By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
It's easy to see why Covington Catholic was the top-ranked boys' basketball team in the Northern Kentucky preseason coaches' poll. The Colonels have experienced senior leadership, exceptional height and a deep bench.
The CovCath players also have an unfulfilled goal they're striving to achieve. The last two seasons ended with disappointing losses in the 9th Region championship game that kept them from playing in the "Sweet 16" state tournament at Rupp Arena.
"It's very motivating," CovCath senior guard C.J. Fredrick said of last season's unexpected loss in the regional final. "It's something that's been on our minds all through the off-season. We definitely have something to play for this season, and that's to get back to being regional champions and making it to Rupp Arena."
Fredrick was the leading scorer on last year's team with a 19.7 average that could have been even higher if he hadn't missed 15 games with a broken bone in his foot. He played in elite camps and tournaments during the summer and signed a letter of intent with the University of Iowa.
"C.J.'s work ethic is second to none," said CovCath coach Scott Ruthsatz. "He has always been able to shoot, but now he can also make plays off the dribble. We will use him at the point in an effort to get the ball in his hands and make plays for his teammates."
CovCath's other returning senior starters — point guard Aiden Ruthsatz, forward A.J. Mayer and 7-foot center Jake Walter — have also made college commitments.
Walter accepted a scholarship offer from nationally ranked Xavier University and Ruthsatz plans to continue his basketball career at Christian Brothers University, one of the top NCAA Division II teams in the country.
CovCath's 7-foot center Jake Walter, right, goes up for a dunk against Cooper guard Adam Kunkel in a game between the area's top two teams last season. (Photo by Bob Jackson)
C.J. Fredrick
Mayer, a three-year starter at quarterback on CovCath's football team, decided to play that sport in college. He made a commitment with Miami University of Ohio last summer.
Ruthsatz and Mayer both had double-figure scoring averages last season. Walter, the first 7-footer in the history of the CovCath basketball program, averaged 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
"Jake has really improved his overall game," coach Ruthsatz said. "His post moves have improved tremendously and his defense continues to be effective with his size and length. He is much more active on both sides and is very competitive."
Walter said he worked hard during the off-season to become a more reliable team leader alongside the Colonels' other returning senior starters.
"With me, C.J. and Aiden as the three captains, coach is pushing us every single day, getting on us more than the rest of the team, because he knows we're the guys you've got to get us to state," Walter said.
Here's a look at the other teams ranked among the top 12 in the Northern Kentucky coaches preseason poll: