Though seven of the eight teams competing in the boys’ basketball 2019 3rd Region Tournament were in the field last year, a new champion is guaranteed with the absence of 2018 title winner Apollo.
Owensboro replaces the Eagles in this year’s tournament, and they enter as the favorites after an undefeated run through region opponents in the regular season.
In the girls’ tournament, Owensboro Catholic will try to defend their 2018 title and earn the return trip to the state tournament. The Lady Aces are the frontrunners after beating every region opponent by double digits this season.
The only girls’ newcomer to the field is Trinity, who returns to the region tournament after a 15-year hiatus. The Lady Raiders replace Grayson County.
For information on each team as well as thoughts from local coaches, see the breakdown below.
The boys’ tournament kicks off with first-round games Monday and Tuesday. The champion will face the winner of the 16th Region at 7 p.m. on March 6 in the first round of the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen Basketball Tournament.
The girls’ tournament kicks off with first-round games Wednesday and Thursday. The girls’ champions will face the winner of the 5th Region at 12:30 p.m. on March 13 in the first round of the KHSAA Girls Sweet Sixteen® Basketball Tournament.
For a full downloadable boys’ schedule, click here. For the girls’ schedule, click here.
TEAM INFO — BOYS (by district)
Owensboro (9th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 20-7, 14-0
Key players: Darrion Wimsatt, Gavin Wimsatt, Amari Robinson-Wales, Jaiden Greathouse
Outlook: The Red Devils have beat the top teams in the region already this year, and they ride a nine-game win streak into the tournament. They play with speed that few teams can match, and their defense can shut down anyone on the court.
Owensboro Catholic (9th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 17-11, 11-4
Key players: John Parker, Peyton Survant, Brian Griffith, Drew Hartz
Outlook: The Aces have four losses in region play, but they’ve all come against Owensboro. After a hot start that included a win over Breckinridge County, the Aces were up and down the rest of the year. They can attack a few different ways but will have to find consistency.
Muhlenberg County (10th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 15-10, 7-3
Key players: Nash Devine, Nolan Davis
Outlook: The Mustangs had a mid-season slump but have been on the rise as they enter the postseason. They don’t score a lot of points, so will have to limit teams for a chance to advance.
Ohio County (10th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 15-15, 8-6
Key players: Trey Lewis, Dennis Manning, Colby Vanover
Outlook: After a stretch of wins in the middle of the season, the Eagles have been on the decline. They’ve lost three in a row and will have to find a groove with a tough game against Breckinridge County to open the tournament.
Breckinridge County (11th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 26-3, 17-3
Key players: Kobe Poole, Tanner Whitworth
Outlook: The only losses have come to region opponents, but the Tigers are still one of the favorites to win the tournament. They have possibly the best player in the field in Kobe Poole, and teams will have to find a way to limit his dynamic ability.
Meade County (11th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 12-17, 6-7
Key players: Peyton Cole, Chris Armstead, Chezney Weick, Chaney Weick
Outlook: The Green Wave has a solid group of four who do most everything for the team, but not much beyond that. They’ve struggled most of the year but they did beat a couple of good teams early on.
Grayson County (12th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 17-14, 12-8
Key players: Nolan Shartzer, Q Daryius McHenry, Spencer Sharp
Outlook: It was a slow start for the Cougars, but they’ve won nine of their last 10 games, with eight of those coming against region opponents. Outside of their go-to trio, there isn’t much depth on the team.
Edmonson County (12th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 12-17, 6-9
Key players: Chaz Wilson, Dalton Decker
Outlook: The Wildcats are one of the higher-scoring teams in the region, but they’ve also allowed the second-most points of any team. They got an ideal first-round game but could struggle to make it far.
TEAM INFO — Girls (by district)
Owensboro Catholic (9th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 24-7, 14-0
Key players: Hannah McKay, Sarah Beth Clemens, Mackenzie Keelin
Outlook: The Lady Aces have been dominant most of the year, and they’ve got a versatile attack. They compliment a size advantage down low with a handful of players who can knock down outside shots. They’ve also got an active defense that helps push the pace and stretch leads out in a hurry.
Apollo (9th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 18-12, 13-7
Key players: Lexi Shadowen, Kassidy Daugherty, Zoe Floyd
Outlook: Following a midseason lull, the E-Gals finished the year out strong. They’ve won eight of the last 10 games and held opponents under 50 points in all but two of those contests. If they can keep up the defensive effort and continue to rebound, they’ll be a tough out for any team.
Muhlenberg County (10th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 17-14, 11-4
Key players: Destin Armour, Elisabeth Joines, Grace Hauslein
Outlook: They got off to a hot start, but the Lady Mustangs have struggled down the stretch. The defense has had some trouble lately, so they’ll have to find a way to slow down a Meade County team that has put up big numbers recently.
McLean County (10th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 14-16, 9-9
Key players: Makena Rush, Bailie Walker
Outlook: The Lady Cougars improved as the year went on and closed the season with impressive region wins. Makena Rush averages a double-double and plays big minutes in the paint. Though much of their success has come inside this year, they may have a tough time against a taller Owensboro Catholic squad.
Breckinridge County (11th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 10-9, 15-4
Key players: Kayla Young, Isabel Grimes, Aleigha Mucker
Outlook: The Lady Tigers have had a largely successful year but showed some vulnerability in their losses. Kayla Young averages a double-double and is a strong presence inside, and there are a few players who can stay out wide to knock down shots.
Meade County (11th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 13-16, 9-7
Key players: Kendall Wingler, Jenna Gallimore
Outlook: The Lady Waves got a favorable matchup with Muhlenberg County, who they handily beat earlier this year. Kendall Wingler counts for nearly 50 percent of their scoring, so they’ll need her to play well to make a deep run.
Edmonson County (12th District Champion)
Overall, region record: 24-7, 13-3
Key players: Katie Lindsey, Chanley Logsdon, Lauren Ballance
Outlook: The Lady Cats have won 12 games in a row, including a couple of nail biters against region foes. Like first-round opponent Apollo, they’ve been limiting opposing offenses. They’ll likely use an inside attack in what could be a grinding game.
Trinity (12th District Runner-up)
Overall, region record: 12-18, 9-14
Key players: Cassidy Morris, Nina Wathen, Josie Aull
Outlook: It’s been 15 years since the Lady Raiders made the tournament, and they drew tough first game. Trinity is at a disadvantage with a youthful and shallow roster, but they’ve been finding ways to win. They’ll have to handle the press for a shot to advance.
