Beech Tree News Network

OWENSBORO — Butler County led at the end of each quarter on the way to defeating Hancock County 67-56 in the opening round of the 3rd Region Boys' Basketball Tournament at the Owensboro Sportscenter on Thursday, March 2.

With the win, Butler County advanced to the semifinals of the 3rd Region Boys' Basketball Tournament.

Hancock County was eliminated from the 3rd Region Boys' Basketball Tournament after suffering the loss. 

Moving ahead early, Butler County outscored Hancock County 15-10 in the opening quarter.

The Bears led 28-18 at halftime and remained in control throughout the second half. 

Butler County led 48-36 at the end of the third quarter and continued to limit Hancock County throughout the final period. 

Ty Price poured in 31 points to lead Butler County to the win.

Accompanying Price in double figures for the Bears, Lawson Rice scored 16 points.

Along with the two scorers in double figures, Justin Castlen (seven points), Kolton Hudson (six points), Luke Laughing (five points) and Keagen Grubb (two points) made an impact offensively for the Bears. 

Butler County is slated to meet Owensboro in the semifinals of the 3rd Region Boys' Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 4. Owensboro beat Ohio County 61-51 in the final opening round game of the 3rd Region Boys' Basketball Tournament. 

Tip-off for the Butler County-Owensboro game is set for 7:45 p.m. The game will be live on WLBQ 101.5 FM.

-----

Story by Steve LeMaster, for Beech Tree News

-----

Scouting Report:  Owensboro Sr. HS Red Devils:

The BCHS Bears advance to Boys Region 3 semi- finals this Saturday, March 4 th at the Owensboro Sportscenter.  Here is a quick look at what to expect from the Bears' semifinal opponent - the Owensboro Red Devils.  

--Owensboro Sr. Red Devils, (17-10) overall on the season

--District 9 Champions with an upset win over Owensboro Catholic

--Regular season the Red Devils are (10-4) in region  play and (6-2) in district play

--The history of the Owensboro Sr. HS in Region 3 basketball is legendary. From 1970-1987, the Red Devils won (15) Regional Championships.

--Owensboro Sr. HS, in more recent times, won regional championships in 1992, 1996, 2002, 2007,2008, 2014, 2015, and 2019.

--Owensboro Sr. HS State Championships total four(4) with titles in 1949, 1972, 1980, and 2015. 

--The Red Devils, last season 2021-22, lost in the regional semi-finals.

--The Red Devils are led by #12 Kenyatta Carbon with (540) total points on the season, averaging (21) points per game.

--The Bears/Red Devils previous matchups twice in the 2020-2021 Covid-shortened season and in the first round of the Region 3 tournament in March 2021. The Red Devils won both games.

The game is a 7:45 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, March 4th, with the winner advancing to the Third Region Championship game.

---

Scouting Report by Mark Allen, for Beech Tree News.