article BluegrassPreps.com 5th Region Weekly Rankings (12/24/17)

1. John Hardin (9-1): John had a busy week, which was successful until the last game of the week, where they had their first loss of the year. John beat Larue 76-56 which was a statement win. They then played a Christmas tourney in Oldham County. They beat Grant County 84-62, beat Desales 78-59, and lost in title game to host Oldham County 88-60. Even though they lost big their last game, beating Larue County the way they did, isn’t a good sign for the rest of the 5th region. Pearson and Wright continue to be a strong 1/ 2 punch.

2. Larue County (8-1): Larue had a good week, even though they lost to region favorite John Hardin. They lost to John at John, 76-56. The Hawks bounced back as they played at Harrison County in a Classic, by winning both games. They beat St. Henry 62-51 and beat host Harrison County, 55-36. Even though they had a tough time with John, they are still a threat in the 5th region. Larue is a balanced team, who has 3 to 4 different guys who could be the guy for them that night.

3. Elizabethtown (6-2): The Panthers continue to play well, even though they lost once this week. They blew out Shawnee at Shawnee 82-47, and they lost at Spencer County 65-57. E-town couldn’t get the offense going versus Spencer, as they have been regularly scoring in the 80’s. Darius Harding continues to look like a 5th region player of the year candidate. This panther team could beat anyone in tourney time, if they are shooting well.

4. Adair County (4-5): Indians played in Orlando this week and lost both games. Adair lost to Bishop Snider (Florida) 75-73, and got blown out versus Oldsmar Christian (Florida) 87-61. Adair really blew one first game in Orlando, when they had a 22-point lead, and ended up losing on a last second dunk. Corey Melton came back from suspension and added 19 points in the second game. Adair still must prove that they are a contender in the 5th region, even if they do have Harmon.

5. Central Hardin (6-3): Central played in the Aleris Christmas Tourney in Hancock County this week, and they had a good week losing in the finals. They beat Providence (Indiana) 68-48 and beat host Hancock County 64-47. They lost in the finals to Jeffersonville (Indiana) 93-60. Central has been a pleasant surprise, as they have played good basketball all year. The problem for Central, is that they play in the best district in the region.

6. Marion County (6-5): The knights had a tough week, as they lost all three games in the Twin Lakes Classic at Clinton County. They lost to host Clinton County 71-65, lost to South Warren 76-63 and lost to South Oldham 66-61. Big man Jamison Epps had 16 and 13 versus South Warren. Marion has still had a good start to the year, but they need to rebound after this three-game losing streak. The positive is both Taylor and Adair have struggled to start the year, so making region is very realistic for Marion.

7. Bardstown (4-5): The Tigers went 1 and 2 this week. They beat Washington in a district matchup 68-67. They then played two games at Spencer County in the Hoops for Hope Classic, they lost to Iroquois 67-59, and lost to host Spencer County 76-51. This isn’t the Bardstown teams of the past, but expect them to improve a lot throughout the year. They still are the district favorite, as well.

8. Taylor County (1-4): The Cardinals didn’t play this week. With Taylor struggling early, practice could be a good thing for them. Taylor still must find a legit second option after Trevon Smith. Good news for Taylor is, there last game was Oldham County, and Oldham County killed John Hardin. Playing so competitive with Oldham County may be the confidence that Taylor needed.

9. North Hardin (3-7): North had a good week as they went 2 and 1 in the Warren East Holiday Hoops Classic. They beat Edmonson County 54-45, they beat host team Warren East 71-62, and lost to Butler 36-29. North has been playing their best ball lately. Even though it was a loss, how close they played John Hardin is still very impressive. I have a feeling teams don’t want to see North tourney time, as they have been competitive with some good teams.

10. Green County (4-4): The Dragons didn’t play this week. Green started off rough, due to a tough schedule, but has played well lately. This is a young team, with only one senior on the roster, so expect them to get better throughout the year. Green is in a district where they can make the region if they continue to improve.

11. Washington County (5-7): Lost two heartbreakers this week, both by one point. Washington has lost their last 3 games, by an amazing 1 point each time. Washington continues to struggle in close games.

12. Bethlehem (3-4): Short week, as they only played one game, and lost to a good Glasgow team. Bethlehem, who has a new coach this year, started off sluggish, however Bethlehem has looked like a different team as of late.

13. Campbellsville (4-6): Had a successful week as they went 2 and 1 in the Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic. This team has shown they can be a very solid team, but consistency is the issue with the Eagles.

14. Caverna (3-7): Caverna went 1 and 2 in the Union County Holiday Tournament. They have struggled lately, as they have played some better competition.

15. Hart County (3-6): Hart lost all three games in the Cecilian Bank Tournament. The raiders have lost 4 straight games, after a very good start to the season.

16. Nelson County (2-8): Lost both games this week. New coach, and a lot of new players playing, so it will be a process for Nelson County this year.

17. Fort Knox (1-7): They lost all three games in the Cecilian Bank Tournament. Rough year so far, but there is a long way to go in the season.

18. Thomas Nelson (1-9): Didn’t play this week. They are hoping the week of practice will help, going forward.