3rd Region Hoops- The folks of Butler County have embraced the 2023-24 version of their Men’s Basketball team & deservedly so. Led by Ty Price, Lawson Rice & a loaded 25′ class, Head Coach Calvin Dockery has the best team in program history playing at an elite level at the right time. They breezed through the 3rd Region Tournament, defeating their opponents by an average 17ppg, setting the stage for the schools first ever trip to the State Tournament. They face the 6th Region Champion Evangel Christian Eagles (29-6). Let’s preview the game:

Evangel Christian (29-6)

The Eagles path to Rupp Arena:

Defeated Holy Cross (Louisville) 75-60

Defeated Jeffersontown 73-45

Defeated Fairdale 64-54 (Regional Championship)

Names To Watch:

Kyran Tilley (18ppg, 38% from 3, 50% from the field)

Christian Doerr (17ppg, 4rpg. 57% from the field.)

Isaiah Chitapa (9ppg, 6rpg)

3RH Thoughts On The Game:

Evangel brings in one of the best backcourts in the state in Doerr & Tilley. They’ll be one of the most athletic teams (if not, the most) The Bears have faced this season. They’ll throw a ton of length at Butler County’s Ty Price & Briar Griffin & in order for the Bears to continue their magical season, they’ll have to handle the length and quickness being thrown at them. Bears Junior Ty Price is one of the most prolific scorers playing in the state tournament this week and slowing him down will obviously be Evangel’s top priority. Junior Lawson Rice must have a good outing if the Bears are to advance. Briar Griffin, Trevor Deweese & Justin Castlen have really shined down the last half of the season, which has made it really hard for teams to slow the Bears down. This is a game the Bears are confident they can compete in & what better way to begin your first ever trip to Rupp Arena, than to advance? The Butler County faithful will show up in full force, looking to show the state of Kentucky just how good a “Motown Party” is! In a game, where the majority of the state doesn’t expect a Butler County win, this fearless group will look to shock the state and continue this Historic run.