3rd Region Hoops— We’re past the holidays & cruising along in 2024 so that means our weekly “3RH Game of The Week” is back. Tonight, the 3RH team heads over to the 10th District as Muhlenberg Co hosts Ohio Co. Muhlenberg & Ohio have long been bitter rivals on the hardwood on BOTH the girls & boys side. The athletic department is labeling tonight “Legend 7” night. The community will be honoring its rich basketball tradition amongst the original 7 high schools. Tie that in with the fact that the folks of Ohio Co invade Mustangs country & it sets up for a MASSIVE turnout. Let’s get to the games!!!

(GIRLS 3RH Game of The Week) Muhlenberg Co VS Ohio Co

~ Game Lines (Per @Ky_Lines) — Muhlenberg Co (-8)

— Team Records

Muhlenberg Co (4-13, 1-1)

Ohio Co (4-12, 0-1)

First Meeting —

Muhlenberg Co DEFEATED Ohio Co 52-42 in Hartford KY.

Tonight’s Game— Long time & legendary HC Mike Harper will be back on the sidelines tonight after serving a 4 game suspension after being ejected during the Edmonson/Muhlenberg contest. The Lady Mustangs are coming off of a 72-46 win over Trigg Co last night & are led by senior Brescia commit, Brooklyn Stewart who’s averaging 16ppg & 7rpg. In the first meeting VS Ohio Co on 12/15/2023, Stewart had a MONSTER GAME, scoring 29 points & grabbing 7 rebounds. There was simply NOTHING the Lady Eagles could do with her. One has to assume that Lady Eagles HC Ted Hill has worked all week, putting a game plan in place to slow Stewart down & prevent another big performance from happening tonight. For Ohio Co, they are led by Junior Ella Decker who’s averaging 12ppg & 8rpg. In the first meeting VS Muhlenberg, it was Junior Emerson Gray who showed up big for The Lady Eagles, scoring a team best 20 points & hauling in 6 rebounds. Ella Decker nearly had a double-double with 9 points & 9 rebounds. Neither team is considered regional contenders but both are 100% in the mix for a 10th district title. A feat in which has been traditionally controlled by both these programs. Ohio NEEDS to win to keep from falling to (0-2) in the 3 team district. Muhlenberg can improve to (2-1) in the district. Let’s be honest, THERE IS NO LOVE LOST BETWEEN THESE TWO PROGRAMS & tonight will be no different. Two desperate teams BADLY wanting to beat the other.

(BOYS 3RH Game of The Week) Muhlenberg Co VS Ohio Co.

~ Game Lines (Per @Ky_Lines) –

Ohio Co (-3)

Team Records—

Ohio Co (6-9, 1-0)

Muhlenberg Co (5-9, 1-1)

First Meeting— Ohio Co DEFEATED Muhlenberg Co 71-63 in Hartford KY.

Tonight’s Game—

Just like in the Girls Matchup, these two teams simply do not like each other. Ohio County came into the season as the 3RH Preseason #1 team but more so than any other program in the region, adversity has been a long term visitor in that locker room. Nagging injuries to each of its key players dating back to Summer ball has prevented The Eagles from ever really getting into any kind of rhythm. News broke earlier this week that 6’5 junior guard Carson Kennedy will be out for the remainder of the season with a back injury. Senior rotation player Caleb Manning remains out with a severe ankle sprain but is expected back in the next week or so. Senior star & Midseason 1st Teamer Elijah Decker has been a consistently back in the lineup for HC Paul Decker, which serves as a HUGE positive. That staff however, will make ZERO excuses and still fully expect to contend for a regional championship. Muhlenberg too, has dealt with injuries/sickness throughout the season. sophomore Isaac Coats missed nearly a month for the Mustangs with sickness but is back in the lineup & getting back into game shape. Muhlenberg Co is the defending 10th district champs, something that has simply just been a given over the past several seasons & that has to serve as motivation for that Eagle Locker Room. Ohio Co has won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these two hate filled rivals. Muhlenberg Co is led by senior, Madox Jernigan (17ppg, 4rpg) & sophomore Isaac Coats (13ppg). Ohio Co is led by senior Elijah Decker (18ppg, 7rpg) & Senior Carter Young (16ppg, 5rpg). With a win, Ohio Co would be in full control of its destiny in getting the much coveted #1 seed. With a Mustang win, things get REALLY interesting in this district for the remainder of the season. In case y’all missed the memo, THIS IS A BIG ONE! (Side Note- the overall records of both of these teams are VERY deceiving. Both play 2 of the toughest schedules in the region)

PEP Mania—

Students, DONT FORGET ABOUT PEP MANIA! Mustang Students, Eagle Students, SHOW UP & MAKE YOUR CASE FOR THE BEST STUDENT SECTION IN THE REGION! Greenville, LETS HAVE A PARTY!!!!!!!