article Inside the 13th Region (1-2-17)

13th Region Rankings

1. Corbin (9-1 overall, 2-0 vs. 13th Region competition)

The Redhounds are rolling into the New year with only one loss while posting an impressive 5-1 record during the two holiday tournaments they participated in. Corbin's lone loss was a 78-66 setback to Pleasure Ridge Park. The Redhounds answered by reeling off three straight wins in the Cumberland falls Invitational, including fighting back from a 14-point deficit to beat Knox Central, 76-71. Andrew Taylor leads the team with a 27.7 scoring average while Chase Sanders follows with a 15.2 scoring average.

2. Harlan County (15-0, 5-0)

The Black Bears are the lone unbeaten team in the 13th Region, but they had to survive some scares during the past two weeks, which included close wins over John Hardin (55-53), Clay County (58-53) and Hazard (52-49). Harlan County won the Farmers Bank of jessamine County championship along with the Hyden Bank Christmas Tournament. Can the Black Bears make it three in a row this week by winning the WYMT Classic title? Two other 13th Region teams participate in it — Knox Central and North Laurel. Cameron Carmical leads the Black Bears with an 18.0 scoring average while Treyce Spurlock follows with 15.9 points per game.

3. South Laurel (12-4, 3-1)

The Cardinals put together a solid Christmas run as well, going a combined 5-2 while participating in the Smoky Mountain Classic and the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic. Their lone losses were to Pleasure Ridge Park (74-69) and Georgia's Fayette County High School (66-59). South Laurel's three losses this season has been by a combined total of 21 points. Jared Grubb l;eads the Cardinals with 21.4 points per game while JJ Ramey is averaging 14.8 points per game.

4. Knox Central (8-3, 2-1)

The Panthers held their own during both the Rock Holiday Classic and the Cumberland Falls Invitational. Knox Central posted a combined 4-2 record during the two tournaments with losses to only Masters Academy, Fla. (74-69) and Corbin (76-71). The Panthers had Corbin down by as many as 14 points, but ran out of steam in the second half before losing by five points. The duo of Markelle Turner and Wade Liford continue to dominate. Turner leads the way with am 18.1 scoring average while Liford is tossing in 16.9 points per game.

5. North Laurel (12-2, 3-1)

The Jaguars come in at the fifth spot shows you just how solid the top five teams are in the 13th Region. Yes, there is a drop off after the top five teams, but boy, oh boy, is this region filled with lots of talent or what? Speaking of talent, Peyton Broughton continues to make his case for winning this year's Mr. Basketball award. He scored a North Laurel, and Laurel County record, 67 points just a few weeks back and leads the region with a 37.1 scoring average. The Jaguars get a chance to show just how good they are during this week's WYMT Classic.

6. Clay County (7-6, 3-2)

I know they've had some struggles, but I still believe the Tigers deserve the sixth spot even after losing to Barbourville a few weeks back. I'll say this until I'm blue in the face — this isn't a team I would want to play come February. Will Sexton leads Clay County with an 18.8 scoring average.

7. Whitley County (5-8, 1-3)

Is this a bit too high for the Colonels? Maybe, but this team will turn things around once they can get back healthy. Losing Blake Brown hurt, and then losing Josh Richardson's services for a while didn't help things. But players such as Corey Johnson (13.8) and Bayley Rice (10.7) have stepped up their play.

8. Pineville (10-3, 5-0)

The Mountain Lions have a great record, but they're really struggling at times, too. Their loss to Jackson City has me scratching my head. Trent Lefevers leads the team with a 22.1 scoring average.

9. Lynn Camp (8-4, 3-0)

The Wildcats have dropped four straight after starting the season 8-0. If Tanner Boggs is ruled eligible this week. Lynn Camp could be the favorite to win the 13th Region All 'A' Classic Tournament.

10. Barbourville (7-6, 3-3)

The Tigers continue to improve with Zach Deaton scoring 12.3 points per game while Connor Bain follows with an 11.6 scoring average.

11. Jackson County (7-5, 2-3)

The Generals are a team to keep an eye on. They'll be moving into the top 10 soon. Tanner Harris elads the way with a 17.5 scoring average while Hunter Bowling (16.2) follows.

12. Bell County (5-10, 2-3)

The Bobcats just can't get anything going so far this season despite seeing Victor Morris score 11.6 points per game.

13. Harlan (5-5, 1-2)

The Green Dragons don't have a single player averaging in double figures, but that hasn't kept them from posting a .500 record this season.

14. Williamsburg (2-8, 1-2)

Caleb Rose continues to shine for the Yellow Jackets. He leads the team with a 16.1 scoring avrerage.

15. OBI (3-6, 1-5)

The Mountaineers continue to be inconsistent, but look to improve after Christmas break. Darin Callway leads Oneida Baptist with an 18.9 scoring average.

16. Red Bird (5-6, 1-5)

The Cardinals are much-improved this season thanks to the play of Austin Napier (18.7) and Junior Kitoko (12.2).

17. Middlesboro (2-10, 0-7)

The Yellow Jackets continue to improve under coach Isaac Wilson. Christian Hubbard is shining, leading the team with an 11.8 scoring average.