Covington Catholic faced a tough defeat against Louisville St. Xavier in the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16, falling 75-61. Despite a strong start and leading after the first quarter, CovCath couldn't maintain momentum as St. Xavier outscored them in later periods. CovCath concludes its season with a record of 31-3, marking their return to the Sweet 16 since 2022. St. Xavier, now at 27-7, advances to the quarterfinals. CovCath head coach Jake Thelen commended his team's determination and resilience throughout the season.

By the Numbers
  • CovCath scored 24 points in the first quarter but was outscored 24-11 in the second quarter.
  • St. Xavier drained 12 three-pointers compared to CovCath's 8, finishing the game shooting 30% from beyond the arc.
State of Play
  • CovCath started strong but fell behind due to St. Xavier's hot shooting and athleticism.
  • Key players for CovCath included Braeden Myrick with 19 points and Athens McGillis who scored 11 in his final game.
What's Next

CovCath will lose several key seniors, including McGillis, which may impact their future season. Meanwhile, St. Xavier prepares for the quarterfinals and aims to continue their playoff run. Key player Jordan Jackson's performance could be pivotal as the tournament progresses.

Bottom Line

While CovCath's season ends on a disappointing note, their strong performance throughout the year showcases their potential moving forward. Coach Thelen's leadership and the team's hard work set a solid foundation for future seasons, despite graduating several impactful players.