article 16th Region Bluegrasspreps.com Week 6 in Review

16th Region Basketball Week 6

Week 6 in the 16th Region may have done little more than further solidified Ashland’s standing as the region’s top team. In a rematch of the previously ranked top two teams, Ashland won convincingly from horn to horn. In a continuation of the first five weeks of the season the results of the games were predictably unpredictable. Close games from earlier in the season morphed into blowouts and complete reversals in the win column. Several regional teams also participated in the Marvin Meredith Classic this weekend, providing a good retreat on a miserably cold day. In addition to the regional games this week, the All A Tournament will get underway at Rose Hill.

1. Ashland (14-1) – Ashland continued its winning ways this week in strong fashion, handily dispatching Lewis County, Russell, and even though they were able to close the gap, Boyd County. On Boyd County’s home court, Ashland took the lead early and extended it to nearly 25 points, before winning by 12. Ashland’s team, as a whole, looked strong, while still being lead Robinson and Villers. In similar fashion, Ashland used a big third quarter to earn a 21-point victory of Lewis County. Sandwiched between these two victories, the Tomcats thumped Russell at Russell (after heating issues moved the game) by 31 points. The upcoming week Ashland will face Fairview and see their former coach in a trip to Mason County.

2. Boyd County (9-5) — The Lions looked very lethargic in their double-digit loss to Ashland this week, after playing them to double OT just a week earlier. They showed glimpses of the team they can be, but it was short lived. Stewart and Robinson played well in the comeback effort, but they couldn’t find the chemistry to get over the deficit. Unfortunately, for the Lions, the Fairview game later in the week wasn’t much more impressive. Although they collected the win, the Lions can be much better than the four-point victory they claimed. Boyd County will play at home twice this week, against Rowan County and Rose Hill.

3. Morgan County (13-2) —The Cougars sole game this week was a win against Menifee County. Consistency has been key for the Cougars this season and the remainder of the schedule lends to Coach Perry racking up an impressive W/L record. This week looks to be a busy one, with Morgan County facing Greenup, Magoffin and East Carter before moving into the All A Classic. The level of competition will be amplified by the sheer number of games back to back.

4. Lewis County (9-8) —The Lions split their games this week, with a good victory over Elliott at home, followed the next day by a 21 point loss to Ashland. If anything good can be brought out of the loss, Offut looked good playing Robinson. The Lions could pick up come momentum this week if they can collect wins against Russell and Greenup County, both at home. Lewis County still has potential but needs to use this stretch and an upcoming game against Boyd County to find their way.

5. Bath County (9-6) –The Wildcats picked up two wins this week, neither of which was a surprise, however the 42 point margin of victory over Menifee County was unexpected, especially considering an earlier loss to them. In the same week that saw Bath County pummel Menifee they collected a 4 point victory over Nicholas County. With any luck, Coach Williams will be able to capitalize on the high of the win heading into a game with Fleming County before entering into the All A Tournament.

6. Raceland (7-4) —The Rams had a terrific week this week with blow out wins over Lawrence County and Greenup County. It also served as a coming out party for Rylie Potter, who may have finally found his way collecting two double doubles. With their size, Raceland could prove to be a force to be reckoned with if they can find consistency. The Rams have away games against Prestonsburg and Russell before entering into the All A.

7. Rowan County (8-5) – The Vikings did not play this week, but based on games of others, they still managed to move up a couple spots. They make up for an off week last week with games against Menifee County, Fleming County, Elliott County and Boyd County. Those matchups should give some more insight into the Vikings and their capabilities.

8. East Carter (6-9) — The Raiders are the team I get to watch in person the most and also the team I have the hardest time putting into a spot on this poll. A week after beating Bath County at Bath County, they lost by 14 to Russell at home, and didn’t look good doing it. In their defense they played without Bush who was out with a knee injury, and Jordan Brooks is looking more dependable. Coach Baker and his boys have two difficult games against Morgan and Elliott County, which may show us a bit more about their mettle.

9. Greenup County (6-7) —The Musketeers only game of the week was a beat down at the hands of in county rival, Raceland. Greenup County had no answer for Potter and was dominated offensively and defensively. The upcoming week will be a difficult test for the Musketeers with regional contenders Morgan and Lewis County on the road.

10. Elliott County (5-7) – Elliott County split their two games this week with a narrow 1-point win over West Carter and a 15-point loss to Lewis. Their 3-3 record in the region fairly reflects their overall standing. After watching this game, I think the Lions are in about the position they will remain from now on. The game plan looks unorganized and haphazard, in a Saturday morning pickup kind of way. When it flows they look decent, otherwise they look like a .500 team with little chance of improvement. This week looks like it will bring more of the same with trips to East Carter and Rowan County, and Morgan County in the first round of the All A. The All A has been the Lions time to shine in the past, they need it to be this season.

11. Menifee County (3-5)— Menifee County’s troubles resumed this week with a somewhat predictable, but respectable loss to Morgan County, but shocked me by taking a 42-point beating from Bath County—a team they beat by double digits earlier in the year. This week they have a Rowan County rematch, another team they beat early in the season and will travel to Raceland to play a Rams team that is moving in the right direction.

12. West Carter (5-8) —The had a rough week racking up three losses, however all three were respectable and I think Coach Webb is getting all he can out of the players he has. They dropped close games to in district rivals Elliott County and East Carter. They’ll enter into the All A Tournament this week, with an opening round Rose Hill matchup.

13. Fairview (5-8) —The Eagles put up a good fight against Boyd County, losing by four after being up at half time. Ethan Smithers had a double-double and Fairview shot well from the floor. They have another tough test in Ashland this week before entering the All A Tournament against Bath County.

14. Russell (5-10) — The Red Devils picked up two wins this week, including a 14-point defeat of East Carter, and lost by 31 to a much more talented Ashland team. They play three games this week that should provide a better look at what they can do, if it comes together for them. If not, Lewis, Raceland and Rowan may make for a long week for Bobby Hale and his teammates.

15. Fleming County (2-12) — Fleming County ended up with an off week this week, and will face Mason, Rowan and Bath County’s this week.

16. Rose Hill (6-7) —The Royals split their games this week. Rose Hill’s Kenny Wilburn is putting together a good season in gamed against similar teams, but his week holds a district game against Boyd County before hosting the first round of the All A.