Head coach: Tim Riley (6th season)
2019-20 record: 21-14
The Owensboro Catholic Aces upset Owensboro in the 3rd Region Tournament final a year ago to advance to the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen but with a talented arsenal of young players in 2021, Tim Riley and the Aces are ready to make last season a repeat performance.
Riley said the victory over the Red Devils gives them a boost to start this season.
“Winning that game changed everybody’s perspective a little bit,” he said. “Being able to win in front of the crowd that was there that night with one of the great programs in the state’s history. That’s definitely given us a lift heading into this season.”
With the uncertainty surrounding hoops during the offseason, Riley said he’s impressed with the way his players handled everything they went through.
“I admire the kids because there’s been a lot of disappointments during this whole stretch,” he said. “Work with them in the summer, can’t work with them in the summer. Come back, can’t work again. I’ve been real proud of them just being able to do it. These dudes are really excited about the fact we’re going to get started playing on Monday.”
Riley said the key to his squad this season is they have a couple of players that can create their own shot but also have several shooters around them to help balance the scoring.
The Aces return juniors Brian Griffith (16.6 ppg) and Ji Webb (13.1 ppg) this season, in addition to their lone senior on the roster.
“That one senior is a heck of a high school basketball player in Gray Weaver,” Riley said. “He does so much for us. Gray will play more positions than anyone else on the floor, which gives our team a little bit of flexibility.”
Weaver averaged 9.4 ppg and 3.6 rpg last season as he’ll be a big piece for Riley’s Aces.
Luke Scales, Sam McFarland, Parker Gray, Braden Mundy and Noah Johnson will also contribute for Catholic this season.
The Aces start the season Monday at home against Evangel Christian then take on Whitesville Trinity Wednesday in the 3rd Region All “A” Classic.
Riley said the All “A” is a good chance for his players to get postseason experience during the season.
“It just gives us big games to play in,” he said. “When you get late in the year and you’re playing in the district tournament, you’ve had some big games, games that really matter during the regular season beside your district games. It just gives you a little experience playing in big games, trying to win a championship.”
Riley, along with the rest of the Catholic family, have high hopes for this season and the next few years with the young talent they have on the roster.
“We have numerous guys who can score,” he said. “If we rebound and defend well we should be very good.”
