3rd Region Hoops— It’s day two of the BOYS 2023-24 3rd Region Tournament & tonight is by far the most anticipated night of the week, with the Bottom half of the boys bracket tipping off. Murders row is the best way to describe it. Every year, the tournament bracket gives us a matchup (or 2) in the first round that is simply MUST SEE & tonight is that night. A lot of talk has taken place about the “bad” atmosphere’s at the sportscenter (specifically the girls first round matchups) despite the fact every first round girls matchup was very lopsided in outcomes. The talk, however, wasn’t nearly as loud last night as the boys first session brought an exciting buzz to Owensboro, notably in the Meade/Muhlenberg matchup that saw tradition rich Muhlenberg squeak by Meade Co 59-56 in front of a VERY energetic Mustang Crowd. Tonight will not be any different, in fact, it will be sold out as 2 of arguably the 3 best traveling fanbases make their way to Owensboro; (Ohio & Breck). All eyes in the Region & MANY eyes throughout the state will tune in tonight’s games.. let’s get to the previews & remember.. it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Daviess County (24-7) VS Butler County (20-8)

Game Time: 6pm

Livestream Info: https://youtube.com/@wlbqradio?si=2NMdZczGAMiVZytF

Regular Season Result: DNP

Game Spread: Butler Co -3

Players To Watch:

Jonathan Moss (DC) – 17ppg

Gage Phelps (DC) – 16ppg, 4rpg

DeAaron Watkins (DC) – 13ppg, 7rpg

Ty Price (BC) – 29ppg 4apg

Lawson Rice (BC) – 18ppg, 11rpg

Briar Griffin (BC) – 12ppg, 5rpg

3RH Thoughts On The Matchup:

This game has all the makings of an instant classic. Two of the regions top teams square off in what is a BRUTAL draw for both teams but an incredible draw for Basketball fans across the region. Both teams bring high powered offenses to the Sportscenter & there will be no shortage of star power on the floor. Butler County is in the midst of a historic run for a program starving for its first regional championship. Motown is buzzing & this core of Bears has often been tabbed the BEST IN SCHOOL HISTORY! Ty Price, one of the most prolific scores in the regions history will look to shine on the Regions biggest stage. Lawson Rice is arguably the best big man in the 3rd Region & brings athleticism & versatility to the lineup that very across the state can match. Briar Griffin is the X factor for HC Calvin Dockery. He’s arguably The top on ball defender in the area and impacts the game in every facet. His shot making has upped over the last month of the season as well which takes an already elite scoring offense to a whole new level. Daviess County has itself some bonafide stars as well. Sophomore point guard Jonathan Moss is young but a veteran and has played on the states biggest stage so the lights will NOT be too big for him. Outside of Ty Price, there is no point guard in the region sniffing Moss when it comes to the best point guards in our area. Senior Gage Phelps is steady & almost always makes the right basketball play. DeAaron Watkins is an athletic big man who can stretch the floor and though it’s been a bit of an up & down sophomore year for him, he is still a force and if he’s on, it’ll be a tough night for the Bears! As we mentioned, both of these teams can score almost at will.. the question tonight however, is WHO CAN GUARD? DC’s Aydan Ayer & BC’s Briar Griffin MUST insert themselves tonight on the defensive side for their respective teams. You better arrive early & enjoy the show that’s set to happen at the Prestigious Owensboro Sportscenter!

Ohio County (18-12) VS Breckinridge County (16-12)

Game Time: 7:45pm

Livestream Info: https://youtube.com/@brecklive8779?si=cf1HX50a-Jma2CeD

Game Spread: Ohio County -13

Regular Season Result: Ohio County DEFEATED Breckinridge County on November 30th, 2023 54-48 at Breckinridge County.

Players To Watch:

Elijah Decker (Ohio) – 21ppg, 6rpg

Carter Young (Ohio) – 15ppg, 5rpg

Bo Morse (Ohio) – 10ppg, 6rpg

Mercer Rogers (Breck) – 15ppg, 5rpg

Lance Poole (Breck) – 11ppg

Jonah Miller (Breck) – 8ppg, 4rpg

3RH Thoughts On The Game:

These two teams met way back in November with Ohio County prevailing however it’s basically a whole different world now than when that meeting occurred. Ohio County limped through the first half of the season dealing with injuries to Major pieces of the puzzle. Breck County spent the first of the season figuring things out and establishing continuity & chemistry within the locker room. Both teams have overcome adversity in their own ways & both teams come to town with expectations of advancing. Ohio County, 3RH Preseason #1 has seemingly turned it on the right time & come into the Sportscenter playing their best ball of the year. Elijah Decker, since the holidays has been spectacular & Carter Young & Bo Morse have provided steady production & have enabled the train in Hartford to start rolling as everyone expected. Though Ohio County has losses to Butler County & Daviess County, you’d be crazy to think Ohio County is scared of either of them. This is a veteran ball club with a championship winning staff who’s went through disappointing post season runs in recent years but looks to be bought in to making this last go worth every mile. Bo Morse since the new year has looked like a man amongst boys and if he’s assertive, this Ohio County team becomes THAT MUCH MORE LETHAL. Carter Young is one of the regions best spot up shooters and provides length & versatility at both ends of the floor! Breckinridge County comes in led by Junior star Mercer Rogers. Rogers & come in to the regional tournament 11-5 since the new year. Lance Poole can get going in a second & can provide instant offensive power to a lineup that will not be out hustled. Braden Carman is a workhorse down low and will look to contain Eagle Senior Bo Morse. Breck lost its last game to BITTER rival Meade County in the 11th District Championship, so one must assume they’ll come into this matchup angry & looking to shock the region. The key to this game will be how does HC Jeff LaGrange slow down Elijah Decker & how much help does Elijah Decker get from the Eagles supporting cast. This game will be full of energy as it features two fanbases that ALWAYS travel well. Just like in the first game, you better get there early because the energy in the building will be INCREDIBLE! Don’t sleep on this matchup. It’s a good one with neither team wanting an early exit.

Enough talk, GO PLAY! #3RH