ElmerT

Steve Sparks citing "philosophical differences" should be a huge red flag for any prospective coach.

That's what I would call a "tainted" loss. Imagine a young team coming together at the right time during the tournament. That opportunity was denied when the Apollo administration saw fit to reward disloyalty for the 2nd year in a row. Austin Tyler was denied the opportunity to continue his maturing process as a team leader and the team was denied the opportunity to build on it's obvious young talent. Ben (a very talented player) was torched repeatedly after he started picking up fouls. He placed his value above the team's by his lacksidasical defensive effort when in foul trouble. A disturbing trend from the "higher ups" at Apollo has emerged and should give any family pause if they've got a son or daughter that's a talented student, hard working loyal person with a talent for basketball. I, for one, would not consider that school for my sports-minded, excellent students until significant changes are seen.

Truly a sad situation. Adults tend to ruin a lot of things for kids. Good luck to Apollo but this does not shine a favorable light on the program or the administrators. Not a good destination for talented players in the area. There's a huge difference between a good collection of players and a quality program. They have a good collection of players but it kinda gives you a bad feeling about the long term viability of the program under the current regime.

When you compromise ethics for a win, you shall reap what you sow. It does not bode well for the growth and sustainment of the program. It's obvious you'll need to keep looking over your shoulder if you're connected with that team. History has proven as much. Congratulations to Apollo on the win.

It just doesn't seem like the right way to build and sustain a program. Good luck to them.

I agree. I would put the onus on the coach to determine if he could trust the player to remain loyal, not disrupt team chemistry and not overly penalize guys that have done everything right. One regular season game with minimal to zero practice is beyond a stretch.

I'm all for student/player freedom of choice. It's up to the coaches and administrators to determine if they want to be known as a revolving door program.

I can't imagine a coach subjecting his program and players to that type of disruption. Huge red flag, IMO. Principal and/or AD should have vetoed this move if the coach didn't have the wherewithal to do so.

Seems like a slap in the face to those who have remained loyal.

Apollo at McLean tonight. Moss playing?

He is listed on the KHSAA roster.

.......with the return of Ben Moss?

Excellent preview! Never know how it's going to shake out until games start and anything can happen in February and March, as we witnessed last season. DC, OHS and McLean are likely the class of the 3rd Region. 1) McLean Co. - Made the regional tournament last season for the 1st time in many years under a 1st year coach. Sam Miller may turn out to be best guard in the region. 1A) OHS - Guard play goes a long way in HS BBall. Winning culture. Harris is at the top of the list of guards. 1B) DC - Best player in the region if he's focused. 1D) Meade - Caught lightening in a bottle against Apollo last season. Very well coached with skilled players. How good is the transfer? 5) Breck - Well coached. Skilled players. Enough size and depth? 6) Catholic - Young size with some shooters on the perimeter. Their ceiling will be determined by the level of conditioning attained by O'bryan. Not been the same player since injuries. 7) Hancock Co. - Good, experienced guards. 8) Ohio Co. - They will play the game the right way. Wilson is largely an unknown commodity during the varsity regular season. Should be fun to watch. 9) Muhlenberg County 10) Grayson County 11) Edmonson County 12) Butler County 13) Apollo 14) Cloverport 15) Whitesville Trinity Players to watch.: Curry (DC), Miller, Hudson (McLean), Harris (OHS), Pate, Ogle (Hancock), Hopewell (Apollo), Hackert (Meade), Mingus (Breck) Sleepers: Shelton (Apollo), Wilson (Ohio Co.) - It will be interesting to see what they can do against quality varsity competition during the regular season. They've certainly had some positive pub during AAU season.

22ft. Academy in South Carolina. Any more defections from Apollo this upcoming season?

Per Twitter.: Ben Moss to prep school. Apollo not looking so good this upcoming season.

I once heard a successful college coach say he shouldn't have to coach effort AND basketball. You play the players that always give maximum effort and, hopefully, the less mature players learn from that example. Right or wrong, like it or not, the responsibility for instilling that falls on one man. It's a culture that creates a program, not just a collection of "talent." Another long time Division 1 coach once told me (paraphrasing) "The players get the credit when we win, I take the blame when we lose." I believe the leadership there can improve and it will take improvement in that area to right the ship. With humility and hard work, it can be done.

Seems to be some major dysfunction at Apollo. Had a roster last season that should have ran people out of the gym with defensive pressure, depth, length, skill, experienced leadership and athleticism. By the end of the year they had a short bench, very little defensive pressure, half court oriented (predictable) offense that settled for far too many jump shots. There didn't appear to be any progress during June basketball. I'm not sold on the Eagles as 3rd region favorites especially if prep school and transfers happen, as has been reported. Sometimes things just aren't the best fit for certain players and/or coaches. Hopefully things will improve. You've got to be able to best utilize talent and adjust to the modern game to compete at the highest level. There are specific necessities that must be honored that aren't always directly related to basketball that many times determine the success or failure of a particular team or program. OHS last season is a prime example of those necessary requirements being correctly honored. It's my hope that Apollo finds that narrow path that leads to championships.

IF everyone comes back for Apollo, it SHOULD be a walk in the park. No Holman, Miller, Noffsinger or Griffith. But to lose the way they did, makes you wonder whether they will ever get over the hump.

Never changed defenses. Never any accountability for players making repeated poor decisions. Did not use size advantage sufficiently. Eagles played scared when it got tight. Not nearly enough pressure on the basketball and close outs were poor. Held the ball too often against zone. Meade played with team swagger, extreme confidence, well coached with a great game plan. They even had success pressuring Apollo in the 3rd quarter. Congrats to them. Hopefully, it will be a learning experience for all involved.

A team to keep an eye on. Lots of talent, size, athleticism, skill and good coaching. My darkhorse for the regional title.

Don't sleep on Apollo. I've had some Apollo folks tell me they did defeat OHS in the finals of the WKU team camp this summer. I think it will take time to sort things out but the talent and coaching are there. I'll still contend that it's likely OHS and Apollo as 1 and 1A in the region. These are 15-17 year old kids that have ups and downs.

I think you need to put Apollo (Owensboro, KY) in the mix. They have maybe the top junior in the state with good coaching, good size, skill, depth and athleticism around him. This could be the year that the 3rd region, whether it's Owensboro or Apollo, finally wins some games at Rupp after quite a dry spell.

I would say Owensboro and Apollo are certainly the favorites and it will be a difficult task for the other 3rd region teams to defeat them but we all know that during the tournament and throughout the season upsets can and do happen. When you have good guard play, good shooting, experience and good coaching, you can certainly compete with just about anyone for one game. That's why I see Daviess County, Muhlenberg County, Owensboro Catholic, McLean County, Ohio County and Grayson County as teams that could pull an upset on a given night. At least one of these teams will be a lot better than initially thought and at least one will likely be a disappointment this season. That's just the unpredictability of high school sports. And, as well all know, anything can happen at tournament time. Owensboro Catholic in 2013 is a prime example. No one had them pegged as a team that could make the regional finals before the season started and they have several players that were big contributors as sophomores that season that are still on the team. Every team I mentioned above has at least one player that could be a difference maker in a big game. Might have even left out a team or two.

3rd Region Boys Basketball Preview 1. OWENSBORO - Coach Rod Drake returns almost everyone from last year’s 3rd Region Championship team. 6’9” senior Aric Holman, who holds scholarship offers from some of the top universities in the nation, returns with an improved low post game to go along with his excellent top of the key jumper and intimidating shot blocking, making him one of the premier inside-outside players in the state. 6’5” senior Justin Miller will continue to be very tough to handle on the block and will be a match-up problem for just about any high school team in the state. His improved conditioning and maturity could spell major trouble for opponents. Seniors Darrian Morrow and Dylan Sanford are two of the better shooters around and have all-around skills that are underrated. Senior Arius Phillips and sophomore Jacoby Harris will handle the point guard duties with some younger players providing depth for the Red Devils. Owensboro will get to test their mettle against some of the best teams in the country when they compete in the King of the Bluegrass and the Joe B. Hall Classic tournaments. To be the man, you gotta beat the man, so, OHS has the top spot for now. 2. APOLLO - Steve Barker takes over the reins of the Apollo Eagles. The Eagles will be led by one of the preeminent wing players in the state, 6’5” Eli Wright. Coming into his junior season, Wright is picking up scholarship offers from everywhere. Always able to get to the rim, Wright has vastly improved his 3 point shooting and overall floor game. Manning the middle will be 6’5” senior Caleb Coomes, a very strong post player that will surprise you with his outside shooting and ball handling ability. His leadership will go a long way in determining the ceiling for Apollo this season. Senior Nate Hopewell is a dead eye shooter with a big body that will handle the power forward duties. 6’5” senior Nick Wells will also provide leadership and athleticism. He’s a slasher, solid rebounder and has a good shooting touch. Junior Chase Survant, a player with a very high basketball IQ and excellent defensive instincts, will be counted on as a steadying force. Sophomore Zach Hopewell will be a force on the wing for the Eagles this season and has a bright future. Junior Ben Moss will replace Sam Sergeant at the point and also has a lot of potential. Apollo is very deep and could be considered “1A” in the race for the regional title, especially when you factor in the success Coach Barker had against OHS while at McLean County. 3. DAVIESS COUNTY - Coach Pat Hume’s Panthers return a solid nucleus of players to compete for the 3rd region title after coming on strong at the end of last season. 5’11” senior Marshall Griffith is rising in stature as a player and has the ability to play at the next level. An explosive scorer and exceptional athlete, Griffith will be counted on to run the show for the Panthers. He will be joined by 6’7” junior Stewart Curry, a player who can really stroke the “3” and run the floor. 6’5” senior Zack Burton will join him and provide leadership, shot-blocking and a much improved all-around game. His emergence at the end of last season bodes well for DC this season. Senior Tyler Hagan, an athletic wing player and good defender will see big minutes, as well as 5’11” sophomore guard Tyler Boling. Seniors 6’1” Michael Gilmer, 6’2” Corey Merrit and 6’6” Jonathan Speed will also be counted on as solid contributors this season. This is a team that is well coached, athletic, with good size and could very well win the region. 4. MUHLENBERG COUNTY - Can you ever count out a Tony Hopper coached team? The ‘stangs are looking to build on coming within a few points of reaching Rupp Arena last season. 5’11” senior Hunter Noffsinger returns for what seems like his 10th year of varsity competition. He can shoot, penetrate and dish. His savvy play makes the players around him better. Junior Kobe Drake and seniors Zeke Merritt, Cortland Hampton and John Reynolds all return and will be joined by a group of younger players providing depth for Muhlenberg County this season. After reaching the regional finals a year ago, expectations are high for the Mustangs. 5. OWENSBORO CATHOLIC - Neil Hayden comes over from Apollo to assume the head coaching duties at Owensboro Catholic. He will take over an experienced team that returns quite a bit of talent. 5’10 junior Cameron O’bryan has become one of the better guards in the region. His ability to create in the lane and finish at the rim is uncanny and he’s a more than capable shooter. He will be joined by 6’4” senior Ed Carter, a player with a good motor and great attitude. If he’s improved his offensive presence to go along with his rebounding and shot blocking, he could be very imposing force this season. 6’1” junior sharp-shooter Ray Zuberer returns at one wing. It may take time for him to round into form, considering that Catholic is primed to make a run in the football playoffs. Same can be said for 5’9” senior Jansen Riney. Once these guys get some time on the court, they will definitely be two of the better players in the 3rd region. The Aces will also have good depth. OCHS has the potential to be a tough out for any team come tournament time, as was evident by their regional final run in 2013. 6. OHIO COUNTY - Matt Brigance takes over for Paul Decker at Ohio County. 6’8” Trace Young already has division 1 scholarship offers and is arguably the top sophomore in the state. Ohio County has some senior leadership along with rising sophomore Connor Wilson. The Eagles have adequate size and a good mix of talented older and younger players. Can a new coach put it together in time to be a force come tournament time? 7. GRAYSON COUNTY - Kelly Carwile takes over as head coach for the Grayson County Cougars. Senior guard and leading scoring Talon Gary returns to lead an experienced team. Gary is a very good scorer with a high basketball IQ. He’s joined by 6’4” improving big man, Alex Shelhart. Shelhart can score in the post and also from the 3 point line. 8. MCLEAN COUNTY - Greg Stephens takes over for Steve Barker at McLean County. The Cougars will be led by senior Josh Kirk, juniors Will Hudson and big man Jake Logsdon. Sophomore Sam Miller will be called upon to be a big contributor this season for the Cougars. 9. BRECKENRIDGE COUNTY - Breck County Coach Patrick Critchelow will have some good talent returning to try and improve and the showing last season. Senior Benjamin Miller returns at guard and will need to have a big year. 10. HANCOCK COUNTY - Darren Lynam will have 6'7" Center Caleb Bivens, 6’4” Patrick McBride, and 6'3" Michael Dunavan providing good size for the Hornets and Garrett Pate and Ty Ogle with be counted on for scoring and ball handling. 11. BUTLER COUNTY - Head Coach Calvin Dockery will rely heavily on leading returning scorer, Zach Burden. 12. EDMONSON COUNTY - Edmonson County looks to improve on last year with a lot of experience returning this season. 13. MEADE COUNTY - Seniors John Wilson, Will King and Corey Stegner, juniors Kase Mattingly and Josh Durbin along with sophomore Calvin Hackert will be counted on. 14. FREDERICK FRAZIE - If 6’5” Nick Smith can get some help, FF can surprise some people. 15. WHITESVILLE TRINITY - Seniors Skyler Dickens, Jacob Hook, Jonah Roberts and Logan Goetz return to form a solid nucleus. Top 10 Players in the 3rd Region (Plus) 1) Aric Holman (Owensboro) – 6’9” player with a smooth jump shot and good instincts defensively. High major college prospect. 2) Eli Wright (Apollo) – 6’5” wing with an all-around game. Might be recruited by everyone before he’s done. 3) Justin Miller (Owensboro) - 6’5” post player (nearly 300 lbs.) who’s almost unstoppable on the block. 4) Marshall Griffith (Daviess County) – 5’11” point guard who's an explosive scorer and has hops. 5) Trace Young (Ohio County) – 6’8” soph with nearly unlimited potential. 6) Stewart Curry (Daviess County) – 6’7” player that may be best 3 point shooter in the region. 7) Caleb Coomes (Apollo) – 6’5” post with inside-out ability with strength and leadership. 8) Hunter Noffsinger (Muhlenberg County) – 5’11” floor general that can do a little of everything. 9) Darrian Morrow (Owensboro) – 6’1” clutch long-range shooter with underrated floor game. 10) Ed Carter (Owensboro Catholic) – 6’4” shot blocker and rebounder. Too many good players in the 3rd Region to stop at only 10 so I'll mention Cameron O’bryan (Owensboro Catholic), Talon Gary (Grayson County), Garrett Pate(Hancock County), Dylan Sanford (Owensboro), Nick Wells (Apollo), Nick Smith (Frederick Fraize), Connor Wilson (Ohio County) and Zack Burton (Daviess County) among several others that could be in the top ten by the end of the season.