Boys 9th Region quarterfinals: Conner, CovCath, Lloyd and Ryle advance

Conner outlasted Highlands, CovCath cruised past Dixie Heights, Lloyd Memorial defeated Holy Cross, and Ryle won over Newport in the 9th Region tournament quarterfinals.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The most drama of the day at the boys 9th Region tournament quarterfinals came on the first game of the day while the other three spared us any late game defining moments. Conner took down Highlands in a high-scoring affair, Covington Catholic cruised past Dixie Heights, Lloyd Memorial looked dialed in for a win over Holy Cross, and Ryle won a sleeper over Newport in the nightcap in games played at Northern Kentucky University's Truist Arena.

Why it matters

The 9th Region semifinals are set with Conner taking on Covington Catholic and Lloyd Memorial facing off against Ryle. These games will determine who advances to the regional championship game, a highly anticipated matchup in Northern Kentucky basketball.

The details

In the Conner-Highlands game, Conner overcame a 10-point deficit and then survived after building a seven-point lead with less than two minutes remaining. Conner's Finn Louden scored 36 points to pace the Cougars. Covington Catholic cruised past Dixie Heights, with Cash Harney posting 20 points, seven assists and four steals. Lloyd Memorial was poised and under control from start to finish, taking away Holy Cross' leading scorer Luke Arlinghaus. Ryle got physical and methodically pulled away from Newport, with Anthony Coppola leading the way with 16 points.

  • The semifinals are Sunday with Conner taking on Covington Catholic at 6:30 p.m., Lloyd Memorial and Ryle clashing at 8 p.m.
  • The championship game is Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The players

Finn Louden

Conner's star player who scored 36 points to lead his team to victory over Highlands.

Cash Harney

Covington Catholic's versatile guard who filled the stat sheet with 20 points, seven assists and four steals in the win over Dixie Heights.

Anthony Blaackar

Lloyd Memorial's leading scorer who finished with 26 points, three 3-pointers, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in the win over Holy Cross.

Anthony Coppola

Ryle's experienced senior leader who scored a team-high 16 points and kept his team afloat in their win over Newport.

Amontae Lowe

Newport's junior guard who was the preseason favorite for 9th Region Player of the Year next season, but was held in check by Ryle's physical defense.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.