Third Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Apollo
2. Ohio County
3. Muhlenberg North
4. Owensboro
5. Meade County
6. Muhlenberg South
7. Grayson County
8. Owensboro Catholic
9. Breckinridge County
10. Hancock County
11. McLean County
12. Daviess County
13. Butler County
14. Edmonson County
15. Cloverport
16. Whitesville Trinity

Three Things To Watch...
--In a guard-dominated region, the return of Ohio County big man Josh Clemons might be the biggest thing to watch this season in the third region. If Clemons can return to his form before a season-ending injury from a car accident last season, the Eagles have the edge over such teams as Apollo, Muhlenberg North and Owensboro.

--Last season, Apollo didn't exactly light up the world during the regular season but came from the pack to win the regional championship (and then went to the state finals before losing to J-Town). The Eagles weren't all that highly regarded last preseason, so the chances are there that another team (say a Grayson County or Meade County) could rally for a surprise state tournament berth.

--Owensboro Catholic will not look like themselves this season. The Aces lost eight seniors to graduation and their coach Mike Orr as well. New coach Perry Bailey will have his hands full getting the Aces back to the top of the third region, especially noting stiff competition in their own district from Apollo and Owensboro. However, don't be surprised to see the Aces make some noise in March.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--December 5th: Apollo @ Warren Central
--December 5th: Ohio County @ Muhlenberg North
--December 7th: Breckinridge County @ Meade County
--December 8th: Owensboro Catholic @ Owensboro
--December 8th: Muhlenberg South @ Grayson County

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Apollo
Regional Runner-up: Ohio County
Regional Semifinalists: Owensboro Catholic, Meade County