Dixie QB, Zeke Pike, one of the top rated Jrs in the nation. SK will have to be up to the task, I'm betting we'll see a different team come Friday night.

Time to get the season going.

Powell breaks up the Middie pass play.

Jake Schneider loses his hat after downing a punt. Penalties against both teams would bring the ball back for another punt.

Cheerleaders doing the "old" routine to the school fight song.

Lawrence lets this past fly in the first half.

Coach Herbst gets fired up after his team came up with the turnover.

#1 Pioneer Fans take Field for Northern Kentucky Braves

2010-08-26T20:32:00.005-04:00

Few people would argue with me that two of the biggest SK football fans are Seth Deters and Mitchell Harper. One thing you might not know about them is they are stars on a softball team called the Northern Kentucky Braves. I had the privilege of shooting pictures at their game on Wednesday night as they took on the Northern Kentucky Thunder. I had a little trouble finding Seth at first as he was behind the plate with the catcher’s gear. It was a great night for softball and everyone there; players coaches and fans had an absolutely awesome time. Here’s a few shots from the game.

#18 Seth Deters

Mitchell Harper #00

Lady PIoneers Beat Lightning Behind Cooper Thunder

2010-08-25T23:00:00.003-04:00

The Lady Pioneers visited district foe Villa Madonna in their second district match of the week. The Pioneers have been struggling the first couple of games to get their offense going. That wasn’t the case tonight as SK wins by a 5-1 score behind the strength of 4 goals from senior Jessie Cooper. Mallory Steele picked up the other SK goal as the Pioneers open the season at 2-0-1.

Carrie Ayers mixing it up tonight.

Make up your own caption.

Shelby Meier clears the ball from the back in the 2nd half.

Lady Pioneers Best Beechwood

2010-08-24T21:37:00.004-04:00

The Lady Pioneers travelled to upstart Beechwood tonight in the second match in as many nights. The pesky Lady Tigers put up a fight but the Pioneers were able to secure a win by a final score of 2-0 behind goals by Hannah Stephenson and Aris Kuntz. Aris later sufferrred an unknown knee injury. Please send your prayers Aris' way that her injury is a minor one.

More pictures from last night's game are available at
http://www.figsphotos.com/g/sk_vs_dixie_823

Lady Pioneer Opening Night on the Soccer Pitch

2010-08-23T23:46:00.003-04:00

The Lady Pioneers opened up the season tonight on a beautiful evening tonight at Meneffee Stadium. Coach Chris Barwelll was making his varsity coaching debut after moving from the JV ranks.

The Pioneers and Dixie have played in some closely contested matches over the last few years. Tonight was no exception as the two county rivals locked up in a tight one. The Pioneers came out with some good aggressive play and ball control as they held possession early in the game. The Pioneers would get on the board first when Karla Klee struck a beautiful corner kick that bounced off the Dixie defense for a score. SK seemed to get away from their game plan after they got the goal at the 20 minute mark of the first half. Dixie continued to play with confidence and played Pioneers. The first half would end with SK up by the goal.

SK seemed to find some rhythm in the second half and started making the extra pass and got some decent scoring chances. Unfortunately, the net was never touched and Dixie kept looking for their chance. The opportunity Dixie was looking for presented itself with just under 8 minutes in the match when the Colonels capitalized on a corner kick to tie the score. SK would get some nice chances in the final minutes when an Aris Kuntz shot barely missed and a Jessie Cooper shot off of a short corner kick that barely missed. SK had more shots on goals and more corner kick opportunities but just couldn’t seem to get the score they needed in order to zap any confidence from Dixie.

Ties never feel that great but you kind of got the feeling after the game that Dixie was excited about the tie while SK clearly didn’t accomplish that they wanted to on opening night.

SK plays Beechwood tomorrow night and at Villa Madonna on Wednesday.

Nice night of soccer at Menffee Stadium

Jessie Cooper grabs a breather in the 2nd Half.

Coach Barwell explaining at half-time how big the one that got away.

Cooper with an agressive play in the first half to win the ball.

Getting after the first half corner.

Abel burning rubber.