Top Point Guards in 9th Region Boys Basketball to Become Teammates Next Season

Yamil Rondon, a standout junior point guard from Cooper High School, has announced his transfer to Newport High School for the upcoming basketball season. This move will pair him up with Newport’s star point guard, Taylen Kinney, creating a dynamic duo in the backcourt for the Wildcats.

Rondon, who led Cooper to the 9th Region final for the second consecutive year, cited a change in residence as the reason for his transfer. With his parents divorced, he will now be living with his father in Newport, allowing him to join the Wildcats and reunite with former AAU teammates.

During his time at Cooper, Rondon averaged 13 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, earning recognition on the Division I all-conference team. Despite feeling sad about leaving his former teammates, Rondon is excited about the opportunity to play alongside Kinney and the rest of the Newport squad.

On the other hand, Kinney, who was named Player of the Year in the 9th Region, will be looking to build on his impressive sophomore season. With the addition of Rondon and the return of key players like Griffin Starks and James Turner, Newport is poised to be a top contender in the state once again.

In other news, Holy Cross and Beechwood emerged as champions in the 9th Region All “A” Classic tournaments. Holy Cross softball team secured a spot in the state tournament with a victory over Dayton, while Beechwood baseball team claimed their third consecutive regional title.

Additionally, the rosters for the Ohio-Kentucky All-Star Games have been released, featuring standout players like Liz Freihofer from Cooper and Sarah Baker from Ryle. The games, scheduled for April 20 at Thomas More University, will showcase the top talent from both states in an exciting showcase event.