Jason Hinson has been coaching in the 10th Region longer than anyone.  With 18 years as a head coach at 10th Region schools, he is preparing for his 11th time coaching in the regional tournament. 

Augusta’s last regional tournament win was in 2016 when they reached the finals under Brian Kirk.  Before that, Hinson coached the 2014 team to a district championship and a win over Robertson County in the quarterfinals before losing to Montgomery County in the semifinals.

Even before that, Augusta’s only wins in the 10th Region Tournament were in 1933 and 1950.  This will be their 24th appearance in the tournament since 1932 and they have a record of 5-24.

Goals for Hinson’s teams at All “A” schools of St. Patrick, Bracken County, and Augusta have been to win the All “A” Classic, win the District Tournament, and win a game and compete in the 10th Region Tournament.

Coach Hinson said his team peaked after the All “A” and maybe before the District Tournament, between two of their goals but not during their two goals. 

“I felt like we peaked after the All “A” with losing to Bishop Brossart.  We played them two weeks later and ended up beating them.  We felt like we continued to improve after that.”

They later defeated Bishop Brossart 76-70 in Augusta, avenging their tournament loss. Just two days later, they defeated Mason County in the regular season for the first time in school history.

With the 74-72 win over Mason County, their fourth-ever win over the Royals, Augusta secured the number one seed in the newly seeded district tournament. Their win over four-seed St. Patrick in the district gave them a spot in the region tournament.

Augusta would fall to Mason County 65-46 in the district title game. 

“I felt like we played well for three quarters in the district tournament.  I think beating them two weeks ago didn’t help because we just motivated them.  It was a battle and it was a physical game,” said Hinson.

After missing out on the All “A” and 39th District titles, the Panthers have set their sights on the regional tournament and opponent Nicholas County, whom they have already played twice this season.

On December 10th in Carlisle, Nicholas County won 63-57. In Augusta on February 17th, the Panthers came away with a 79-77 win in overtime thanks to a last-second shot by senior Keeton Bach.  

“We got a draw where we know it will be a competitive game, but it’s no easy task.  We split in the regular season.  Nicholas County has had a great season and has a lot of size.”

The Bluejackets are averaging a whopping 42.2 rebounds per game and just under 70 points per game.   

“They’re a top rebounding team in the state and their size is a problem.  I still think we match up with them well in those three big spots, which is why it has been a good game both times.

The Panthers will rely on a trio of key seniors: Keeton Bach, Will Kelsch, and Noland Young.  They are Augusta’s top three scorers and rebounders with similar stats.  Bach averages 16.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, Kelsch adds 12.8 and 6.8, and Young averages 16.4 and 6.1.

“When one of those three guys doesn’t show up to play, we struggle, and I’ve put the pressure on them all season long.  I told them, ‘you all have no choice but to play every single night.’  I think for the most part they have accepted that challenge and it’s why we are 18-10.”  

Two freshmen guards, Maddox Hesler and Ross Carl, round out the lineup. Another freshman, Ely Dean, comes off the bench.  

Veteran coach Jason Hinson will be coaching against first-year Nicholas County coach Spencer Morris.

“Spencer Morris has done a great job and you see that with him winning Co-Coach of the Year.”

The Panthers come into the game at 18-10 and Nicholas County, 37th District Champions, are 20-11.  The quarterfinals matchup will take place on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Montgomery County. View the regional tournament hub here: https://10thregion.com/boysbasketball-2025-region/

“We like our team and where we’re at right now – just trying to improve every day.”