​Simon Kenton’s Alexis Howard claimed the Northern Kentucky Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year honor at The Enquirer’s Cincinnati High School Sports Awards, held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and presented by Beacon Orthopaedics. Tony Tribble photographed the event for The Enquirer. While Cincinnati high school football hasn’t kicked off yet, The Enquirer is launching its preseason coverage with an in-depth look at the top returning players across different position groups. The focus turns to receivers and tight ends you should keep an eye on. Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorites using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once per hour until 4 p.m. Friday.
Withrow wide receiver Charles Alexander Jr. (1) made a notable catch in front of Taft defensive back Kavontae Whipple (8) during a game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior has committed to Iowa State after an earlier pledge to Louisville, having received offers from more than 25 programs, including multiple Power-5 programs. In a year when Withrow didn’t pass frequently, Alexander recorded 21 receptions for 369 yards and six touchdowns as a junior. He earned first-team all-league recognition in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference-Red Division, helping Withrow to a 9-3 record.
Meanwhile, Fairfield’s Josiah Leonard (7), a 6-foot-3 junior, stood out as one of Cincinnati’s top receivers last season, catching 56 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. He racked up 177 yards and three TDs against Sycamore and posted 185 yards with two touchdowns in a 59-47 loss to Lakota East. Ball, a standout in both football and basketball, holds more than 10 Division I offers, including programs from Cincinnati, Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland, and Wisconsin. He also drew interest from Ohio State and other Power-Five programs.
Lloyd Memorial’s Colten Barger (10), a versatile athlete, contributed on both sides of the ball, including a touchdown run in a 36-22 win over Aiken at Lloyd Memorial High School. The Juggernauts finished 13-1 and advanced to the KHSAA Class 3A state semifinals, a testament to Barger’s impact as a freshman and beyond. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 175 pounds, he earned first-team all-league status in the Greater Western Ohio Conference, helping the Panthers to a 7-4 season. Barger finished as one of the state’s leading receivers with 84 catches for 1,082 yards and nine touchdowns, earning Division II interest from schools such as Grand Valley State.
Beechwood’s Tyler Fryman attended The Enquirer’s Cincinnati High School Sports Awards on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, where Beacon Orthopaedics presented the event. The four-star football recruit and multi-sport standout were highlighted among the region’s top rising talents. As preseason coverage continues, fans can expect further profiles and analysis of players at every position, along with ongoing updates on commitments, statistics, and awards.