3rd Region Hoops — The 2022/23 season that Butler County’s Ty Price put together caught everybody in the 3rd Region by surprise, except for Ty Price, his camp & those inside the Bears Program. Ty, originally from Morgantown, elected to transfer from Butler County in middle school & played for Warren East & South Warren before deciding to return home after his freshman year. Ty Price’s Guardian & trainer Greg Keown stated that “it just felt like the right situation & he wanted to make history with his childhood teammates” when asked what went into the decision to ultimately “come home”. Butler County has seen success under HC Calvin Dockery & have been no stranger to qualifying for the Regional Tournament at the prestigious Owensboro Sportscenter, having done so in 7 seasons with Dockery at the helm, however to be frank, not every time did the Bears have a legitimate chance at hoisting a trophy until NOW! Price & company (notably Lawson Rice) have brought a level of anticipation, attention & expectations that simply hasn’t been around at such a level in years past. The “Price Effect” was in full force from the start of competition. Opposing coaches had the distinct task of game planing against Price who, once across half court was a threat to score. Price put together a sophomore campaign that, from an individual standpoint, was nothing short of VIDEO GAME ESK. Price, seeing double & triple teams night in and night out managed to finish the season 3rd in the State, regardless of class, in total points. He was 1 of only 10 players in America to amass 1,000 points in the season. He finished 12th in the country in 3 pointers made & averaged 31 points per game. Yes, y’all read all of that correctly. UNHEARD OF! Early in the summer, HC Calvin Dockery labeled Price as one of the hardest workers he’s ever coached and a gym rat. Going into the 23/24 basketball season, expectations are THROUGH THE ROOF. Butler County will be preseason #1 or #2 in EVERY preseason poll & will be one of the favorites to represent the 3rd Region at RUPP Arena, alongside Border Rival Ohio County & Uber talented Daviess County. We walked into the infamous Farm Boy Restaurant in Morgantown and asked random people about the upcoming season & what it’s like having Price back home. One individual said “He came back home and brought an air about him that gives a sense of confidence that we haven’t had in a while. One of the best players in 3rd Region History is right here.” The confidence, and excitement in the air screams, in the words of another at at the restaurant; “BUTLER, LET’S WIN THE WHOLE THING.” The expectations that traditionally have been to compete for District titles and advance to the regionals has now completely flipped to “Championship or Bust”… again, THE TY PRICE EFFECT! With the success, the record setting statistics, and the tide shifting in Morgantown, more opportunities have came the programs way. This upcoming season, the Bears will participate in the highly regarded Marshall County Hoop Fest along with the King Of The Bluegrass tournament. The Bears will be battle tested by the time District tournament rolls around. What Ty Price has done already, HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE IN THIS REGION. No, Not Rex Chapman, Patrick Sparks, Butch Beard, Justin Miller nor Aric Holman have put up the numbers that he has & Here’s a reminder – HES STILL PLAYING!! I’m not sure how last season will be matched or bested, but one has to assume, due to the amount of time being spent in the gym, that it will be nothing short of historic. The only thing missing is a championship.. will this be the year that Butler County makes history? Can’t wait to watch this play out but in the mean time, enjoy this kid while he’s here., these kinda talents don’t come around very often!