article 13th Region Rankings Dec. 14-20

1. South Laurel Cardinals — The Cardinals turned in an impressive week by going on the road and picking up impressive wins over both Whitley County, and North Laurel. Senior center Caleb Davis has had a big say in the win by scoring 23 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking 10 shots against the Colonels while recording 31 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks against North Laurel. He’s currently averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots per game while shooting 84 percent from the floor. That’s not a typo, folks. Yep, 84 percent from the floor.

2. Clay County Tigers — The beat goes on for Robert Marcum’s Tigers. Clay County remains unbeaten at 5-0 thanks to a 32-point blowout win over Corbin along with an 81-77 victory over 7th Region power Louisville Ballard. Blake Smith and Trey Farmer have been on a roll for Clay County. Smith and Farmer each scored 22 points apiece against the Redhounds while Smith torched the nets for 32 points against the Bruins whole Farmer added 17.

3. Harlan County Black Bears — The Black Bears are now 5-0 on the season, thanks to the play of Treyce Spurlock and Cameron Carmichael. Spurlock scored 31 points against Knox Central, and added 20 points during his team’s win over Breathitt County. Carmichael added 16 in the victory.

4. North Laurel Jaguars — The Jaguars suffered their first loss of the season when cross-town foe South Laurel handed them a 59-51 loss, but this North Laurel team is good. Peyton Broughton continues to shine while players such as Brian Gray, Adam Sizemore, Jaret Lipps, Bryson Asher and Kyle Jeffers are playing well.

5. Barbourville Tigers — The Tigers are moving on up, thanks to an impressive 4-0 record. One thing people might not know right now about Barbourville — the Tigers are the highest scoring team in the 13th Region, averaging 90 points per game.

6. Whitley County Colonels — The Colonels suffered a setback against South Laurel, losing to the Cardinals by 22 points at home. Whitley County responded by winning three games at the Bowman Classic, including a 64-61 overtime win over Lynn Camp to clinch the Bowman Classic championship.

7. Corbin Redhounds — The Redounds are currently 1-2 after suffering a 32-point loss to Clay County, and then falling to Scott County on Friday. It’s early, and look for coach Tony Pietrowski to have his team ready by tournament time. I’m really impressed with the way Chase Sanders has stepped up.

8. Knox Central Panthers — The Panthers are now 1-2 after defeating Casey County 99-73 Saturday. Knox Central almost pulled off a road win against No. 3 Harlan County earlier in the week before losing, 54-51. Chad Marsee poured in 29 points against Casey County.

9. Lynn Camp Wildcats — The Wildcats are an up and coming team. Coach Dinky Phipps has worked wonders with this team, and they have a powerful one-two punch in Austyn Weddle and Austin Maier. Matter of fact, Weddle is one of the most underrated players in the region. Bruce Hopkins is also playing well at the guard position.

10. Oneida Baptist Mountaineers — The Mountaineers are starting to play well, and picked up a big win over Jackson County. Oneida Baptist has now won four games in a row, and its record stands at 5-3 on the season, thanks to the play of Dejour Frazier.

11. Bell County Bobcats — The Bobcats are 2-2 on the season, but are winners of two in a row. Zach Parton is leading the way with a 16.7 scoring average.

12. Pineville Mountain Lions — Things are quiet at Pineville, but the Mountain Lions currently have a 4-1 record, and are led by Frederick Carnes’ 22.4 scoring average. Teammate Trent Lefevers isn’t far behind with a 19.8 scoring average.

13. Jackson County Generals — The Generals have been inconsistent this season, but still has a record above .500 at 4-3.

14. Harlan Green Dragons — After starting the season with a 4-0 mark, the Green Dragons have lost three in a row. Killian Ledford leads Harlan with a 13.9 scoring average.

15. Williamsburg Yellow Jackets — The defending 13th Region champs are still searching for win No. 1.

16. Middlesboro Yellow Jackets — congrats to coach Isaac Wilson for picking up his first win as a high school coach when his Yellow Jackets defeated Red Bird, 70-55.

17. Red Bird Cardinals — The Cardinals are now 0-7 on the season, and have been outscored 523-293 during the process.

South Laurel must be really really good. Clay County is in the BGP Top 20 Rankings and South Laurel isn't.

Yep. They are very good and have the most underrated player in the state. I'll venture to say Caleb Taylor is the best big man in the state.

If someone can change Caleb Taylor's name from Davis to Taylor in my rankings post is appreciate it.

Yep. They are very good and have the most underrated player in the state. I'll venture to say Caleb Taylor is the best big man in the state.

Sounds like he could be. I'd put him and Colton Elkins of Boyle County in the most underrated player in the state and best big man in state categories.

Colton is averaging 17.25 points, 13.75 rebounds and 6.75 blocks. He almost got a triple double against Knox Central with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 9 blocks in 25:46 on the floor because of foul trouble. I'd love to see these two go head to head.

Shoot I forgot about Colton. I agree he is VERY good. Taylor had 24, 13 and Five blocks when he went up against Owen County's Williams (I think that's his name). I do agree Elkins is a stud.

I hope to get a chance to see Caleb and South Laurel play this season. Is he a senior?

Yes he is a senior.

A two loss team ranked ahead of an undefeated team, while the undefeated team is ranked ahead of the South in every single statewide poll.....SMH

Pretty much you summed it up. Keep shaking that head

A two loss team ranked ahead of an undefeated team, while the undefeated team is ranked ahead of the South in every single statewide poll.....SMH

SL two losses, a combined 3 pts to the 5th ranked and 10th ranked team with a win over a rival and top 5 team in the region NL. Owen and Mercer are both great teams with serious talent.

While on the other hand you have Clay-- and their undefeated start with wins over OBI and Red Bird. Will not argue that Clay is not a top 15 team in the state but they have not a ton to show for that thus far--albeit very, very early.

A loss is a loss, fellas, 32 pt win over corbin and a win over ballard must not mean anything, CC is the #1 ranked team in the mountains by wymt, ranked inside the top 25 in every poll, and ahead of South in every poll but Les's poll, He was on the North bandwagon last year early i guess this year its south

Obi and redbird are district games, have to played.

Obi and redbird are district games, have to played.

I'm aware of that.. Just saying to this point throwing out the undefeated argument doesn't go too far at this point in the season when looking at the quality of opponents they've faced.

I'm aware of that.. Just saying to this point throwing out the undefeated argument doesn't go too far at this point in the season when looking at the quality of opponents they've faced.

Whitley County is ranked one spot ahead of Corbin and a win over Ballard is more impressive to me than a win over North Laurel. Hard to argue that one team has a true edge in quality wins at this point as well.