The 2023 high school boys’ basketball season begins today as Apollo, Daviess County, and Trinity (Whitesville) all take to the court in their respective season openers. Owensboro plays later this week, while Owensboro Catholic tips off next week. Here’s what the local coaches had to say about the new season.
What are some goals you have for the season?
Apollo head coach Ryne Tinsley: Our goal is to continue to improve as the youngest team in the region/state as well as prepare for the one game playoff in February.
Daviess County head coach Neil Hayden: Compete throughout the season & win 9th district so we can get a chance to win the regional tournament.
Owensboro head coach Rod Drake: Our goal is always to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season and to advance during the post season.
Owensboro Catholic head coach Tim Riley: Our goal is to once again rep the 9th district in 3rd region tournament…and hopefully compete for 3rd region title.
Trinity (Whitesville) head coach Nathan West: Last year’s senior class was composed of two- and three-year starters or key role players who all played significant minutes from a young age. That group helped lead us to the regional tournament for the first time in over 15 years, helped us come within a last-second shot of a district title in 2022 and led us to another heartbreaking, one-score loss in the district tournament last season. Over the course of their career, that group was able to secure huge wins over several powerhouses in our region. It is up to me, my staff, and this current group of players to continue the upward trajectory of our program. District titles, All-A Championships, regional tournament appearances and victories over much larger schools must become an expectation every year, and I believe we have the talent in the program right now to continue our growth.
What brand of basketball can fans expect out of your team?
AHS: Our team will be tough and play hard. We will have a team that can really shoot well from at least 4 positions, sometimes all 5.
DCHS: Look to play a pace and space offensive style with mixing up pressure defenses.
OHS: We will play fast paced basketball.
OCHS: We are an excellent ball handling & passing team. We shoot the 3 well-very and are a physical team.
THS: Fast, Fast, Fast! We will be relentlessly pressuring the ball on defense, pushing the tempo on offense, and playing a lot of guys. Win or lose, teams are going to remember playing us this season.
Who are some key returning players?
AHS: Kobe Kelly-Jr who averaged 10 ppg.
DCHS: Some of our key returning players are Gage Phelps, Houston Oberst, Ayden Ayer and Jaxon Brown.
OHS: Dayshaun Sanders, Will Hume and Keaton Hughes all have the most varsity experience.
OCHS: Some of our key returning players are Tutt Carrico, Kaiser Frick, Luke Beickman, Waryn Elbehar and Vince Carrico.
THS: Our most experienced returnee is junior guard Hayden Aull (4.0 PPG and 1.4 RPG). Hayden is a lights-out shooter (41% 3P% on 73 attempts), but he will also be orchestrating our offense on most nights. He is very strong, fast, and tough, and I know he will give other teams’ guards fits with his defensive pressure. Junior forward Connor Hatfield (2.8 PPG and 1.0 RPG) is our second most experienced player, but unfortunately, he is coming off of a devastating knee injury that limited him to only six games last season after having a breakout summer last year. Connor continues to work himself back into shape, and he has worked on his shooting a lot this offseason. Senior Nolan Huff (6-3, 240 lbs.) has the potential to have a break-out season, as his size and footwork have improved dramatically. Senior JP Payne is our most athletic big man, and he has an unparalleled motor. His speed and energy will help us significantly this season. Senior guard Jacob Howard will also help with his speed and shooting. Juniors Will Hernandez and Bransen Howard have made the biggest leaps this summer. Will is an excellent shooter, cutter, and one of our top defensive players. His length makes him very disruptive. Bransen has lived in the gym this summer, improving his conditioning and 3-pt. shooting, but he has really impressed me on the defensive end.
Who are some of your younger up-and-coming players?
AHS: Eli Willams, Tate Powers, Landon Henning and Max Johnson. All are freshmen.
DCHS: Jonathan Moss, DeAaron Watkins
OHS: We have several, and they know who they are.
OCHS: Solly Smith
THS: Cale Boarman could potentially start and is a tremendous point guard. Harrison Barnett is tough, physical and has a knack for scoring around the basket. Grant Howard is a great shooter and defender. Ian Roby is a lights-out shooter and tremendous athlete. Easton Howard, Thomas Payne and RJ Cecil will all provide shooting off the bench. Remember these names in the future—this is a loaded class!
