3rd Region Hoops — One of the richest traditions in high school basketball in Kentucky calls the 3rd Region “Home” – the Apollo Eagles, have without question or debate, one of the top 2 traditions in region, along with cross town rival Owensboro, however that tradition hasn’t translated to much success lately. The Eagles have hit troubling times in recent years & a culture change has been needed for a while. Insert rookie Head Coach & former Grayson County standout, Ryne Tinsley & a highly decorated staff into the picture. Tinsley has been hired to get the Apollo basketball program back to relevance but as the old saying goes; “Rome wasn’t built in a day” – IT WILL TAKE TIME! Im sure Eagle Nation is anxious for wins, having only experienced 7 wins over the course of the previous two season, but patience must be given to Tinsley and his staff. In an episode of the 3rd Region Hoops Podcast with HC Ryne Tinsley, we stated we think the Eagles are 2-3 years away from competing at a respectable level.. that statement of course, caught some criticism from folks, still yet, we stand by that statement.. not to serve as a knock on Tinsley, the program etc, but simply because of reality of where things stand in the region. We do think The Eagles will soon be past being a laughing stock, as it has been recently. We mentioned earlier in the article, the staff Tinsley has assembled.. that staff is arguably one of the best in the region and brings much success and pedigree along with it. Other than the staff, there is much optimism around this years freshman class. Competing at the varsity level with a young, inexperienced team is challenging for anyone, especially considering the amount of depth & talent that consists in the area this season & beyond. Butler Co’s Ty Price is putting up numbers that Apollo’s own Rex Chapman didn’t put up, Ohio Co’s Elijah Decker, Daviess Co’s Gage Phelps, DeAaron Watkins & Jonathon Moss, Muhlenberg Co’s Madox Jernigan & more make for a very deep stampede of talent. By this point in this article you guys might realize we don’t think Apollo will contend this year, BUT I do look at the state of the program & feel confident in saying it is on the right track. I do think Apollo fans will experience more wins this season. I do feel like Apollo fans should see solid optimism about the freshman class, notably Landon Henning & Eli Williams among others. Henning is rated by most ranking/recruiting services as the #1 center in the class of 2027. Standing at 6’7 and bringing a lot of athleticism, Henning is a name 3rd Region fans will get accustomed to hearing. Williams is a solid point guard who had a big summer and will be a great asset to the program for the next several years. Can we give Tinsley a pass this season? YES! I do think if Apollo were to take advantage of OHS being down & “rebuilding” & finish 3rd in the 9th District, the excitement level will drastically increase & rightfully so. That would catapult the process of getting things where they need to be, by a whole bunch. Apollo, when clicking, is GREAT for this region & for this state. When you think of programs with bright futures; Grayson Co, Daviess Co, & Meade Co, APOLLO MUST BE INCLUDED IN THAT LIST! Again, there is reason to be hopeful that the days of being in Rock Bottom’s basement are soon over with. The Apollo Athletic Program has seen some hard times lately in the 2 “major sports” of basketball & football, but a regional title in Baseball this past season and a solid group of young talent upcoming across the board for Apollo Athletics gives much reason to believe BRIGHTER DAYS ARE COMING! Just be patient & when this thing starts clicking in year 3 (maybe year 2) – remember; “WE TOLD YA SO”