article 13th Region Boys Rankings Dec. 21 - 27

1. Clay County Tigers (8-1) — We've got a new No. 1 team. The Tigers dominated during their stay in Las Vegas by going 3-1 in the Tarkanian Classic. Clay County had wins of 24, 29, and 17 points before losing int he finals to Cheyenne, Nevada, 71-67. Seniors Blake Smith and Trey Farmer continue to shine, as the duo had outstanding efforts in Las Vegas. Smith scored 28 points in the title game while Farmer followed with a 20-point effort. Both players averaged over 20 points during Clay County’s stay at the Tarkanian Classic.

2. South Laurel Cardinals (6-2 overall) — The Cardinals had a successful week by going 3-0 with wins over Corbin (43-41), Cordia (65-45) and Boyd County (68-49). South Laurel turned int heir worst performance of the season against Corbin with leading scorer Caleb Taylor getting in foul trouble and only playing only four minutes in the first half. Taylor finished with four points in the game, but the Cardinals showed they are more than just a one-man team. The bench stepped up in the two-point victory with Taylor, Andrew Griffith and Ryan Anders battling foul trouble the entire game, as South Laurel is now 2-0 against 50th District foes. Jeff Davis’ squad turned in a stellar effort against 14th Region power Cordia, winning by 20 points, as Taylor turned back into regular season form scoring 26 points while grabbing 18 rebounds in the win. Jared Grubb aded 19 points. The Cardinals ended their week, going 2-0 in the Kentucky Bank Challenge by defeating Boyd County by 19 points.

3. Harlan County (7-0) — The Black Bears are the lone undefeated team in the region after picking up wins over Barbourville (94-84) and Harlan (72-44) this past week. Cameron Carmichael poured in 36 points against the Tigers on nine-of-16 shooting while David Turner and 19 points and Tyrese Simmons added 18. Carmichael continued to have the hot-hand against Harlan, scoring 15 points while Andrew Creech and Simmons each added 13 points apiece. These Black Bears continue to get better and better.

4. North Laurel Jaguars (6-1) — The Jaguars quickly erased memories of their seven-point loss to South Laurel by winning three straight games this past week. Bryson Asher scored a game-high 23 points during North Laurel’s 66-64 win over Whitley County, and then the Jaguars responded with an 81-29 win over Bath county and a 71-26 victory over Phelps to go 2-0 in the Kentucky Bank Challenge.

5. Barbourville Tigers (6-2) — The Tigers went 2-2 this past week with losses against Harlan County (94-84) and Pulaski County (71-60), but did manage to pick up victories over Williamsburg (97-50) and Middlesboro (79-32). Barbourville continues to be led by the guard duo of Brentley Perry and Markelle Turner.Perry is averaging 26 points per game while Turner isn't too far behind with a 22-point scoring average.

6. Whitley County Colonels (4-3) — The Colonels saw a three-game win streak snapped when they dropped a 66-64 decision to North Laurel. Guar Corey Johnson continues to fly under the radar, but the kid is the real deal. He had 23 points against North Laurel.

7. Knox Central Panthers (2-2) — The Panthers are sitting quietly at 2-2 on the season, but I’m telling you, this team could be dangerous by the time post-season rolls around. Liford added 25 points and 11 rebounds during his team’s win over Jackson City while Jermel Carton scored 17 points.

8. Corbin Redhounds (2-3) — The Redhounds might be under .500, but they are improving. They saw their losing skid fall to three games after their upset bid against South Laurel fell two points short (43-41), but they managed to respond by defeating Lincoln County, 84-69, behind an impressive triple-double effort by sophomore guard Andrew Taylor, who finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. After opening the season with two losses, Knox Central has won two straight while scoring a combined 197 points during the process. Senior Chad Marsee had 28 points and seven rebounds against Casey County while Dane Imel and Wade Liford each had 18 points apiece.

9. Lynn Camp Wildcats (7-1) — Dinky Phipps continues to work his magic. His Wildcats are now winners of two in a row by picking up wins over Thomas Walker, Virginia (79—55) and Berea (68-56) this past week. Jacob Bundy led the way in the Berea with four three-pointers and 19 points while Austin Maier scored 18 points. Austin Weddle continues to shine for Lynn Camp. He scored 12 points and grabbed 18 rebounds against Berea.

10. Oneida Baptist Mountaineers (5-3) — The Mountaineers are rolling since getting all their starters back. Oneida Baptist is riding a four-game win streak, thanks in part to leading scorer Dejour Frazier, who is averaging 23 points per game.

11. Bell County Bobcats (4-3) — The Bobcats saw their four-game win streak come to an end over the weekend.

12. Pineville Mountain Lions (6-2) — The Mountain Lions are another team to keep an eye on. They’re a whole lot better than people realize.

13. Jackson County Generals (4-4) — The Generals are a hard team to figure out. They were blown out by Oneida Baptist, but almost knocked off Bell County (64-63) this past week.

14. Harlan Green Dragons (5-5) — The Green Dragons are another team that’s hard to figure out. After staring the season 4-0, they’ve now dropped five of their last six games.

15. Willliamsburg Yellow Jackets (0-3) —The Yellow Jackets are still searching for win No. 1.

16. Middlesboro Yellow Jackets (1-8) — Isaac Wilson has this program heading into the right direction.

17. Red Bird Cardinals (1-7) — The Cardinals snapped a seven-game losing skid by defeating Riverside Christian this past week, 45-24. Jonathon Kabonga and Stephen Leath each led the way with 13 points apiece.