article Inside the 13th Region 12-5-16

13th Region Rankings

1. Harlan County (2-0 overall, 0-0 vs. 13th Region competition)

The Black Bears move into the top spot after rolling to wins over both Letcher Central (64-42) and Taylor County (82-75). Cameron Carmical had a big game against Taylor County, scoring 27 points while Treyce Spurlock added 21 points. Tyreese Simmons recorded a triple-double, scoring 19 points while pulling down 12 rebounds.

2. South Laurel (3-0, 1-0)

In the end, it could come down to South Laurel’s big three of Jared Grubb, JJ Ramey and Ryan Anders vs. Harlan County’s Big Three of Camical, Spurlock and Simmons. But for now, the Cardinals need to continue to build a bench if they hope to repeat as region champions. Grubb is living up to his preseason hype averaging more than 25 points per game during his team’s first three contest, including a 29-point effort against Covington Scott.

3. Corbin (1-0, 0-0)

The Redhounds dominated the action during their 81-61 win over Mercer County Friday. Junior guard Andrew Taylor showed why he is considered one of the best players in the state by scoring a game-high 39 points in the win.

4. North Laurel (2-0, 0-0)

The Jaguars are dominating so far this season, as senior Peyton Broughton has dished out efforts of 30 points and 13 rebounds against Sheldon Clark and 39 points, 14 rebounds and six assists against Breathitt County.

5. Knox Central (1-0, 0-0)

The Panthers didn’t have any problem winning their season-opener, knocking off Tates Creek on the road, 84-56. Honestly, you can make a case for any of the top six teams being ranked No.1 at the present time.

6. Whitley County (2-0, 0-0)

The Colonels are quietly 2-0 on the season, and don’t be surprised if they knock off South Laurel Tuesday in a 50th District match-up. Whitley County has three players averaging in double figures in scoring with Josh Richardson leading the way with a 16 point scoring average while Corey Johnson (13.5) and Tyler Downs (11.0) follows.

7. Clay County (2-0, 1-0)

The Tigers might be young, but they’ve got some experience, too. Clay County is a perfect 2-0 behind the play of Will Sexton, who is averaging 17 points per game while Trevor Sams is scoring 13.5 points per contest. Jacob Curry is also having a solid start to his varsity career, averaging 12 points during Clay County’s first two games.

8. Barbourville (1-0, 1-0)

The Tigers dominated the action in their first game, as Zach Deaton led the way with 15 points during their 91-52 win over Oneida Baptist.

9. Pineville (1-0, 1-0)

The Mountain Lions survived a 73-71 scare on the road to Oneida Baptist, as Frederick Carnes couldn’t play after suffering an injury during warm-ups. Trent Lefevers answered with a 36-point scoring effort while Josh Lawson added 11 points and Will Adams and Ben Goodin each finished with 10 points apiece.

10. Lynn Camp (3-0, 2-0)

The Wildcats barely edge out Jackson County, and a big part of their early success can be credited to senior guard Bruce Hopkins, who has put together consecutive 25-point games.