News Summary

As Newport High School prepares for the new sports season, the boys’ basketball team faces significant changes due to player transfers to sports academies. Notable starters James Turner and Griffin Starks will join AZ Compass Prep and Southeastern Prep, respectively. This shift raises questions about the traditional high school basketball landscape as Coach Rod Snapp navigates these transitions. The trend highlights a growing competitive edge among sports academies, while the community reflects on the implications for both athletes and school spirit. Alongside, the wrestling program sees new leadership with Kane Plaugher at the helm.

Newport High School Basketball Faces Departures as Players Transfer to Sports Academies

Newport is buzzing with excitement and a bit of uncertainty as the new school year kicks off. As the school welcomes a new high school principal and an interim superintendent, the spotlight is on the boys’ basketball team, led by Rod Snapp, who is gearing up for his 16th year as the head coach and special education teacher.

This year’s roster is shaping up a bit different than what Snapp had initially anticipated. Two of the team’s starters, James Turner and Griffin Starks, have decided to make a big change and transfer to sports academies. Turner will be taking his talents to AZ Compass Prep School in Arizona, while Starks heads for Southeastern Prep in Florida. These moves mark a significant shift in the team dynamics as both players have been key contributors on the court.

Stepping Up Their Game

Turner had an impressive junior year, averaging 14.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, while Starks put up solid numbers as well, with an average of 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds as a sophomore. The decision of these athletes to transition to sports academies isn’t entirely out of the blue. They’re following in the footsteps of their former teammate, Taylen Kinney, who made quite a name for himself at Overtime Elite in Atlanta. Kinney is now recognized as one of the top 20 college prospects in the class of 2026, boasting multiple scholarship offers.

A New Era in Basketball?

For Coach Snapp, these changes are quite eye-opening. He explained how this situation is somewhat unique for him in Northern Kentucky’s high school basketball landscape. Traditionally, the game has been played mostly within the confines of local high schools, but the rise of sports academies, which provide structured environments for high-performing athletes, is changing the game. While the competitiveness remains, the absence of elite talent at traditional schools is a growing concern.

As Newport’s young athletes consider their options, Snapp acknowledges the complexity involved in helping families navigate the decision-making process between staying at Newport High or pursuing the allure of sports academies. It’s more than just choosing a school; it’s about visions for the future and opportunities to enhance both athletic skill and academic success.

The Broader Picture

There’s also a spotlight on Newport’s athletic alumni. Landen Hamilton, a graduate of Conner High School, is currently making waves playing basketball in Brazil with a USA Sports team. Hamilton shined as the scoring leader for Centre College last season, averaging 16.0 points and showing his flair for the game with a staggering career-high of 35 points in one contest.

On the wrestling front, changes are afoot, too. Kane Plaugher has been appointed as the new head coach of the Covington Catholic wrestling team, which had a strong finish at last year’s Region 5 tournament, placing sixth. With coaching experience from Ohio and Campbell County, Plaugher aims to motivate young athletes not just in wrestling but in life beyond their sports careers, striving for state titles along the way.

A Time of Change in Newport

As Newport High School adapts to these transitions, it shines a light on the evolving world of high school sports. The mix of new leadership, changing rosters, and the lure of sports academies has created a time of change that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the community, the players, and the coaches. With all eyes on Newport High School’s basketball and wrestling teams, supporters are eager to see how these transformations play out in the upcoming sports season.

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