Elite 8: 3rd Region
We are only 2 and a half weeks from the start of the KHSAA Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena. Half the schools in Kentucky have been eliminated from the postseason and by Thursday night, that number will dip to 64 teams remaining. The games get started on Tuesday night in the 6th and 7th regions before the rest of the state starts regional play on Wednesday night. We’re going to take a look at the 8 top players remaining in each region and take a shot at power ranking the remaining teams. The 3rd region starts play on Wednesday night. All regional games take place at the Owensboro Sportscenter. Here’s a breakdown of the 3rd region tournament and the top individual players still playing.
Elite 8 Players (in no order):
John Parker, Ohio County – The leading scorer and rebounder for the 10th district champions, Parker is going to have to be at the top of his game and get some help to make a run at Rupp Arena.
Aidan Matthews, Meade County – Averaging 20 points and 7 rebounds per game on the season, Matthews is a 6’5 forward who can make a difference in their quarterfinal matchup against Apollo.
Nathan Boyle, Apollo – The leading scorer for the team that knocked off regional favorite Owensboro, Boyle is one of the top free throw shooters in the state, shooting 85% from the charity stripe.
Hayden Shelton, Apollo – The senior shooting guard has started to hit his stride recently and has seen an uptick in his scoring numbers. Shelton is a marksman, making 42% of his 3 point shots and shooting 84% from the free throw line.
Will Nofsinger, Muhlenberg County – The leading scorer in the region, Nofsinger is averaging nearly 24 points per game with 41/36/88 shooting splits.
Luke Hayden, Owensboro Catholic – The preseason player of the year suffered numerous injuries in the season and is just now back to his old self.
John Marshall, Owensboro Catholic – The leading scorer on the favorite to win the regional, Marshall averages 12.2 points and pulls down 6 rebounds per game.
Kobe Poole, Breckinridge County – The Senior is a big time bucket getter for the Tigers. Averaging 23.7 points per game, Poole is the best chance that Breck has to knock off Owensboro Catholic in the regional quarterfinal.
Power Rankings:
1. Owensboro Catholic – The preseason favorite is finally healthy and playing back to their peak form.
2. Apollo – Barring an upset, the regional championship should be a rematch of the 9th district title game.
3. Meade County – The Green Wave got all the way to Rupp Arena last season and look to make a return trip this year.
4. Breckinridge County – The Tigers were burdened with a bad draw. They have to face Owensboro Catholic in the quarterfinals.
5. Ohio County – The Eagles have good depth and should win their quarterfinal but they may not have the offense to get to Rupp Arena.
6. Muhlenberg County – Losers of 3 in a row and 6 of their last 8, they’ll need to repeat their early season win over Grayson County to advance.
7. Grayson County – Only 13-16 on the season, Grayson mainly feasted on their weak district foes. They’ll look to avenge an early season loss to Muhlenberg.
8. Edmonson County – A surprising regional qualifier after only winning 9 regular season games, these Wildcats will look to knock off Ohio County to advance to the semifinals.