article Region 1 Ranking (Week 3)

Remember these rankings will be based on current play and not just the record or one good/bad game. No big changes from last week other than McCracken Co moving up to 3rd and Graves losing a spot. Here are the rankings as of 12/21/15.

1. Paducah Tilghman (6-0)

The Blue Tornadoes had their first good test this week versus Graves Co. Four players scored in double figures as the defeated the Eagles 67-62. They have finally break into the BGP top 20 and rightfully deserved it. They will have another test when they host University Heights and the two of the top scorers in Western Ky.

2. Murray (6-1)

Murray bounced back from its loss to Paducah Tilghman by soundly defeating Mayfield. They backed that up with a solid win against a good Marshall County squad. James Boone who is considered the frontrunner for POY in Region 1 is not putting up quite the numbers expected and they will need him to step it up against tougher competition.

3. McCracken County (7-0)

The Mustangs are starting out this year very well. This start has moved them from 7th in the preseason to 3rd right now. However, this team has only played one top 5 region team in Marshall, and they came away with the OT win. Its hard to ignore the undefeated record, and I anticipate them staying undefeated to finish 2015. A Jan 5 game with Graves Co. welcomes 2016.

4. Graves (4-4)

Graves is probably the best 4 loss team in Western Ky, maybe even in the state. They have lost two close games to BGP top 20 teams and another to R1 contender Murray. Vogt played a good game against Paducah Tilghman with 19 points and 11 boards. If Vogt can keep those numbers up and he can get a little more help from the perimeter, Graves will be poised to make a good run at the region 1 top teams.

5. Marshall (5-2)

Marshall has dropped it’s last two games in very close matchups. The OT loss @ McCraken Co and a heartbreak @ Murray should give this team some confidence. Both places are tough places to play and Marshall held their own. Walters, Reed, and Pigg are leading the way and continue to improve and mesh together. This is another team that can make some noise come region tournament.

6. Carlisle (3-2)

This team really needs to be at full strength in order to compete against the team above them in the rankings. Crider and Norsworthy are holding things together for the Comets as they await everyone to get back and healthy. Weatherspoon was the leading scorer for Carlisle last year and he has yet to play a game this year. This should be a different team when he gets to see some playing time.

7. Ballard Memorial (3-3)

Good win against Hickman Co but Graves County proved to be too much for the host Bombers. They could not handle Vogt inside and never had an answer on the offensive end. Still talent here and they will have that chance to pull an upset sometime this year.

8. Calloway County (3-3)

This is a young Lakers team that is looking better each game. However the maturity and talent still need more time to develop before they can move up much further in the rankings.

9. Fulton County (3-5)

Lost 4 in a row including a regional game to Calloway Co. 54-49 in a close one. They turned around and won their first two games of the Itty Bitty Trees and Trends Classic and Christian Fellowship including a win over rival school Fulton City.

10. St. Mary (3-5)

Took care of Mayfield but lost big to Webster Co. They will look to pick up some wins in two Christmas classics before region play starts again.

11. Mayfield (1-3)

Haven’t won since their season opener. Things do not look good for the Cardinals as they will face UHA, Paducah Tilghman, and Fern Creek before the end of the year.

12. Hickman County (2-5)

The Falcons has proved they can score this year avg close to 60 ppg. They just haven’t been able to stop anybody from scoring as of late (80 ppg) either.

13. Fulton City (5-5)

Continuing to beat who they should. They lost a close game to rival Fulton County, but have a chance to redeem themselves in the rest of the IBTT classic.

14. Christian Fellowship (2-10)

Won their second game of the season against Community Christian. Lost to Fulton City in a chance to move up the rankings board.

15. Community Christian (0-9)

Just not enough talent on the roster to be competitive, but they continue to play hard each game.

* Players of the Week

Chris Vogt (Graves Co.) stepped up to some big games.

Preston English (Murray) nice game against Marshall Co.

Games of the week

12/22 University Heights at Paducah Tilghman

12/21 Ballard Memorial vs Carlisle Co.