article Bluegrasspreps.com 13th Region Boys Postseason Preview

1. North Laurel (26-4 overall, 13-3 vs. 13th Region competition)

Who would have thought North Laurel would be the region’s top ranked team heading into postseason play after graduating Peyton Broughton and Bryson Asher? Coach Brad Sizemore has done a fantastic job with this team while Brian Gray continues to show he’s one of the best players in the region while big man Albert Oster has shown he’s the best big man in the region.

2. Knox Central (24-5, 11-2)

The Panthers dropped back down to the No. 2 spot after falling on the road to North Laurel this past week. Knox Central dropped a 69-65 decision to the Jaguars, which snapped its seven-game win streak in the process.

3. Corbin (20-7, 13-3)

The Redhounds are 6-4 during their last 10 games, but I’m still convinced they very well could win the 13th Region Tournament championship. Corbin possesses the region’s leading scorer in Andrew taylor while Chandler Stewart and Chase Sanders are also big scoring threats as well.

4. South Laurel (19-7, 10-2)

All the talk has been about North Laurel, Knox Central, and Corbin, but South should also be mentioned as one of the teams that is capable of winning the 13th Region Tournament. The Cardinals possess two players, (JJ Ramey and Ryan Anders) that had lots of playing time during South Laurel’s run to the Final Four two years ago. Don’t be surprised to see the cardinals cutting down the nets at The Arena.

5. Harlan County (18-8, 10-4)

The Black Bears enter postseason play with a 5-7 record during their last 12 games. Harlan County will face a much-improved Middlesboro squad during semifinal action of this week’s 52nd District Tournament.

6.Jackson County (10-10, 8-6)

The Generals are 3-2 during their last five games and enters this week’s elimination game against Clay County in the 49th District Tournament with hopes of picking up their second straight win over the tigers.

7. Clay County (14-14, 9-6)

The Tigers namanged to even its record at 14-14 this past week by defeating Bell County at home. Clay County is trying to avoid its first losing season in who knows how long while also trying to lock up a 13th Region Tournament berth. If the Tigers do lose to Jackson County during first round action of the 49th District Tournament, it will mark the first time since 1977 Clay County wouldn’t be participating in the 13th Region Tournament.

8. Lynn Camp (22-6, 14-5)

The Wildcats are another team that is limping into the postseason. Lynn Camp is 2-2 during its past four games, which includes losses to Oneida Baptist and Middlesboro. The Wildcats can punch a ticket into the 13th Region Tournament with their fourth win of the season over Barbourville during this week’s 51st District Tournament.

9. Williamsburg (14-15, 9-11)

The Yellow Jackets are another team that has impressed at times this season. First-year coach Nick Napier has done a fantastic job with Williamsburg, and will try to lead his team to an upset win over No. 1 seed South Laurel during this week’s 50th District Tournament.

10. Middlesboro (15-14, 7-10)

The Yellow Jackets enter the postseason one game above .500. Middlesboro’s 15 wins also marks the most they’ve had in five years, so coach Lewis Morris is doing a fantastic job during his first season as Yellow Jacket head coach. Middlesboro will try upset Bell County during first round action of this week’s 52nd District Tournament.

11. Whitley County (10-20, 3-11)

The Colonels matched their largest win streak of the season (two games) by defeating Madison Southern during their regular-season finale. They’re hoping their recent success carries over this week during their semifinal matchup against host Corbin. The Redhounds are 2-0 against Whitley County this season.

12. Barbourville (15-14, 7-8)

The Tigers look like they have hit stride heading into postseason play. They picked up an impressive 48-33 win over Bell County before finishing the season with wins over Jenkins and Red Bird. Barbourville will now face-off against Lynn Camp in semifinal action of the 51st District Tournament. The Tigers are hoping the fourth meeting is the charm. They are currently 0-3 against the Wildcats on the season.

13. Bell County (17-10, 8-8)

The Bobcats are struggling at the wrong time of the season. Bell County was red-hot at the end of January, winning six games in a row, but enter postseason play winners of only one game during their past five. The one win was a 53-50 overtime struggle against Pineville. Bell County will face-off against Harlan during semifinal action of the 52nd District Tournament.

14. Oneida Baptist (13-12, 6-11)

The Mountaineers are 5-3 during the beginning of February, and should have a good chance of defeating Red Bird during first round action of the 49th District Tournament, but if they do win, a matchup against No. 1 seed North Laurel awaits.

15. Harlan (5-18, 4-12)

It looked as if the Green Dragons were going to finish the season strong after consecutive wins over Bell County and Pineville. Instead they’ve dropped four games in a row, and will now face-off against Bell County during semifinal action of the 51st District Tournament this week.

16. Red Bird (10-20, 1-17)

Austin Napier recorded his 1,000th career point this past week during the Cardinals’ 79-55 win over Buckhorn, but Red Bird followed the win with a 76-70 loss to Barbourville, snapping a two-game win streak. The Cardinals will face-off against host Oneida Baptist during first round action of the 49th District Tournament. The winner will face top-seeded North Laurel.

17. Pineville (5-21, 2-16)

The Mountain Lions have struggled throughout the season, losing 12 of their last 13 games. It doesn’t look to get any better this week when they face-off against top-seeded Knox Central during semifinal action of the 51st District Tournament.

Top 10 Players

1. Andrew Taylor, Corbin

2. Markelle Turner, Knox Central

3. JJ Ramey, South Laurel

4. Brian Gray, North Laurel

5. Corey Johnson, Whitley County

6. Tanner Boggs, Lynn Camp

7. Chandler Stewart, Corbin

8. Nick Martin, Knox Central

9. Albert Oster, North Laurel

10. Ryan Anders, South Laurel

Lets go Corbin. Hope you make it to Rupp!!!!!

Lets go Corbin. Hope you make it to Rupp!!!!!

Appreciate your support. It's gonna be a tough road to get to Rupp. Three teams- North Laurel, Knox Central, and South Laurel all stand in the way and all are playing better ball than we are right now. Coach P. usually has them at peak performance come tourney time, though. Hope to see you at Rupp!!!! Go Hounds and Cards!!!

Appreciate your support. It's gonna be a tough road to get to Rupp. Three teams- North Laurel, Knox Central, and South Laurel all stand in the way and all are playing better ball than we are right now. Coach P. usually has them at peak performance come tourney time, though. Hope to see you at Rupp!!!! Go Hounds and Cards!!!

We don't have a easy road either. Campbell C,which has beaten us and only loss in the region with Scott and Pendleton Co could all win region.