article BluegrassPreps.com 1st Region Week 9 Review & Rankings

BluegrassPreps.com 1st Region Boys Basketball Review Week 9

There are times when basketball is the focus of all attention, then there are times where basketball doesn’t seem to matter at all. This past week, basketball became the latter throughout Kentucky, but more so in Region 1. After the tragedy at MCHS, teams from all around Western Ky gathered to pray and show support for the Marshall Family. That even spilled over to the basketball court where rivalries were laid aside and student sections were filled with blue and orange to show their support. It was an reminder that sports aren’t everything, but can be something that help bring people together in times of tragedy.

 

1. Paducah Tilghman – Coach Roderick Thomas

BGP #15

2017-18 record:15-5

Weeks record: 0-1

Last Week’s Rank: 1

 

Paducah Tilghman played only 1 game this week and that was against Centralia, IL which they lost in a very close game 61-59. Rodriguez Thomas led the Tornado with 18 points and Reed added 15 and Harmon got 10.

Paducah Tilghman plays 2 important games this week against Graves County and McCracken County. Both games could have big meaning come district and region play, not to mention rankings. Tilghman has taken care of business this year and one would expect nothing less this week.

 

2. Mayfield – Coach Chris Guhy

BGP #17

2017-18 record: 18-5

Week’s Record: 3-1

Last Week’s Rank: 2

 

Mayfield had a good week in winning the 1st Region All “A” Classic and then going on to the semifinals of the State Tournament. They easily defeated Green County in a night where they didn’t play very well. They were able to survive a big comeback from Somerset to win 68-64, but they couldn’t hang with Walton-Verona as they lost 56-38. It was a good tournament, but the Cardinals were disappointed with anything less than winning the tournament.

They will play a fairly easy schedule this week against Calloway County and Ballard Memorial.

 

3. McCracken County – Coach Burlin Brower

2017-18 record: 15-5

Week’s Record: 3-0

Last Week’s Rank: 4

 

McCracken had a fantastic week and defeated Carlisle County, St. Mary, and then Graves County. Their winning streak now sits at 4 games. The Mustangs got huge games from Nathan Stonecipher (24) , Cameron Cartwright (21), and Jackson Sivills (19) in the win over Graves. Pair this win with the impressive victory over Christian County, and this team is edging their way closer to competing for the Region 1 title. Friday’s game at Paducah Tilghman is huge for MC. If they win that game, they may find themselves a top the standings in Region 1. For now they will have to settle for the 3rd best team in the region.

 

4. Graves County – Coach Joshua Frick

2017-18 record: 16-7

Week’s Record: 1-2

Last Week’s Rank: 3

 

Graves looked great in winning the Superman Classic tournament, but the reality of losing Savage took its toll this week as Graves lost two games in one week for only the second time this year. They lost to Hopkinsville 70-62 and McCracken County 71-79. Sandwiched between those two losses what a 52-34 win against Calloway Co.

To understand the difference Savage, Graves leading scorer, makes, just a few weeks ago Graves handled McCracken 54-40. Things don’t get easier for them this week as they will host Paducah Tilghman and Marshall County.

 

 

5. Marshall County – Terry Birdsong

2017-18 record: 10-8

Week’s Record: 0-0

Last Week’s Rank: 5

 

Marshall County suffered a devastating blow when a 15 year old student opened fire in the commons area of Marshall County High School. 2 students were killed and another 17 students were injured. This will stay with the players, coaches, students, and faculty for the rest of their lives. All games were cancelled this week as students didn’t return to school until Friday.

Please keep the Marshall family in your prayers. Many students will need comfort and time to heal both physically and emotionally from this horrible incident. As of right now, the Marshall basketball team will resume its schedule this week against Livingston Central, Graves County, and Russellville. However, the game pales in comparison to a hurting community. Everyone at BluegrassPreps will be rooting for Marshall County this week.

 

6. Ballard Memorial – Coach Marla Cooper

2017-18 record: 9-6

Week’s Record: 2-0

Last Week’s Rank: 9

 

Ballard Bombers had such a great week last week, but really struggled this week. After getting blown away in the Region 1 All “A” final 70-21, Ballard went on to beat Hickman County, but then lost to both Fulton County and Carlisle County, although Dequin Donlow had a great game against Carlisle. He scored 31 points and hit 6 three pointers. He kept the game as close as it was.

Ballard will try and rebound this week against Massac County, IL before taking on Mayfield…again. That probably won’t be a fun game for the Bombers.

 

 

7. Murray – Coach Dior Curtis

2017-18 record: 9-12

Week’s Record: 0-1

Last Week’s Rank: 6

 

Murray lost a close game to Calloway County 55-48. It is the second straight loss for the Tigers and 3rd in their last 4. They can avenge the loss this Friday as they host Calloway County. They will also play St. Mary as well this week.

 

 

8. Carlisle County – Coach Brian O’Neil

2017-18 record: 9-11

Week’s Record: 0-1

Last Week’s Rank: 8

 

The Comets lost big to a surging McCracken County 76-39 before defeating Ballard Memorial 77-68. Michael Thomason led Carlisle with 26 points. They will play Fulton County, Fulton City, and Community Christian this week. The only game that may cause them trouble is the Fulton County game.

 

9. Calloway County – Coach Brad Cleaver

2016-17 record: 9-11

Week’s Record: 1-1

Last Week’s Rank: 9

 

Calloway played a great game against Murray defeating the Tigers 55-48 led by 18 points from Garrett Scott and 14 points from Jeremy Darnell. Unfortunately they ran into Graves County later in the week and lost by almost 20.

Things don’t get any easier for the Lakers as they will go to Mayfield Tuesday and then they will have a rematch with Murray who will be looking to avenge their loss this past week.

 

 

10. Fulton County – Coach Jamie Madding

2017-18 record: 9-9

Week’s Record: 2-0

Last Week’s Rank: 10

 

The Pilots continue their winning ways. They won 2 more games this week, defeating Ballard Memorial and Community Christian. That means Ballard Memorial has won 6 of their last 7 games. The outlook is very encouraging too. They play teams they can beat the rest of the year, with the exception of Mayfield. They could end the year with a very good record.

 

11. Hickman County – Coach Jimmy Long

2017-18 record: 7-14

Week’s Record: 1-2

Last Week’s Rank: 11

 

Hickman lost 2 more games before finally defeating Fulton City in the closing seconds. They play Fulton County and Fulton City this week. Could be two more losses.

 

12. St. Mary – Coach Greg Overstreet

2017-18 record: 6-14

Week’s Record: 0-2

Last Week’s Rank: 13

 

St. Mary lost two more games this week as they continue to struggle. Both losses to Livingston Central and McCracken County were by more than 20.

 

 

13. Christian Fellowship – Coach Tyler Ryan

2017-18 record: 7-10

Week’s Record: 1-1

Last Week’s Rank: 13

 

The Eagles lost a very close game to Ft. Campbell 65-61. They are showing they can compete with low to mid level teams in Western Ky. It has been a while since this small private school could say that. They will play Hickman County, St. Mary, and CCA this week. They way they are playing, they could win all 3.

 

 

14. Fulton City – Coach Jon Dillard

2017-18 record: 1-16

Week’s Record: 0-3

Last Week’s Rank: 14

 

The Bulldogs woes continue as their losing streak is now at 16 games. They lost 3 more games this week.

 

15. Community Christian Paducah – Coach Daniel Durrett / Rhet McMullen

2017-18 record: 0-17

Week’s Record: 0-2

Last Week’s Rank: 15

 

Hoping the Warriors will get a win this season. Best chance maybe the last game of the year against Fulton City.

 

 

 

Player of the Week

Dequin Donlow, Ballard Memorial – scored 31 points including 6 three pointers in the loss to Carlisle County.