3rd and 4th Region Late-Season Report
The Kentucky high school basketball season is drawing closer and closer to district tournament time, which precedes the madness that is the state’s region tournaments. PHKY breaks down each region outlook as February invites the madness. 3rd REGION BREAKDOWN Top…
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Continue ReadingThe Kentucky high school basketball season is drawing closer and closer to district tournament time, which precedes the madness that is the state’s region tournaments. PHKY breaks down each region outlook as February invites the madness.
3rd REGION BREAKDOWN
Top 5 Teams by 3rd Region Record
Apollo – Apollo is 18-5 and 12-2 in the region. Notable region wins include Daviess County, Owensboro, and Owensboro Catholic. Out of region wins include Newport Central Catholic (state tournament participant last year) and Madisonville – North Hopkins. The Eagles are led by senior guard Zach Hopewell who is averaging 21 points per game.
Hancock County – Not many foresaw the success Hancock County would have coming into the 2016-2017 season. But they are making a case for being one of the more consistent teams in the region. At 19-3 and 10-3 in the region, the Hornets haven’t lost more than two straight all season. Region play will tell if Hancock has what it takes to make some region noise, as the region will serve as the toughest part of their schedule. The Hornets are led by senior forward Brenden Lewis, averaging 17 points per game.
Owensboro Catholic – The reigning 3rd region champions, the Aces are 16-8 overall with out of region wins against Bullitt East and Franklin-Simpson. Their region record isn’t fancy, but a win against Apollo early in the season and a recent win against Daviess County could help things for them. Junior guard Luke Hayden leads Catholic with 15 points per game.
Owensboro – A few years removed from a sweet sixteen berth, the Red Devils need more consistent play from all five players on the court. Jacoby Harris is a do-it-all guard averaging 14.1 points per game. Consistent wins would also help their cause. With wins against Indiana state championship contenteder Evansville Bosse and other region contenders Owensboro Catholic and Daviess, they’ve shown they are capable of beating just about anyone.
Daviess County – 15-10 and 9-6 in the region. Led by Blake Boswell (13.3 points per game), the Panthers have lost their last 4, but won 9 out 10 previous to that stretch. Consistent play is a key for Daviess County in order for them to make a run to the region.
4th REGION BREAKDOWN
Top 5 Teams by 4th Region Record
Bowling Green – Currently the top team in all of Kentucky (AP Poll), Bowling Green boasts a 22-2 overall record and is 11-0 in the region. Terry Taylor (Austin Peay commit) leads the Purples at 17.4 points per game and 8th grade sensation Zion Harmon is averaging 16. Bowling Green hasn’t lost since Christmas, a 16 game winning streak to be exact. But with the 4th region arguably the toughest one in the state, anything can happen. Look for Bowling Green to be right there.
Franklin-Simpson – The Wildcats have impressive wins against out-of-region foes Louisville Doss, Owensboro Catholic, and University Heights. They’ll need to steal some wins against the region’s best in order for the noise to be heard. Wins against Russellville help that cause. Tavin Lovan is one of the state’s top un-signed D-I prospects, averaging 26 points per game.
Russellville – The Panthers do have Belmont commit and potential Mr. Basketball candidate “Pedro” Bradshaw, who is averaging 22.1 points per game and 14 rebounds, but with no notable out-of-region wins, Russellville (like Franklin-Simpson), need to win some games against top 4th region opponents in order to get it rolling.
Clinton County – Flying a bit under the radar, Clinton County sits at 19-7 and 10-3 in the region. We won’t know until if they win their district if they’ll be able to make a region run. Only a game against Russellville is the measuring stick for the Bulldogs thus far. Clinton County lost that game 72-78.
Greenwood – Another one flying under the radar, Greenwood has impressive wins agasint Warren East and Central, and close calls against the regions elite (Franklin-Simpson, Bowling Green) and wins against Clinton County. If and when Greenwood puts it all together, watch out.