3rd Region Hoops- As the KHSAA Dead period quickly approaches us, teams are in the gym playing summer ball & enjoying their summers, we decided to have a little fun & rank the 3rd Region’s coaches. We decided to just do the top 5 and list a couple who “Just Missed” the top 5. As with most of the write ups you’ll get from 3rd Region Hoops, this is simply an opinion. There are several high quality coaches who won’t be on this list. With that being said, don’t take it personally. Here’s one thing we find similar on both sides of the region when it comes to coaches; There are certain names that you HAVE TO put in the top 5 and then the rest is a toss up. Let’s rank the Top 5 Best Coaches in Boys Basketball.

• Tim Riley (Owensboro Catholic) — Tim Riley has built the Aces into a Major Title Contender every year. He has 2 regional Championships as the Aces boss & multiple Coach of The Year Awards. Riley is the ALL TIME WINNINGEST COACH in BOYS program history. Riley lands at number one due to a career of WINNING at a very high level. One would assume we’re catching the tail end of a very successful career. Catholic will maintain consistent success until Riley decides to hang it up. This one was easy!
• #2 Paul Decker (Ohio County) – Paul Decker coaches at arguably one of the top 3 toughest places in the region & has seen a large amount of success there. With 200+ career wins, 1 Regional Championship & multiple Coach of The Year Awards, Decker is easily one of the best coaches in the area. Since accepting the Head Coaching position for a second stint two seasons ago, the Eagles have been one of the 3 best programs in the region. Decker, along with Riley has “Been there and done it” and has done it the right way.
• #3 Darren Lynam (McLean County) – Darren Lynam is GREAT. He wins everywhere he goes & has recently taken McLean County to levels it hasn’t experienced. Lynam will be top 3 in ANY list you have in regards to the Top coaches in the region & there’s just no way around it. McLean Co has cemented itself as a top tier program in the region under Lynam & he’s seen solid success in a basketball rich 10th District. The only blemish? he’s not gotten over the hump & won a regional title yet, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see him do just that before it’s all said and done. By the way, I hear the Statue will be built in Downtown Calhoun prior to October 15th.
• #4 Rod Drake (Owensboro) – 4 region championships, 1 State Championship & multiple Coach of The Year Awards. You can’t argue that! Owensboro is rich with talent, perhaps as much talent walking the halls as a lot of schools have on rosters across the state. With that being said, how is he ranked 4th? We’re crazy, right?! Here’s why – 1st, it’s simply our opinion & it means NOTHING. Second, he has 4 region titles in 15 seasons with arguably more talent than anyone year in and year out. That kinda success makes for Legend status in some places, but if you ask the Red Devil faithful, they’ll say they want more. They’ll tell you they should have more. Red devil fans will read this & think I’ve lost my mind & that’s perfectly fine. You have to respect Drake for winning 4 region crowns and a state title, but even he’ll tell you he should have more. Sorry, Devil fans!
• #5 Nathan West (Whitesville Trinity) – Nathan West has to be on this list. Aside from Cloverport, he may have the toughest job in the region at Trinity. That’s no disrespect to Trinity.., they’re one of the smallest schools in the area but West has taken a program most will write off on a yearly basis and has made them relevant. He takes what he has and gets the most out of his talent. He developed his class of 23’ crop into one of the best senior classes in the region led by Do It All Stud, Landon Huff. He’s gotten Trinity to Sportscenter and has made Trinity a tough out in the always competitive 12th district. Nathan West could coach ANYWHERE & ANY school in the region with an opening should have him as one of the first to call. Whitesvegas STAND UP!!!
• Honorable Mention— Travis Johnston (Grayson County) Jason Tripure (Meade County) Neil Hayden (Daviess County)