ApolloFan98

With 2 weeks to go in the regular season, some district tournament match-ups are becoming more clear while others will be decided this week. The big game to watch this week will be Owensboro Catholic traveling to Muhlenberg County on Tuesday. 1. Muhlenburg County Mustangs (12-7) – (1-0 this week) - SAME – Daviess Co (W 64-46 – Lovan & Summers 12 ea) - Schedule – Owensboro Catholic & Harrison Co 2. Owensboro Red Devils (17-5) - (2-0 this week) – SAME – Breck Co (W 78-39 0 Robinson Wales 17), Apollo (W 94-35 – Carbon 27, Robinson Wales 24) – Schedule – Bowling Green & Owensboro Catholic 3. Owensboro Catholic Aces (12-10) – UP 1 - (1-0 this week) – Thomas Nelson (W 85-76 – Ji Webb 30/11 & Griffith 25) – Schedule – Daviess Co, Muhlenberg Co & Owensboro 4. Ohio County Eagles (14-6) – DOWN 1 - (0-1 this week) – Whitesville Trinity (L 57-55) – Schedule – Breck Co, Butler Co & Henderson 5. Mclean County Cougars (14-8) – SAME - (2-0 this week) – Todd Co Central (W 56-42 – Dame 16/11) & Foundation Christian (W 58-23) – Schedule – Daviess Co, Dawson Springs & Evansville Day 6. Butler County Bears (14-7) – SAME – (2-1 this week) – Whitesville Trinity (W 84-61-Rice 19/11, Henderson 17, Fleener 16, Hunt 15), Franklin Simpson (L 60-52) & Grayson Co (W 53-48 – Fleener 18) - Schedule – Christian Co, Ohio Co and Edmonson Co 7. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (12-10) – SAME - (2-1 this week) – Butler Co (L 84-61), Ohio Co (W 57-55 – Hernandez 20), Louisville Colegiate(65-44 – Huff 16/11) – Schedule – Christian Co, Henderson Co, Grayson Co and Edmonson Co 8. Edmonson County Wildcats (12-10) – UP 1 – (2-0 this week) – Allen Co Scottsville (W 57-52 – Taylor 18), Logan Co (W 65-51) – Schedule – Grayson Co & Butler Co 9. Grayson County Cougars (10-11) – DOWN 1 - (1-1 this week) – Meade Co (W 48-45 – Blanton 14) & Butler Co (L 53-48) – Schedule – Edmonson Co, Breck Co & Whitesville Trinity 10. Hancock County Hornets (7-14) – UP 2 - (1-0 this week) – Cloverport (W 75-53 – Keown 19, Ferry 17, Ogle 14/11) – Schedule – Meade Co, Apollo, Breck Co & Perry Central 11. Daviess County Panthers (9-13) – SAME – (1-1 this week) – Muhlenberg Co (L 64-45) & Bethlehem (W 92-60 – McCampbell 23/12, Phelps 19, Dees 18) – Schedule – Owensboro Catholic, Mclean Co & Apollo 12. Meade County Greenwave (6-13) – UP 1 – (1-1 this week) – Meade Co (W 51-38 – Knoop 18), Grayson Co (L 48-45) – Schedule – Hancock Co, Central Hardin, Cloverport and CAL 13. Breckenridge County Tigers (7-13) – DOWN 3 – (0-2 this week) – Meade Co (L 51-38) & Owensboro (L 78-39) – Schedule – Ohio Co, Grayson Co & Hancock Co

LEADING SCORERS (as reported before 1/28) 1. Kenyatta Carbon & Amari Robinson Wales - Owensboro - 19.8, 3. Ji Webb -Owensboro Catholic - 18.2, 4. Brian Griffith - Owensboro Catholic - 17 5. Devin Powers - Hancock Co - 16.3 6. Austin Hedges - Cloverport - 16.2 7. Ryan Ogle - Hancock Co - 15.9 8. Kaleb Keown - Hancock Co -15.4 & River Blanton - Grayson Co - 15.4 10. Landon Huff - Whitesville Trinity - 15.3

The Muhlenberg County Mustangs hold onto the top spot this week, surviving a mid week scare from Butler County. The Mustangs have won 6 straight and are 7-0 against 3rd Region competition. They swept their district on Friday night, defeating McLean County. They will not have to play a district elimination game due to the 10th District only being 3 teams deep. Owensboro keeps posting impressive wins, as they handled Madisonville this past week. Kenyatta Carbon and Amari Robinson Wales lead the region in scoring. Ohio Co had won 12 of their last 13 games before falling to Calloway County on Saturday. They hope to get Elijah Decker back in the lineup sooner than later, which will only make them better. Owensboro Catholic fell in the All-A tournament and still seem to be coming together as a team. Coach Riley is seeking some consistency for the Aces as we head toward the final month of the season. Outside of the top 4 teams, its very difficult to see a path to Rupp for anyone else. 1. Muhlenburg County Mustangs (11-7) – (3-0 this week) - SAME – Butler Co (W 54-53 OT – Cole Vincent 18/10), Mclean Co (W 53-37 – Cole Vincent 18) & Breck Co (W 53-37 – Trey Lovell 12) - Schedule – Daviess Co & Henderson Co 2. Owensboro Red Devils (15-5) - (2-0 this week) – SAME – Madisonville (W 63-58 – Kenyatta Carbon 30) & Daviess Co (W – Amari Robinson Wales 22) – Schedule – Breck Co & Apollo 3. Ohio County Eagles (14-5) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Hancock Co (W 63-56 – Parker Culberson 24) & Calloway Co (L 82-65) – Schedule – Whitesville Trinity & Breck Co 4. Owensboro Catholic Aces (11-10) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Christian Co (W 52-50 – Ji Webb & Brian Griffith 15 ea) & Pikeville (L 64-51) – Schedule – Daviess Co & Collins 5. Mclean County Cougars (12-8) – SAME - (0-1 this week) – Muhlenberg Co (L 53-37) – Schedule – Todd Co Central, Hopkins Central, Lou Collegiate & Foundation Christian 6. Butler County Bears (12-6) – UP 2 – (1-1 this week) – Muhlenberg Co (L 54-53 OT) & Whitesville Trinity (W 80-70 – Lawson Rice 25) - Schedule – Whitesville Trinity, Franklin Simpson & Grayson Co 7. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (10-9) – UP 3 - (2-1 this week) – Meade Co (W 61-56 OT – Landon Huff 21/10), Butler Co (L 80-70) & Cloverport (W 79-54) – Schedule – Butler Co, Ohio Co, Edmonson Co & St Mary 8. Grayson County Cougars (9-10) – DOWN 2 - (0-1 this week) – LaRue Co (L 33-32) – Schedule – Meade Co, Butler Co and Elizabethtown 9. Edmonson County Wildcats (10-10) – DOWN 1 10. Breckenridge County Tigers (7-11) – UP 1 11. Daviess County Panthers (8-12) – DOWN 3 12. Hancock County Hornets (6-14) – UP 1 13. Meade County Greenwave (5-12) – DOWN 1 14. Apollo Eagles (2-18) – SAME 15. Cloverport Aces (2-15) – SAME PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Kenyatta Carbon – Owensboro – 30 point games against Bosse & Madisonville

11. Breckinridge County Tigers (6-10) – UP 1 - (1-2 this week) – Apollo (W 51-50 – Mercer Rogers 17), Bethlehem (L 84-80) & Mclean Co (L 45-36) – Schedule – Cloverport, Meade Co and Muhlenberg Co 12. Meade County Greenwave (5-11) – UP 1 - (1-1 this week) – Daviess Co (L 52-45) & Hancock Co (W 61-51) – Schedule – Whitesville Trinity & Breck Co 13. Hancock County Hornets (5-12) – DOWN 4 - (0-2 this week) – Owensboro Catholic (L 56-54) & Meade Co (L 61-51) Schedule – Ohio Co & Union Co 14. Apollo Eagles (2-17) – SAME - (0-3 this week) – Breck Co (L 51-50), Owensboro Catholic (L 80-66) & Monroe Co (L 60-46) - Schedule – Russellville 15. Cloverport Aces (2-13) - SAME – (0-1 this week) – Christian Educational (L 66-51) – Schedule – Breck Co & Whitesville Trinity PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Josh Manning – Ohio Co – 16 ppg in 2 wins this week

Snow canceled several games around the area last week, but the Muhlenberg County Mustangs still managed to punch their ticket to the 3rd Region Tournament by way of an Ohio County win over Mclean. This locks the Mustangs into the #1 seed in the 10th District Tournament. Owensboro bounced back with a nice win over a good Evansville Bosse team, while Ohio Co stayed hot with 2 solid wins without Elijah Decker in the lineup. Owensboro Catholic heads to the All-A State Tournament on Thursday to take on 15-1 Pikeville. 1. Muhlenburg County Mustangs (8-7) – SAME – Games canceled due to snow- Schedule – Butler Co, Mclean Co & Breck Co 2. Owensboro Red Devils (13-5) - (1-0 this week) – SAME – Evansville Bosse, IN (W 80-56) – Schedule – Madisonville and Daviess Co 3. Ohio County Eagles (13-4) – SAME - (2-0 this week) – Mclean Co (W 66-48 – Josh Manning 15, Isac Southard 14) & Paducah Tilghman (W 61-46 – Josh Manning 18, Carson Kennedy 11/10) – Schedule – Hancock Co & Calloway Co 4. Owensboro Catholic Aces (10-9) – SAME - (2-0 this week) – Hancock Co (W 56-54 OT – Ji Webb & Parker Gray 12) & Apollo (W 80-66 – Brian Griffith 20) – Schedule – Christian Co & Pikeville in the All-A State Tournament 5. Mclean County Cougars (12-7) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Ohio Co (L 66-48) & Breck Co (W 45-36) – Schedule – Muhlenberg Co 6. Grayson County Cougars (9-9) – SAME - (0-2 this week) – Whitesville Trinity (L 50-49) & Bowling Green (L 61-46) – Schedule – LaRue Co & Edmonson Co 7. Edmonson County Wildcats (10-9) – UP 1- (1-1 this week) – Metcalfe Co (L 82-61) & Butler Co (W 71-69 – Trace Taylor 26) – Schedule – Central Hardin & Allen Co Scottsville 8. Butler County Bears (11-5) – SAME – (0-1 this week) – Edmonson Co (L 71-69) - Schedule – Metcalfe Co, Muhlenberg Co & Whitesville Trinity 9. Daviess County Panthers (8-9) – UP 2 - (2-0 this week) – Meade (W 52-45 – Max Dees 14) & Campbellsville (W 49-45 – Cole Burch 14/11) – Schedule – Henderson Co, Owensboro, Warren East 10. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (8-8) – UP 2 - (2-1 this week) – Foundation Christian (W Covid win), Union Co (L 60-58) & Grayson Co (W 50-49 – Huff 14) – Schedule – Meade Co, Butler Co & Cloverport

The Muhlenberg County Mustangs made a statement this past week with 3 wins against 3 teams ranked inside the top 5 of the region. The Mustangs have played a difficult schedule thru the first half of the season and it showed in comfortable wins over Mclean Co, Ohio Co and Owensboro. The Devils were without top scorer Amari Robinson Wales in Saturday's loss to Muhlenberg, which should make for a more interesting match up should the two hookup again in the 3rd Region Tournament. It was an up and down week for the Devils, who fall from the top spot this week. They started the week having to survive an overtime upset bid in Grayson County before bouncing back with a convincing district win over Owensboro Catholic. The game to watch this week comes out of the 10th District. Mclean County travels to Ohio County in this weeks game to watch. An Ohio County win would wrap up a bye into the regional tournament for Muhlenberg County. A Mclean County win would set up a showdown with the Mustangs next week, with the bye on the line! 1. Muhlenburg County Mustangs (8-7) – UP 4 - (3-0 this week) – Mclean Co (W 58-42 –Vincent & Ray 11 ea), Ohio Co (W 62-53 –Lovell 18) & Owensboro (W 68-55 – Cole Vincent 20) - Schedule – Grayson Co, Whitesville Trinity and North Hardin 2. Owensboro Red Devils (12-5) - (2-1 this week) – DOWN 1 – Grayson Co (W 62-60 – Carbon 24), Owensboro Catholic (W 73-60 – Robinson Wales 23) & Muhlenberg Co (L 68-55) – Schedule – at Evansville Bosse 3. Ohio County Eagles (11-4) – DOWN 1 - (1-1 this week) – Barren Co (W 59-51 – Culbertson 15) & Muhlenberg Co (L 62-53) – Schedule – Mclean Co & Paducah Tilghman 4. Owensboro Catholic Aces (8-9) – DOWN 1 - (1-1 this week) – Webster Co (W 77-61 – Griffith 27) & Owensboro (L 73-60) – Schedule – Hancock Co & Apollo 5. Mclean County Cougars (11-6) – DOWN 1 - (1-1 this week) – Muhlenberg Co (L 58-42) & Dawson Springs (W 74-52) – Schedule – Butler Co, Ohio Co and Breck Co 6. Grayson County Cougars (9-7) – UP 1 - (1-1 this week) – Owensboro (L 62-60 OT) & Butler Co (W 67-65 Blanton & Sharp 19 ea) – Schedule – Muhlenberg Co, Whitesville Trinity & Bowling Green 7. Butler County Bears (11-4) – DOWN 1 – (1-4 this week) – Logan Co (71-29 – Hunt 26) & Grayson Co (L 67-65) - Schedule – Mclean Co & Edmonson Co 8. Edmonson County Wildcats (9-8) – SAME- (2-1 this week) – Hart Co (W 66-59 – Taylor 21), Whitesville Trinity (L 67-55) & Apollo (W 69-53) – Schedule – Metcalfe Co & Butler Co 9. Hancock County Hornets (5-10) – SAME - (1-0 this week) – Tell City, IN (W 71-52 – Kaleb Keown 18/10) – Schedule – Owensboro Catholic & Meade Co 10. Breckinridge County Tigers (5-8) – UP 1 - (1-2 this week) Daviess Co (W 58-40 – Rogers 14), North Hardin (L 71-58) & Perry Central, IN (L 53-45) – Schedule – Apollo, Bethlehem & Mclean Co 11. Daviess County Panthers (6-9) – DOWN 1 - (2-1 this week) – Breck Co (L 58-40), Apollo (W 58-45 – Max Dees 13) & Trigg Co (W 53-38 – Cole Burch 16/15) – Schedule – Meade Co & Campbellsville 12. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (6-7) – SAME - (1-0 this week) – Edmonson Co (W 67-55) Schedule – Christian Foundation, Union Co, Muhlenberg Co & Grayson Co 13. Meade County Greenwave (4-10) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Shelby Co (L 68-41) & North Oldham (W 55-37 – Beavin 16) – Schedule – Daviess Co & Hancock Co 14. Apollo Eagles (2-14) – SAME - (0-3 this week) – Hopkins Central (L 68-55), Daviess Co (L 58-45) & Edmonson Co (L 69-53) - Schedule – Breck Co, Owensboro Catholic & Monroe Co 15. Cloverport Aces (2-12) - SAME – (1-0 this week) – Cannelton, IN (W 53-47 – Austin Hedges 27) – Schedule – Caverna, Christian Educational & LIGHT Home school PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Cole Vincent – Muhlenberg Co – 13 ppg this week in 3 top 5 wins

Owensboro Catholic is finally at full strength with Ji Webb and Brian Griffith back in the lineup and they used that momentum to capture the 3rd Region All-A title this week with wins over Whitesville Trinity and Mclean County. The Aces continue to rise up the standings as the season wears along. Ohio Co has now won 8 straight games and is the hottest team in the region. Coach Decker is molding his lineup and the Eagles are seeing the results. Snow postponed a lot of the big games from last week, but keep your eye on Muhlenberg this week. They will play Mclean County, Ohio County and Owensboro. The Mustang's early season record may not show it, they are one of the regions best teams and will have a great opportunity to prove that this week. The 10th District is loaded and being a 3 team district, regular season games are huge as the regular season winner gets a bye into the regional tournament. 1. Owensboro Red Devils (10-4)- (0-1 this week) – SAME - Greenwood (L 73-54) – Schedule – Grayson Co, Owensboro Catholic & Muhlenberg Co 2. Ohio County Eagles (10-3) – UP 1 - (2-0 this week) – Grayson Co (W 62-37 – Elijah Decker 16/11) & Daviess Co (W 64-61 – Elijah Decker 18/11) – Schedule – Barren Co & Muhlenberg Co 3. Owensboro Catholic Aces (7-8) – UP 3 - (2-0 this week) – Whitesville Trinity (W 80-61 – Ji Webb & Parker Gray 26) & Mclean Co (W 59-52 – Brian Griffith 32) – Schedule – Webster Co & Owensboro 4. Mclean County Cougars (10-5) – DOWN 2 - (1-1 this week) – Edmonson Co (W 43-33 –Jaxon Floyd 14) & Owensboro Catholic (L 59-52) – Schedule – Muhlenberg Co, Dawson Springs and Butler Co 5. Muhlenburg County Mustangs (5-7) – DOWN 1 - (0-1 this week) – Covid Cancel vs Evansville Christian - Schedule – Mclean Co, Ohio Co and Owensboro 6. Butler County Bears (10-3) – UP 1 – (1-0 this week) – Apollo (W 64-61 – Brody Hunt 25/10) - Schedule – Logan Co & Grayson Co 7. Grayson County Cougars (8-6) – DOWN 1 - (0-1 this week) – Ohio Co (L 62-37) – Schedule – Owensboro & Butler Co 8. Edmonson County Wildcats (7-7) – SAME- (0-1 this week) – Mclean Co (L 43-33) – Schedule – Hart Co, Whitesville Trinity & Apollo 9. Hancock County Hornets (4-10) – UP 1 - (1-0 this week) – Hopkins Central (W 75-68) – Ryan Ogle 27) – Schedule – Tell City, IN & Adair Co 10. Daviess County Panthers (4-8) – DOWN 1 - (0-1 this week) – Ohio Co (L 64-61) – Schedule – Breck Co, Apollo & Trigg Co 11. Breckinridge County Tigers (4-6) – SAME - (1-0 this week) Nelson Co (W 52-51 Eamon ODonoghue 27) – Schedule – Daviess Co, N Hardin and Perry Central, IN 12. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (5-7) – SAME - (0-1 this week) – Owensboro Catholic (L 80-61) Schedule – Edmonson Co, Crittenden Co & Christian Foundation 13. Meade County Greenwave (3-9) – SAME - (0-1 this week) – Elizabethtown (L 68-46) – Schedule – Shelby Co & North Oldham 14. Apollo Eagles (2-11) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – St Mary (W 72-64 – Eli Masterson 20 – last week’s game) & Butler Co (L 64-61) - Schedule – Hopkins Central, Daviess Co & Edmonson Co 15. Cloverport Aces (1-12) - SAME – (0-1 this week) – Caverna (L 71-38) – Schedule – Cannelton, IN (L 71-38) PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Elijah Decker – Ohio Co – 17 ppg and 11 rpg this week

Owensboro continues to roll along at the top spot. They had to put together a big 4th quarter to fend off Mclean County and Castle, but were able to get it done. Their defensive intensity can lead to quick offense and has served them well through the first month of the season. Ohio County really came on strong over the holiday tournament season, winning 5 straight games. Coach Decker is starting to get his lineup to gel and the Eagles are becoming one of the best teams in the region. Muhlenberg County continued their up and down season thru the holiday tournament schedule. They are a team to keep an eye on this week with games against top 3rd Region and 10th district competition in the next 2 weeks. Finally, it was good news, bad news week for a pair of 9th district teams. For Owensboro Catholic, they got good news with Brian Griffith returning to the court. For Apollo, it was bad news, as they learned that their 2 big transfers were ruled ineligible and as of now, will be unable to play varsity basketball this season. 1. Owensboro Red Devils (10-2)- (2-0 this week) – SAME – Mclean Co (W 59-49) & Castle, IN (W 71-68 – Amari Robinson Wales 27) - Schedule – Muhlenberg Co & Greenwood 2. Mclean County Cougars (9-4) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Owensboro (L 59-49) & Ludlow (W 65-41 – Jaxon Floyd 15) – Schedule – Edmonson Co & Grayson Co 3. Ohio County Eagles (8-3) – UP 3 - (2-0 this week) – Meade Co (W 71-48), Castle, IN (W 56-53 – Culbertson 15) & Franklin Simpson (W63-53 - Culberson 21 & Elijah Decker 19/11) – Schedule – Grayson Co, Daviess Co & Butler Co 4. Muhlenburg County Mustangs (5-6) – DOWN 1 - (2-2 this week) – Carmel, IL (W58-53 – Trey Lovell 12), Evanston, IL (L 43-35), Confluence Prep, MO (L 79-66) & Belleville West (W 68-48) - Schedule – Evansville Christian & Owensboro 5. Grayson County Cougars(8-5) – DOWN 1 - (2-1 this week) – Nelson Co (W 68-46 – Blanton 20), Rockcastle Co (W 68-66) & LaRue Co (L 58-39) – Schedule – Ohio Co & Mclean Co 6. Owensboro Catholic Aces (5-8) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Oakland, TN (L 65-58 –Brian Griffith 22) & Springfield, TN (W 70-46 – Parker Gray 20) – Schedule – Whitesville Trinity & Meade Co 7. Butler County Bears (9-3) – UP 3 – (3-0 this week) – Heart for Christ (W 85-44 – Solomon Fleener 20), Carlisle Co (W 54-39- Lawson Rice 17) & St Mary (W 46-33) Schedule – Apollo, Ohio Co & Mayfield 8. Edmonson County Wildcats (7-6) – UP 2 - (2-1 this week) – Green Co (L 65-61), Montgomery Central, TN (W 83-69 – Evan Stice & Trace Taylor 14) & Todd County Central (W 56-43 – Braden Wall 14) – Schedule – Mclean Co & Breck Co 9. Daviess County Panthers (4-7) – DOWN 1 - (0-3 this week) – Christian Co (L 52-46), UHA (L 53-50) & Union Co (L 65-52) – Schedule – 10. Hancock County Hornets (3-10) – DOWN 1 - (0-4 this week) – 3 Covid Cancel’s from Russellville & Marion Co (L 56-51) – Schedule – Hopkins Central & Dawson Springs 11. Breckinridge County Tigers (3-6) – SAME - ( Off this week) – Schedule – Nelson Co & Edmonson Co 12. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (5-6) – SAME - (Off this week) – Schedule – Owensboro Catholic 13. Meade County Greenwave (3-8) – SAME - (0-3 this week) – Ohio Co (L 71-40), Henderson Co (L 63-44) & Mayfield (L 51-33) – Schedule – Elizabethtown & Owensboro Catholic 14. Apollo Eagles (1-10) – SAME - (1-2 this week) – Rockcastle Co (L 75-51), Nelson Co (W 56-44), Whitley Co (L 69-39) & St Mary ( ) - Schedule – Butler Co, Crittenden Co & Hopkins Co Central 15. Cloverport Aces (1-11) - SAME – (1-1 this week) – Jackson City (W 49-36) & Caverna (L 71-38) – Schedule – Beth Haven & St Francis PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Parker Culbertson – Ohio Co – 17 points per game in 3 big wins this week

The Red Devils remain in the top spot this week. They scored the regions best win of season so far by beating previously unbeaten Evansville Reitz. Coach Drake is playing a relentless schedule that is helping mold this new look Owensboro team game by game. They continue that pace this week by facing a surprising Mclean County team and a very good Castle, Indiana team. Muhlenberg County continued their early season struggles this past week and will look to get their season on track in Illinois at the Centralia Holiday Tournament. Owensboro Catholic is a team to watch as Ji Webb came back to the lineup this past week. Brian Griffith is scheduled to return to the team sometime in the next few weeks which will completely change the look of the Aces. 1. Owensboro Red Devils (6-2)- (2-1 this week) – SAME – Evansville Reitz, IN (W 72-59 – Amari Robinson Wales 27), Forrest Park, IN (W 78-55 – Amari Robinson Wales 28, Kenyatta Carbon 22) & Harrison, IN (L 76-61) - Schedule – Mclean County & Castle, IN 2. Mclean County Cougars (8-3) – UP 1 - (1-1 this week) – North Bullitt (W 72-65 – Brady Dame 27/13) & Caldwell Co (L 48-47) – Schedule – Owensboro & Ludlow 3 .Muhlenburg County Mustangs (3-4) – DOWN 1 - (1-2 this week) – Simon Kenton (L 71-58), Batavia, OH (W 86-53 – Cole Vincent 17) & Science Hill, TN (L 58-54) - Schedule – Centrailia Illinois Holiday Tournament 4. Grayson County Cougars(6-4) – SAME - (3-1 this week) – Clay Co (W 65-55 – River Blanton 22/11), South Warren (W 66-48 – Keegan Sharp & Hunter Tomes 16 ea), Logan Co (W 58-56 – River Blanton 18) & Pulaski Co (L 82-46) – Schedule – Magnolia Bank in LaRue Co 5. Owensboro Catholic Aces (4-6) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Graves Co (W 72-54 – Ji Webb 33) & Hopkins Co Central (L 57-55) – Schedule – Mullen Meguiar Cat Classic in Russellville 6. Ohio County Eagles (5-3) – UP 2 - (3-0 this week) – Monroe Co (W 75-37 – Elijah Decker 22/10), Glasgow (W 66-65 – Josh Manning 18) & Green Co (W 71-48) – Schedule – Meade Co, Castle, IN & Franklin Simpson 7. Daviess County Panthers (4-4) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Meade Co (W 55-46 – Cole Burch 15) & North Hardin (L 64-52) – Schedule – Christian County, University Heights and Union County 8. Butler County Bears (6-3) – DOWN 2 - (1-2 this week) – Gatlinburg Pittman, TN (W 66-63 – Jagger Henderson & Lawson Rice 20 ea), Bullitt Central (L 63-55) & Landrum, SC (L 77-67) – Schedule – Carlisle Co & St Mary 9. Hancock County Hornets (3-6) – SAME - (0-3 this week) – John Hardin (L 93-58), Butler (L 74-68) & Madisonville (L 77-54) – Schedule – First Southern National Bank Tourney in Russellville 10. Edmonson County Wildcats (5-5) – SAME - (1-2 this week) – Todd Co Central (L 58-40), Monroe Co (W 68-63 – Trace Taylor 18) & Glasgow (L 65-62) – Schedule – Zaxby’s Christmas Classic at Todd Central 11. Breckinridge County Tigers (3-6) – SAME - (1-1 this week) – Nelson Co (W 68-59 – Isaiah Hart 17) & Bullitt East (L 59-41) – Schedule – Off this week 12. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (5-6) – SAME - (1-2 this week) – Carlisle Co (L 77-67), Ballard Memorial (W 76-66) & Crittenden Co (L 66-59) – Schedule – Off this week 13. Meade County Greenwave (3-5) – SAME - (1-1 this week) - Daviess Co (L 55-46) & Nelson Co (W 53-49 – Grant Beavin 19) – Schedule – Ohio Co, Henderson Co & Mayfield 14. Apollo Eagles (0-8) – SAME - (0-0 this week)– Schedule – Magnolia Bank Classic in LaRue Co 15. Cloverport Aces (0-10) - SAME – (0-3 this week) – Bethlehem (L 81-42), Mayfield (L 88-39) & Atherton (L 86-45) – Schedule – Whitfield Academy Classic PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Amari Robinson Wales – Owensboro – 25 points per game in 3 games last week

The 3rd continued to struggle against teams outside the region this week. Owensboro remains in the top spot this week and continues to adjust to their smaller lineup. Kenyatta Carbon stayed hot and has been the most consistent player in the region through the first 3 weeks. Muhlenberg is getting back on the court this week after the storms forced some cancelations on their schedule. Mclean County had another strong week. Coach Lynam keeps finding ways to win at a program that hasn't had a ton of basketball success traditionally. Grayson County again struggled against teams outside the region and needs to find more consistency if they want to be considered among contenders to win the region. Finally, Owensboro Catholic got Ji Webb back in the lineup on Saturday as the Aces narrowly defeated Butler County. The Bears are also off to an impressive start. With Webb back in the lineup, the Aces should see a big lift. 1. Owensboro Red Devils (6-2)- SAME - (2-1 this week) - Evansville Central, IN (W 67-65), Apollo (W 87-53), Warren Central (L 71-64). Schedule - Evansville Reitz, IN and Forrest Park, IN 2 .Muhlenburg County Mustangs (2-2) - UP 1 - (1-0 this week) - Ohio Co (W 56-49). Schedule - at Scott Winter Classic 3. Mclean County Cougars (7-2) - UP 3 – (3-1 this week) - Hancock Co (W 45-34), Columbus Hawks (W 67-50), HIghlands Latin (W 55-40), Grace Christian, TN (L 66-47). Schedule - at Agrigold Christmas Tournament 4. Grayson County Cougars(3-3) - DOWN 2 -(0-2 this week) - Todd Co Central (L 49-43) & Collins (L 53-38). Schedule - Clay County, South Warren & Logan Co at South Warren 5. Owensboro Catholic Aces (3-5) - UP 3 – (1-1 this week) - Daviess Co (L 65-60) & Butler Co (W 50-48). Schedule - Madisonville Holiday Classic 6. Butler County Bears (5-1) - DOWN 1 -(1-1 this week) - Breck Co (W 74-56) & Owensboro Catholic (L 50-48). Schedule - at the Smokey Mountain Classic 7. Daviess County Panthers (3-3) - UP 3 – (2-0 this week) - Hancock Co (W 64-58) & Owensboro Catholic (W 65-60). Schedule - at Breck Co's Cecilian Classic 8. Ohio County Eagles (2-3) - DOWN 1 – (1-1 this week) - Crittenden Co (W 49-26) & Muhlenberg Co (L 56-49). Schedule - at Edmonson County Rafferty's Classic 9. Hancock County Hornets (3-3) - DOWN 4 – (1-2 this week) - Daviess Co (L 64-58), McLean Co (L 45-34) & Breck Co (W 50-47). Schedule - Madisonville Holiday Classic 10. Edmonson County Wildcats (4-3) - DOWN 1 – (1-1 this week) - Allen Co Scottsville (W 73-48), Todd County Central (L 72-56). Schedule - at Edmonson County Rafferty's Classic 11. Breckinridge County Tigers (2-5) - SAME – (1-2 this week) - Butler Co (L 74-56), Cloverport (W - Covid), Hancock Co (L 50-47). Schedule - Host the Cecilian Classic 12. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (4-4) - UP 1 – (3-1 this week) - Apollo (W 92-81), Grace Christian, TN (L 73-64), Columbus Hawks (W 61-49) & St Francis (W 63-48). Schedule - St Mary Christmas Classic 13. Meade County Greenwave (2-4) - DOWN 1 – (0-2 this week) - North Hardin (L 62-61) & Bullit Central (L 47-33). Schedule - at Breck Co's Cecilian Classic 14. Apollo Eagles (0-8) – SAME - (0-3 this week) - Whitesville Trinity (L 92-81), Owensboro (L 87-53) & Murray (L 72-43). Schedule - Magnolia Bank Classic at LaRue Co 15. Cloverport Aces (0-7) - SAME - Canceled all games this week due to Covid. Schedule - at Agrigold Christmas Tournament PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Brady Dame - Mclean County - 18 points per game and 8 boards on the season. Led Mclean to a runner-up in the Highlands Latin Holiday Classic.

The Owensboro Red Devils take over the top spot this week after impressive wins over Daviess County and Herritage Hills, Indiana. While they are missing their key front court players from last season, Owensboro is still extremely talented. Amari Robinson Wales and Kenyatta Carbon lead a mostly all guard lineup that is scoring 80 points per game through their first 5. Muhlenberg County falls from the top spot this week after close losses to Bowing Green and Murray over hte past 10 days. The Mustangs had their weekend tip off classic canceled due to the storms that ripped through the region. Grayson County is a buzzer beater away from being undefeated and are being led by River Blanton's 21 points per game. Butler County, Hancock County and Mclean County are all off to somewhat surprising starts. All 3 teams have tough weeks and will be tested to see if they can continue to post impressive wins. Owensboro Catholic is still operating without Brian Griffith and Ji Webb but are starting to improve under Coach Riley, as expected. Finally, Apollo should know the status of their 2 transfers sometime in the next few weeks. Without them, expect another long season for the Eagles. 1. Owensboro Red Devils (4-1) - UP 1 – (2-0 this week) – Daviess Co (W 77-53), Heritage Hills, IN (W 92-74). Schedule – at Evansville Central, IN, at Apollo & at Warren Central 2. Grayson County Cougars(3-1)- UP 1– (2-0 this week) – Apollo (W 58-42), Edmonson Co (W 65-52). Schedule – at Todd Co & vs Collins 3 .Muhlenburg County Mustangs (1-2) - DOWN 2 – (0-1 this week) Murray (L 59-54), Weekend games canceled due to weather. Schedule – v Mclean Co & at Ohio Co 4. Butler County Bears (4-0) –UP 1 – (2-0 this week) – Daviess Co (W 63-49), Ballard Memorial (W 63-46). Schedule – vs Breck Co & vs Owensboro Catholic 5. Hancock County Hornets (2-1) – UP 2 – (1-0 this week) – Cloverport (W 79-46). Schedule – at Daviess Co, Mclean Co (All-A Regional) & at Breck Co 6. Mclean County Cougars (3-1) – UP 2 – (1-0 this week) – Ohio Co (W 61-50). Schedule – at Muhlenberg Co, Hancock Co (All-A Regional) & at Highlands Latin Christmas Classic this weekend 7. Ohio County Eagles (1-2) – DOWN 3 – (0-1 this week) – Mclean Co (L 61-50). Schedule – vs Muhlenberg Co 8. Owensboro Catholic Aces (2-4) – UP 1 – (2-1 this week) – Evansville Bosse (L 77-43), Apollo (W 69-46), Cloverport (W – Covid Cancel). Schedule – vs Daviess Co & at Butler Co 9. Edmonson County Wildcats (3-2) – UP 1 – (2-1 this week) – Logan Co (W 69-46), Grayson Co (L 65-52), Campbellsville (W 59-50). Schedule – at Allen Co Scottsville & at Todd Co Central 10. Daviess County Panthers (1-3) – DOWN 4 – (0-2 this week) – Butler Co (L 63-49), Owensboro (L 77-53). Schedule – vs Hancock Co & at Owensboro Catholic 11. Breckinridge County Tigers (1-3) – SAME – (1-1 this week) – Whitesville Trinity (W 71-67), Meade County (L 52-48). Schedule – at Butler Co, vs Cloverport & vs Hancock Co 12. Meade County Greenwave (2-2) – UP 2 – (2-0 this week) – Breck Co (W 52-48), Cloverport (W Covid cancel). Schedule – vs North Hardin & at Bullitt Central 13. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (1-3) – DOWN 1 – (1-1 this week) – Breck Co (L 71-67), Russellville (W 61-49). Schedule – vs Apollo & at Highlands Latin Christmas Classic this weekend 14. Apollo Eagles (0-5) –DOWN 1 – (0-2 this week) – Grayson Co (L 58-42), Owensboro Catholic (L 69-46). Schedule – at Trinity, vs Owensboro & at Murray 15. Cloverport Aces (0-6) - SAME – (0-3 this week) – Hancock Co (L 79-46), Meade & Owensboro Catholic (L - Covid Cancel). Schedule – at Breck Co PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Kenyatta Carbon - Owensboro - 25 points vs Daviess County & 25 points vs Herritage Hills, Indiana

If the first week of the season is any indication, the 3rd Region has a lot of work to do. To open the season, the biggest stories around the region are more about who is not playing rather than who is playing. For Coach Riley and Owensboro Catholic, they are not only without their top 2 All-Region players in Ji Webb and Brian Griffith due to injury but they will be without the services of their top multi sport athletes, Sam McFarland, Braden Mundy and Luke Scales. All were major contributors from last years regional runner up. The good news for the Aces is that Webb and Griffith are scheduled to return from injury at some point in the next month or so. For Owensboro, they also have multi sport athletes who have chose not to play. The Devils will be without key frontcourt players Ethan Pendleton and Jeremiah Goodwin this season. Without them, Owensboro will have to play a 5 guard system most of the time. Even without those key players, the Devils can still be a threat. Kenyatta Carbon and Amari Robinson Wales are the regions most dangerous guard combo. Apollo is still waiting on word from the state on the eligibility of their two big transfers but hope to know something in the next week or so. Without them, wins will be hard to come by for the Eagles. For now, the Region will run through Muhlenburg County. The Mustangs are deep, experienced and balanced. They were playing Bowling Green very well until some late game mental errors cost them a shot at the victory. It will be interesting to see if anyone behind them can close the gap. 1 .Muhlenburg County Mustangs (1-1) – Christian Co (W 59-40), Bowling Green (L 67-54) … This week - @ Murray, v Greenwood, v Christ Presbyterian Academy TN 2. Owensboro Red Devils (2-1) – Hancock Co (W 79-60), Evansville Christian, IN (W 93-77), Marshall Co (L 69-60)…This week - @ Daviess Co, v Herritage Hills, IN 3. Grayson County Cougars(1-1) – Breck Co (W 61-55), Central Hardin (L 43-40) … This week – v Apollo, @ Edmonson Co, Greenwood @ Barren Co 4. Ohio County Eagles (1-1) – Owensboro Catholic (W 53-29), Tates Creek (L 67-53) … This week - @ Mclean, Warren East @ South Warren 5. Butler County Bears (2-0) – Russellville (W 70-59), Bethlehem (W 73-40) … This week - @ Daviess Co, @ Whitesville Trinity, @ Ballard Memorial 6. Daviess County Panthers (1-1) – Whitesville Trinity (W 62-44), Warren Central (L 72-36) … This week – v Butler Co, v Owensboro, Logan Co at South Warren 7. Hancock County Hornets (1-1) – Owensboro (L 79-60), Frankfort (W 81-71) … This week - @ Cloverport, @ Mclean Co, @ Hopkins Central 8. Mclean County Cougars (2-1) – Cloverport (W 67-31), Meade Co (W 66-50), Trigg Co (L 51-41) … This week – v Ohio Co, v Hancock Co 9. Owensboro Catholic Aces (0-3) – Greenwood (L 77-52), Ohio Co (L 53-29), Calloway Co (L 54-44) … This week - @ Evansville Bosse, IN, @ Apollo 10. Edmonson County Wildcats (1-1) – Nelson Co (W 62-52), Cumberland Co (L 64-60) … This week – v Logan Co, v Grayson Co, Campbellsville at Barren Co 11. Breckinridge County Tigers (0-2) – Grayson Co (L 61-55), Bullitt East (L 67-47) … This week – v Trinity, v Meade Co 12. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (0-2) – Daviess Co (L 62-44), Calloway Co (L 98-85) … This week - @ Breck Co, v Russellville, v Butler Co, v Webster Co 13. Apollo Eagles (0-3) – Evansville Christian (L 70-46), Webster Co (L 62-53), Campbellsville (L 53-40) … This week - @ Grayson Co, v Owensboro Catholic, v Bethlehem 14. Meade County Greenwave (0-2) – Floyd Central, IN (L 51-34), Mclean Co (L 66-50) … This week - @ Breck Co, @ Cloverport 15. Cloverport Aces (0-3) – Mclean Co (L 67-31), Beth Haven (L 95-36), Brown (L 78-59) … This week – v Hancock Co, v Meade Co, @ Burgin PLAYER OF THE WEEK: River Blanton – Grayson Co – 26pts and 10 boards vs Breck Co & 16 points vs Central Hardin

Really like the fit for Joe. Miami of OH is getting an absolute steal.

https://www.owensbororadio.com/player/?playerID=606 We’ll have the game AND an hour pregame show live from KSBar at 3 eastern time.

Now I just hope they don’t try to make us sit outside. No way we can call a game in the windy 25 degree weather from stop the press box. Somebody is gonna have to make some room for us even if I did put on about 5 pounds today!

Great thread here on a very tough game to predict. Per usual, @Purple88 breakdown makes looking at the in's and out's of this game a little easier. Even with all of the great breakdowns and analysis, I am torn. I've been guilty of discounting Woodford all season long, but they earned a lot of respect last week. Even if that wasn't the same Cov Cath team we're accustomed to seeing, WC left no doubt who was the better team. All that said, I think the South Warren defense will be the difference in this one. I'll settle on the Spartans in a close one. South Warren 21 - Woodford 14

I can't speak to Douglass but I don't have any doubt that Owensboro is a better team right now than they were at any point last season. The biggest area of improvement would be on special teams and in the running game. Barksdale has been a huge difference maker. Especially since moving to RB full time. I think the WR's are better and the team just has more balance right now. It would be silly to suggest that Boone is any an upgrade from Wimsatt but I do believe it has forced Owensboro to become more balanced on offense and it has really helped their passing game, if that makes any sense. While they have a lot of the same players on the defensive side, they are all more experienced now and seem to be very comfortable in their roles. Look no further than the Graves County domination as proof of that. Every single player is a better version of themselves in 2021 as opposed to 2020.

Akron, App State, Army, Austin Peay, EKU, Kent St, MTSU, Murray St, New Mexico, Temple and UAB.

I'll have more on this one as the week rolls along but I will be happy to be back on the mic for this rubber match between 2 great programs. I believe we will be at KSBar for a huge pregame show but we're still nailing down the details. Should be a fun black Friday!

I missed this game due to being out of state for the day job, but first off, congrats to St X on the big win. I expected them to dominate up front but even I didn't expect it to the level that I was hearing on Friday. I hate that Joe didn't get to put on a better display but credit St X with forcing him to move quickly and often. I hate that this is how most of the state outside western Kentucky is going to see him but it is what it is. I still think the kid could and should play some major college football. I am looking forward to seeing where the recruiting journey takes him.

Parm was a guy that I thought could really help DC in a game like tonight. In his limited action late in the season he looked like a D1 level talent. Unfortunately he re broke his collarbone and is done for the year. At least that’s what I have been told. Shame. He could have helped in a game like tonight. Also, @theguru I believe DC consistently has 5 guys that go both ways. Their DB’s for the most part also play WR. Blue up front on the DL/OL and Evans plays RB/LB. Burch also has been playing more DE than WR lately because of the depth there.

There is a lot of uncertainty around the 3rd Region this preseason. Who is going to play, who isn’t going to play and will transfers be ruled eligible dominates the discussion more than actual competition. Even with all that uncertainty, the Muhlenberg County Mustangs will enter the season as favorites to repeat as 3rd Region Champions. Coach Kyle Eades and veteran assistant Steve Sparks return a very solid core of players who helped the Mustangs reach Rupp Arena last season. Behind them however, all bets are off. Apollo could make an instant turn around with the services of 2 big time transfers from Oklahoma. Wanang Wel would instantly become the 3rd Region Player of the Year favorite if ruled eligible. Time will tell. With Owensboro and Owensboro Catholic there are questions around multi sport athletes possibly sitting out basketball season. If they do or if they do not, you can still expect both teams to be competing for a title as Coach Drake and Coach Riley always find a way. It is going to be fun to watch teams like Grayson County, Ohio County and Daviess County take that next step to see if they can throw their hat in the ring at the Owensboro Sportscenter. Things may be a bit muddy for a few weeks, but come Christmas, we should have a better idea of what is what inside a 3rd Region that is desperate need of a shot in the arm. 1 .Muhlenburg County Mustangs (19-2) – Coach Kyle Eades – 3rd Region & 10th District Champs The Mustangs are coming off a great regular season and strong postseason run. They will have to find a floor general with the loss Nash Divine but return nearly everyone else of last year’s 3rd Region Championship team. Cole Vincent is the team’s top returning player at 12 points and 5 boards per game. Trey Lovell, Brayden Lovan, Asher Carver, Donovan McCoy and Davion Summers all return with plenty of experience and could lead the Mustangs on any given night. Madox Jernigan and Chandler Moore are two young players to watch. 2. Owensboro Red Devils (12-6) – Coach Rod Drake – 9th District Champs – Region Semifinalist As long as the core multi sport athletes decide to play this season, Coach Drake and the Devils will return almost all of their production from a year ago. Their leading sorcerers Amari Robinson Wales and Kenyatta Carbon will both return at 18 points per game each. Cayman Powell, Chris Glover and Talas Taylor were all solid in varsity minutes last season. The biggest questions are surrounding football players Ethan Pendleton,, Jerimiah Goodwin and others. If they do not return, the Devils will have a weakness in the paint. No matter what, expect Owensboro to be as deep as ever. 3. Owensboro Catholic Aces (18-10) – Coach Tim Riley – 3rd Region and 9th District Runner Up The Aces were set to return almost everyone from last season, minus Gray Weaver who was injured early last year and could not play in the final month of the regular season or post season. That said, there are some questions to if the baseball kids Sam Mcfarland, Luke Scales and Braden Mundy will suit up for Coach Riley this season. Even if they do not, the Aces can still depend on the dynamic duo of Brian Griffin and Ji Webb. Both will return off injury this season. Griffith put up 23 points per game last year while Webb was also in double figures at 15 points per game and 7 boards per game. Tutt Carrico and Parker Gray will return to add depth. There is also word that the Aces will have the services of a top transfer from Lyon County. For now, it will be a wait and see game to see what this complete team will end up looking like. 4. Grayson County Cougars(13-9) – Coach Travis Johnston – 12th District Champions There is a ton of excitement around the Cougars this season. They will return all contributors from last year’s district championship team. They will be led by the 3 headed monster of Keegan Sharp , River Blanton and Chandler McCrady. All 3 averaged double figures last season. Hunter Tomes also returns and gives good size in the paint. Coach Johnston will have this team competing for a regional title in 2022. 5. Ohio County Eagles (13-11) – New Coach Paul Decker – 10th District Runner Up & Regional Semifinalist Tony Hopper has stepped aside and Paul Decker has stepped into the helm in Hartford. Coach Decker will be looking to replace leading scorer Q Jennings but returns a solid group of varsity contributors. Sharpshooter Josh Manning returns as the lone man in double figures last season. Elijah Decker is coming off a tough injury filled season and should emerge as the leader of this group. Parker Culbertson brings key experience and sophomore Carter Young has came over from Apollo. This is a very talented group and they should be able to contend in a tough 10th district. 6. Daviess County Panthers (5-14) – Coach Neil Hayden Coach Hayden and the Panthers are coming off a rare down season but will look to shift momentum this year. They will be led by junior swingman Cole Burch. Burch finished the season very strong, putting up 14 points and 7 boards per game. Guards Max Dees, Jack Payne and Issah Tomes return to provide varsity experience.- Devonte McCampbell comes over from Owensboro and should give the Panthers an instant paint presence. Keep your eye on 8th grade point guard Jonathan Moss. He has been one of the most electric middle school players for College View and should find some varsity minutes this season. 7. Hancock County Hornets (8-12) – Coach Mike Orr – 11th District Runner Up Coach Orr returns his top 4 scorers from last year’s team. Devyn Powers has been very impressive in the summer and through the first scrimmage against PRP. Evan Ferry, Kaleb Keown and Ryan Ogle all return from last year as well. All 4 players averaged double figures last season. The expectation around Hawesville is a district championship in 2022. 8 .Mclean County Cougars (17-9) – Coach Darren Lynam Mclean County was one of the surprises of the region last year. Coach Lynam always seems to get the very most out of his teams and he will need to do it again this season after losing 2 of their top 3 scorers and a ton of varsity experience. The good news for Cougar nation is Brady Dame has returned for a 5th season. Dame put up 14 points and 9 boards per game last season. Jaxon Floyd and Cruz Lee return with varsity experience this season. They will have an uphill battle in a tough 10th district. 9. Butler County Bears (5-10) – Coach Calvin Dockery – 12th District Runner Up The Bears will return some solid varsity experience off last year’s district runner up team. The team’s top scorer Jagger Henderson returns, off a 12 point per game season. Soloman Fleener nearly put up double-double numbers last year and he also returns. Brody Hunt also returns for Coach Dockery as the Bears will look to fend off Grayson County and Whitesville Trinity to get back to the Sportscenter this spring. 10. Whitesville Trinity Raiders (6-17) – Coach Nathan West Whitesville is buzzing about the potential of their Raiders this winter. They return All-Region guard Landon Huff. Huff was dynamic last season and has shown more improvement during the summer months. He put up 16 points and 8 boards per game last year. Coach West also returns his next 4 top scorers in Landon Smith, Nathan Hernandez, Denver Dickens and Bailey Wright. The Raiders will be on the hunt for a 12th District title in 2022. 11. Apollo Eagles (5-13) – Coach Mark Starns There isn’t a team in the region with more questions than Apollo. They are awaiting a KHSAA decision on 2 transfers from Oklahoma. Wadang Wel is 6-9 swingman and 3 star recruit according to ESPN. He would instantly become a favorite for 3rd region player of the year, if eligible. Jimmy Lohembe is 6-7 and has shown the ability to be an absolute force in his previous spot. If those players become eligible, Apollo would instantly become a regional contender and a top 2-3 team in this region. They would help returning players like Harrison Bowman, Jaden Kelley, Brady Ward and Eli Masterson become role players. If they are not eligible, Apollo will have another uphill climb in a very tough 9th district. 12. Meade County Greenwave (9-11) – Coach Jason Tripure – 11th District Champions The Waves will be looking to replace their top 3 scorers from last year’s 11th District Championship team. Casey Turner, Cannon Decker and Dylan Abell were all lost to graduation. Coach Tripure will return Grant Beavin and Cooper Crump from last year’s team but will be depending on incoming varsity talent to try to make another run at the 11th district title. The 11th will not be as strong in 2022, so they will be in the mix. 13. Breckinridge County Tigers (7-11) – New Coach Jeff LaGrange Things are going to look a little different at Breck County this season. Long time Coach Patrick Critchelow stepped down as coach and Jeff LeGrange has taken over. He will start his rebuild with returning players Eman Odonahue , Mercer Rogers and Lane Taul. The Tigers lost 3 of top 4 scorers, including leading scorer Cason Morris. Even with a new cast of players, the Tigers should be able to contend for a spot in the regional tournament in a down 11th district. 14. Edmonson County Wildcats (6-13) –New Coach Brad Johnson Much like Breckinridge County, things are going to look different for Edmonson this season as long time head Coach Michael McClintic stepped away from the program. Coach Brad Johnson steps in and will look to try to replace the production of 4 of their top 5 scorers from a year ago, including Chaz Wilson. Wilson averaged a double-double and will be hard to replace. Trace Taylor will be the top returnee for the Cats this season. 15. Cloverport Aces (1-22) – Coach Jason Hurst Coach Hurst and the Aces will be looking to string together some wins this season as they have been hard to come by over the past few years. The good news is they return top scorers Connor Lagadinos, Nathan Hedges & Cole Weatherholt. All Region Preseason 1st Team Brian Grifith – Owensboro Catholic Ji Webb – Owensboro Catholic Kenyatta Carbon - Owensboro Amari Robinson Wales - Owensboro Landon Huff – Whitesville Trinity 2nd Team Cole Vincent – Muhlenberg County Trey Lovell – Muhlenberg County Brady Dame – Mclean County Keegan Sharp – Grayson County Elijah Decker – Ohio County

Joe absolutely can. A lot of his best plays come outside the pocket. As far as his ability to run, I don't know if he is on par with Gavin but he is in the ballpark. I don't think people give him enough credit in that department. He has 61 carries for 555 yards and 17 rushing TD. That's 9 yards per carry. I think 6 of those 17 TD's have come from 50 plus yards. He does all of that while keeping his eyes up the field, always looking to make a pass. Check out Daviess County's Football twitter page to see him last week fake the draw and throw a sidearm ball, under pressure, for a 38 yard TD. I do not have any doubt that St X will be much better up front but I can't wait to see how Humphreys fairs against that pressure. He has a great opportunity to prove something to anyone doubting he should be Mr. Football. As far as strength of schedule, its not even close. St X played a tougher opponent than DC every single week of the season, outside the Owensboro game. The physicality up front is the only reason I am picking St X. Games are won there. I think Humphreys will be the best player on the field and sometimes great players can negate that advantage but I just feel like that gap and guys going both ways will be to much for DC.

There is a lot of folks sleeping on this Owensboro team. I think they are better than last years squad. So good defensively and their running attack makes them more balanced on offense. I am looking forward to seeing how the matchups around the state play out on Friday and where the Final 4 will take the Devils. They are going to cruise in this one. OHS 42 - BC 7

Yea, DC took that game on a Thursday if I am not mistaken. They still didn't play up to par either way. Daviess has a tall task, without a doubt. I would put them at about a 17 point road underdog here. I've had the opportunity to call several of Joe's games over the past few years and this kid seems to get better every single time I see him. He made some plays in that Henderson County game last week that I am just not used to seeing at the high school level. As long as it doesn't go awful on Friday, I believe he should be Mr. Football. His numbers speak for themselves. His rapport with his receivers is what makes the offense go. Daviess has about 6-7 guys that can get it done at WR. The defense has been the question mark all season. They were awful against the run last year but have answered the bell in almost every single contest this season. They were gashed by Kenyatta Carbon from OHS but his speed is next level. For the most part, DC has held up against the power running games around west Kentucky, giving up about 146 yards per game. They also haven't faced a front anywhere near the level of St X either. When Henderson went to the veer last week (I have no idea why they didn't start in the veer???) DC didn't have much of an answer and that would scare me if I am a Panther fan. Most guys on the Daviess County defense play both ways and while it hasn't factored in all season, I suspect it will on Friday. I will be in California on Friday and will miss getting to go on the road to call this one for 1027 The Game. I hate missing it. I think Joe will show the state that he is the absolute real deal but I don't think that will be enough. I look for St X to control the game at the line and the game, with Humphreys making enough plays to keep DC somehwat in the game. St X 49 - DC 35