Top Five Season Preview: Third Region

<p>Over the next 2 months, we'll preview the top teams and players in each of the 16 regions as we move toward the 2019-2020 regular season. As part of our preview, we'll break down the regional title contenders and the top college prospects in every region. We continue with the third region, where a handful of teams could win the Region and there is no clear cut best Senior.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Five Regional Title Contenders:</strong></span></p> <p>Owensboro - The reigning Champions lose their leading scorer but their incoming Freshman class is poised to be among the best in the region in several years. They won the 8th grade state and did it without everyone being old enough to drive to their 8th grade games. They should be athletic and deep. If their young kids can grow up fast, they can get back to Rupp.</p> <p>Owensboro Catholic - The Aces have one of the winningest coaches in state history and a talented returning group that gets better with the development of their Sophomore class. If transfer <strong>Gray Weaver</strong> can fit in with the other returning pieces, this group can be the most talented team in the region.</p> <p>Ohio County - Speaking of transfers, Q'Daryius McHenry made his way back to Ohio County this summer after spending his Sophomore year at Grayson County. McHenry is a two sport star that should fit right back in with Seniors <strong>Trey Lewis and Dennis Manning </strong>and make the Eagles a threat to win it all and get to Rupp.</p> <p>Muhlenberg County - Leading scorer <strong>Nash Divine</strong> is back for his Junior season and fellow Junior <strong>Isaac Rose</strong> should come close to doubling his point and rebound averages from last season. Muhlenberg has high expectations every season and this year is no different.</p> <p>Butler County - After watching them play a few times this summer, it's clear that the Bears have some talent and are well coached. Sophomore <strong>Solomon Flener</strong> has a chance to be a solid college prospect and Senior <strong>Parker Rice</strong> can score in bunches when he stops settling for step back jumpers. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top 5 College Prospects:</strong></span></p> <p>Gavin Wimsatt, Owensboro - Wimsatt is the rare three sport star as he is a big time quarterback prospect, stud on the baseball diamond and one of the best returning players on the basketball court. </p> <p>JiArius Webb, Owensboro Catholic - Mr. Potential, Webb has D1 length and athleticism and Coach Riley is confident that the big man will keep developing. If he also keeps growing, watch out. </p> <p>Kenyata Carbon, Owensboro - Only a freshman, Carbon was the most outstanding player of the 8th grade state tournament and is likely a starter for Coach Drake this season.</p> <p>Q'Daryius McHenry, Ohio County - More likely to be a football player in college, the Junior guard is capable of bullying defenders to the rim.</p> <p>Nash Divine, Muhlenberg County - Another Junior, Divine plays on or off the ball for the Mustangs and should be one of the Region's leading scorers this season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Mr. Basketball Finalist:</strong></span></p> <p>Parker Rice, Butler County</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Regional Champion:</strong></span></p> <p>Owensboro</p>