Sunday, January 31, 2010

Highlights From Hamilton Game.

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Sorry for the delay. Here's the video.


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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Colerain 39 Mason 26....Two Home Games To Win the GMC Coming Up!

Al Gabriel

Colerain defeated Mason today to set up back to back home games with Princeton and Sycamore to have a chance at an outright GMC title. First game is Wednesday night versus the Vikings. Be there Cardinal fans!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Video From West Game.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Colerain Girls Breeze Past Hamilton 55-36.

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

The Colerain girls basketball team continued its winning ways on Wednesday night with a convincing win over the Big Blue of Hamilton. Colerain was lead in scoring by McDonald's All-American candidate, Ashley Wanninger, who dropped in 18 points. The Lady Cardinals also received a big boost from its bench as senior guard Tevyn Andrews added 11 points as did Alexis Fitzpatrick.

Video highlights from the game will be available soon so please check back.

WE ARE...COLERAIN!

West Holds Off Colerain 60-57







Three of the stars from last nights game.
Jordan Hicks-Lakota West
Ben Vonderhaar-Colerain
Ken Kunkel-Colerain


Thanks to Mike Noyes of WeAreColerain.com for the photos. Full gallery will be up soon!

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

A titanic GMC matchup took place Tuesday night at the Cage at Colerain High School as the #6 Lakota West Firebirds (7-4, 6-1 in GMC) came calling on the #5 Colerain Cardinals (11-1, 6-1 in the GMC) and came away with a 60-57 victory over Colerain. Both teams were tied with Princeton with only 1 GMC loss so far this season (to Lakota West) for first place in the conference. It was evident from the opening tip that this was going to be a battle to the end.

In the first quarter, Lakota West jumped out early but Colerain battled back and on the strength of a big 3-pt basket from SR Ken Kunkel (12 pts, 9 Reb) to take a 10-8 lead, their first of the game. The athleticism Lakota West did a very good job handling the full-court press of Colerain. However, the Cards led after one quarter, 12-9.

In the second quarter, Lakota West came out hitting some big shots and Colerain half court defense began to show some signs of trouble. Coach Kevin Higgins told WeAreColerain.com after the game that the Cards didn’t execute the way they needed to to keep a team like Lakota West at bay. The Firebirds won the quarter 19-14, which included a 19-7 run that put them up 28-23 at the 1:22 mark of the quarter. Colerain JR Gerrod Chess hit his only 3-pt basket of the night with 0:15 seconds left in the half and it proved big as it pulled the Cards within two points going into halftime down only 28-26.

The second half started a bit sloppy for both teams. The Cards pressure on defense turned up early and created 2 West turnovers which led to a 5-0 Colerain run and a 3 point lead. However, at 5:23 the Firebirds tied it up at 31 and it was nip/tuck the rest of the way as the quarter ended with West up by one, 37-36.

The fourth quarter started out much the same as the third. Very physical play by Lakota West prevented Colerain from really ever establishing an offense down low with very good perimeter defense. At the 3:08 mark, Lakota West extended their lead to 50-45 and never looked back. Lakota West hit two big 3-point baskets late and absolutely nailed their free throws (69% for the game on 26 attempts) down the stretch. The game had suspense to the very end as Colerain JR Marcus Monteiro (7 pts, 1 ast) hit a trey with 7.5 seconds left to pull Colerain to within 2 at 59-57. Colerain immediately fouled West on the inbounds pass and Lakota West hit only 1 of their 2 penalty shots. Colerain rebounded and SR Ken Kunkel took off towards the Cardinal basket with hopes of sending the game to OT. It was not to be as his pass in the waning seconds was deflected by West and that was that. Final score: Lakota West 60 – Colerain 57.

Very good game between two pretty good teams. Colerain Coach Higgins said during his post-game with us that it was the half-court offense that let down his Cardinals tonight but he was upbeat and reminded his squad that 11-2 is nothing to be ashamed of and they needed to learn to deal with adversity. He reminded them that Hamilton comes to the Cage on Friday and they need to be ready as it took the Cardinals OT back in December to beat this Hamilton squad which has only won 3 games all season.

This Colerain team is getting better and better and they are going to be tough to beat down the stretch. Those of us at WeAreColerain.com urge you to make it out to a game and watch these young men play. It is a fast-paced, exciting atmosphere and they need adult fans who stand and cheer on their efforts.

Good luck the rest of the way.

GO CARDINALS!!
WE ARE…COLERAIN!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Another Honor for Cardinal Ashley Wanninger

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff


The exploits of SR Basketball player Ashley Wanninger have been well-documented both here at WeAreColerain.com as well as major news outlets and award organizations throughout Ashley's career at Colerain High School. She has won multiple awards over the years and been a team leader on some very good Girls Basketball squads.

WeAreColerain.com has learned through a recent press release that Colerain's own Ashley Wanninger has been nominated as a 2010 McDonald's All-American. Ashley, along with only 27 other girls STATEWIDE, were nominated to be members on the 24 person NATIONAL team. Final rosters will be announced during the 2010 McDonald’s All American H.S. Basketball Games Selection Show presented by Safelite AutoGlass, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

Players nominated for McDonald’s All-American game

This is a tremendous honor and one that only helps solidify Ashley's athletic legacy at Colerain High School.

CONGRATULATIONS on the nomination Ashley and we wish you the very best for the rest of the season!

WE ARE...COLERAIN!!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Ashley Wanninger Up for QueenCityHigh.com Star of the Week

Colerain senior girls basketball player Ashley Wanninger has been nominated for QueenCityHigh.com Star of the Week. You can go to http://queencityhigh.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1042204 to vote for her.

Colerain Wrestling: Getting better week by week

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

More great coverage from Tony Meale at the Northwest Press. This time a nice write-up on the Colerain Wrestling team.

Colerain progressing on the mats

For more information on the Wrestling team, check out their website at ColerainWrestling.org.

Good luck to the wrestling team the rest of the way.

We Are...Colerain

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Lady Cards Throw First Quarter Shutout In Rout of Fairfield 58-19

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Colerain girls basketball coach Christi Mack says her team has certain objectives they want to hit in each basketball game: How many points to hold an opponent under. How many more rebounds than the opposition. Field goal percentage, etc...
When asked if one of the team goals was to hold a GMC opponent to one first half point the Cardinal coach grimmaced and sheepishly said "I didn't expect that to happen". But that is exactly what happend on Tuesday night at The Cage as Colerain shutout the Indians 14-0 in the first quarter en route to a 28-1 halftime lead and 58-19 victory. "When we got up big I told our kids to not even look at the scoreboard and just to continue playing hard and remember to 'do what we do'" added coach Mack.
Colerain out rebounded the Indians 42-27 and forced 11 first quarter turnovers in building its lead. Sophomore Kristen Thompson had six of her game high 15 boards in the first period. "Kristen is a good hearted kid. Kinda happy go lucky. She's third in the GMC in rebounds (7.9 per game) but I think she could be number 1. She's a decievingly good athlete and if we can get her to be more assertive she will."
Alexis Fitzpatrick was one of three Cardinals in double digit scoring with 11 points (Ashley Wanninger 17 pts, Sheaira Jones 11 pts) and also added a game high 7 assists and 4 steals. "Alexis takes such good care of the ball but she really sets the tone for us defensively. She's got such quick hands." It was off back to back steals by Fitzpatrick early in the game that lead to easy layups for herself and Sheaira jones.
Colerain moves to 10-3 on the season and now stands tied for first place in the GMC with a 6-2 conference mark.

Up next for Colerain is a visit this Saturday afternoon to Lakota East!
Come out to Liberty Township and support your lady Cardinals!


WE ARE...COLERAIN!

Moeller optimistic he'll play this year

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com


Brief article from the Columbus Dispatch regarding Colerain grad Tyler Moeller and his attempt to return to football for the Buckeyes.

Moeller optimistic he'll play this year

All of us at WeAreColerain.com wish Tyler the very best in his recovery efforts and if able, his exploits on the gridiron next fall.

We Are...Colerain!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Colerain Boys Start Slow Then Run Away From Fairfield, 64-55

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

With a full house, a student section sporting a white-out theme and the pep band rocking The Cage, the Colerain boys basketball team was anything but on fire at the outset of the game with Fairfield on Friday night. After falling behind 10-2 to the Indians coach Kevin Higgins used a full time out to grab his team's attention. "We weren't making plays. We weren't getting loose balls. We weren't getting back on defense. We just needed to settle down and let our press take over." Whatever the coach said worked as Colerain went on a 9-0 run to end the first quarter and a 29-14 run to end the fist half to take the lead into the locker room at 31-24.
Colerain was lead by senior guard, Josh Quigley, who scored 18 points including a three to start a seond half run that would see Colerain push the lead to 20 points at 58-38.
JoVonta 'Bam' Harrison, who contributed 8 assists and 5 steals to go with his four points, found it hard to contain his smile after the game. Harrison who, as a three year varsity player, has been a part of some lean years at Colerain and was reflective when asked how it feels to be 10-1 (5-1) at this point. "It feels good" was all the 5'10" senior could say through his grin. "Bam isn't a great ball handler. He doesn't shoot it real well, but he's a very, very smart player. He know what we want out there and he knows what offense we need to be in and he knows what we need on defense" said coach Higgins of his captain. "Coach puts a lot of confidence in me and he trusts me to be simple with it and not try to do to much" added Harrison.
On this night, however, Bam did just about everything.

Next up for Colerain, who is now tied with West for 2nd place in the GMC one game behind Princeton, is a big road game at Oak Hills next Friday night. Get over to Oak Hills and root on the 5th ranked Colerain Cardinals!

We Are...COLERAIN!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Ashley Wanninger brings home LaRosa's MVP

Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Ashley Wanninger - LaRosa's MVP of the Week Winner

Congrats to Colerain Basketball star Ashley Wanninger for bringing home the LaRosa's MVP of the Week award. Her outstanding play thus far has helped her to lead the Lady Cards to a tremendous start (9-3, 5-2 in GMC) to the season and has them eyeing a deep playoff run.

Take the time to vote in this weeks poll as star Colerain Swimmer Lauren Weaver is up for the same award this week.
VOTE LAUREN WEAVER!

The Duke bound Senior has already left her mark in the record books at Colerain and looks to continue her winning ways her Senior year!

Congrats to both ladies on their tremendous athletic accomplishments and best of luck in the future from WeAreColerain.com!

We Are...COLERAIN!!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Colerain Girls Hold Off Pesky Harrison Squad 55-45

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Behind the gritty play of sophomore point guard Abby Feuchter and the hot shooting of senior Ashley Wanninger the Colerain girls basketball team was able to withstand a furious third quarter surge by Harrison on Wednesday night and prevail 55-45.
Trailing 26-14 at the break the Wildcats used a stingy full court press and hot three point shooting from Amy Brooks (14pts) to close the gap to 41-35 at the end of the third quarter. Ashley Wanninger who scored 21 points (4 of 8 from behind the arc) kept the Colerain cushion from shrinking even smaller by hitting 5 of 6 free throws in the final two minutes of the period.
The star on this night, however, was Feuchter who scored 12 points and contributed 6 assists and hit 6 of 8 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory for Colerain. "I'm happy for Abby. She's a humble kid and she's worked hard to get to this point" said coach Christi Mack.
Up next for the Lady Cardinals is a return to GMC play with a home game next Tuesday night versus Fairfield. Coach Mack added, "Fairfield has a great freshman. They have some tough losses but we never count anybody out in the GMC. This league is too tough to do that. In fact, I've got some film on them that I'm going home right now to watch!"

We Are...COLERAIN!

Colerain Reaches Across the River once again!


Chris Himonidis
WeAreColerain.com Staff

Seems the Cardinal administration is finding some good fortune south of the river. Looking to get "Lucky in Kentucky!" once again, Colerain announed today the signing of a 2-year deal for football with Ryle High School (Union, KY) to begin play in 2011 in week2. The game in 2011 will be at Colerain with a return trip to Ryle in 2012. In addition, the schools have said that they are working on matchups in both girls and boys soccer as well as boys basketball for next school year, 2010-2011.

Colerain - Ryle matchup set

This signing comes a year after Colerain AD Dan Bolden reached out to DuPont Manual from Louisville, KY and signed a two year deal which will see the Cardinals travel to Louisville this upcoming fall to take on the Crimsons and their new Head Coach Oliver Lucas in week 3.

And from the rumor mill, sources are reporting that their may even be a bluegrass opponent in week 1 at the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. No official word yet but when it breaks, we'll have it here at WeAreColerain.com!

GO CARDS!
We Are...Colerain!

Friday, January 08, 2010

Colerain Boys Continue Hot Streak With Win Over Middletown!

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

In a game that saw four ties and nine lead changes the Colerain Cardinals showed both physical and mental toughness in holding on for a 47-44 win at home over the Middletown Middies on Friday night. Marcus Monteiro lead the Cardinals with 12 points including two crucial free throws with 4.9 seconds remaining (in a 1 & 1 situation) that forced Middletown to hurry a long three point shot at the buzzer that never found the rim. A jubulant Colerain team mobbed each other at mid-court at the final buzzer and, after the team handshake, were joined by a good sized student section that made its voice heard on this night.
"We subbed a lot tonight...When we press and run it wears on teams" said coach Kevin Higgins who's team moves to 8-1 overall and 4-1 in the GMC. Indeed, the Cardinals had 9 players play over 7 minutes of game time and ran players in and out in the first half the way a hockey team changes lines.
When asked if this win helped to validate his statement in his exclusive pre-season interview with WeAreColerain.com that Colerain should compete of the top half of the GMC and coach Higgins was not at a loss for words. "I don't know about validate, but it is certainly the biggest win we've had in three years here. But this is a tough league and tonight doesn't mean a whole lot if we lose our focus. There's still 13 games (GMC) left. So, we'll see."
The game looked like it could get out of hand in the second quarter for the Cardinals. After playing nearly even through out the first eight minutes of the game the Middies lead 9-8 but extended it to 16-8 with a 7-0 run to open the second quarter. But Elisha Campbell sparked a 14-5 run to end the half when he was fouled while making a driving layup and converted the free throw to bring Colerain to within 5 at 16-11. Colerain would lead 22-21 at the break. Middletown came out hot in the second half behind the three point shooting (4-8) of Mikey Brown (17pts to lead all scorers) but Colerain wouldn't let the Middies pull away from them and finally regained the lead at the end of the third quarter when Monteiro burried a 3 from the left wing as the buzzer sounded giving Colerain the advantage at 33-32.
With the game tied late in the 4th Bam Harrison deflected a ball at mid-court and it was picked up by Senior Ken Kunkel who drove uncontested to the basket for a one handed slam that electrified the Colerain crowd. Moments later Senior, Ben Vondarhaar, hit a spinning jump hook that touched nothing but net from 12 feet out giving Colerain a 41-37 lead that it would not relinquish.

WE ARE...COLERAIN!

Colerain Basketball RED HOT!!!!

Lady Cards down No. 1 Oak Hills; boys 2nd in GMC
(article by Tony Meale, Community Press)

Some very special things are happening with the basketball programs at Colerain. Coaches Mack (girls) and Higgins (boys) have the programs at a combined 15-3 and BOTH in second place in the GMC. We, as Colerain fans and alumni, need to take notice!

For the girls, this started back during the Coach Nikki Drew days when the girls turned the corner and started really competiting at a high level. However, Coach Mack has continued and improved upon that base. After beating previously GMC-unbeaten and #1 team in the city Oak Hills, the Girls have a home game tomorrow, Saturday Jan. 9 @ 2:30 against city-power Lakota West, who is 7-2 overall, 4-2 in conference. If you can be there to watch some great basketball and support our girls, be there! You won't be disappointed.

As for the boys, what can you say other than WOW!!! In 2006, the boys program won 2 basketball games THE ENTIRE SEASON while going winless in the GMC (0-14). From '05-'09, the most wins this program ever had in a single season was 11 ('05). Today, they currently sit tied for SECOND PLACE IN THE GMC at 7-1 overall, 3-1 in conference. Coach Higgins, in only his second season, has got our program on the right track. Which, if you listen to WeAreColerain.com's exclusive pre-season interview with Coach Higgins (CLICK HERE), you will hear the optimism and his belief that Colerain was going to surprise some folks. Well they certainly have! Tonight, the boys take on Middletown (5-3, 3-1) AT HOME at 7:30PM in "The Cage" at Colerain High School.

If you've been snowed in for two days and are looking for something to get your blood pumping again, get up to the High School tonight and/or tomorrow and watch these teams defend their home court and represent our school and community with the utmost effort and pride! You will NOT be disappointed you made the trip!

Basketball is in full swing and the Cardinals of Colerain should keep all fans, alumni, and the community engaged well into the beginning of Spring!

Continued well wishes to both Coaches Mack and Higgins and all the assistant coaches and parent volunteers for the rest of the season!

We Are...COLERAIN!!

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Colerain Girls Down Oak Hills!

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com


The Colerain girls basketball team went on the road tonight and defeated Oak Hills 46-44 and is now just a half game behind Sycamore (6-1) in the GMC with a 5-1 conference record. (8-2 overall).
The Lady Cardinals were paced by senior guard, Ashley Wanninger's 22 points, 7 rebounds and two assists.

Colerain next plays at home on Saturday in another crucial matchup with GMC power Lakota West.
Game time is at 2:00 PM.

WE...ARE...COLERAIN!!

Congrats to Colerain Bowler!!!

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

From AD, Dan Bolden:

Colerain junior Matt Crooker just bowled a 300 !!!(A perfect game) in the boy's victory over Lakota West.

Outstanding news!! Congrats, Matt!!


We...Are...COLERAIN!

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Colerain Girls Romp Past Middletown. Game Photos from McAuley Now Up

Al Gabriel
WeAreColerain.com

Sheaira Jones paced Colerain with 12 points and Ashley Wanninger added 10 as the Lady Cardinals beat Middletown 72-35 on Saturday afternoon at Colerain High School.

Photos from both the JV and Varsity wins over McAuley on Wednesday are now available. Click HERE to view!