article 16th Region: Week 3 Review

Another week of winning for Elliott County and Rowan County at the top of the region. The 3-12 slots continue to fluctuate from week to week. A big two weeks of holiday hoops may start to identify the true threats to Elliott County and the region crown. Several teams are participating in the Derby Classic at Raceland and The Kentucky Bank Challenge at Rowan County this week.

1. ELLIOTT COUNTY (6-0) The Lions had a light work week with only a lopsided win over Raceland. The big three of Korbin Spencer, Tanner Dickerson, and Gage Evans all had big games in the win over the Rams. The Lions hung 96 points on the board. The Lions head to Clinton County for a tournament this week.

2. ROWAN COUNTY (9-0) The Vikings are off to what some would say is a surprising start. Devin Davidson has become a scoring complement to Mason Moore and Brady Madden. A statement win over defending champion Boyd County highlighted a three-win week for the Vikings. They take on Iroquois and Powell County this weekend.

3. MORGAN COUNTY (5-1) The Cougars have righted the ship after an early loss to Russell. Jake Helton and Garrett Adkins spearheaded wins over Lewis County and Phelps over the weekend. They will head to Raceland for The Derby Classic to take on Greenup County and potentially a matchup with Paintsville.

4. BOYD COUNTY (5-2) The Lions ended the week with a loss to Rowan County after posting an overtime win over West Carter and a win over Greenup County. Junior Blake Stewart notched his 1000th career point at Rowan County. A tough week begins tomorrow with Russell at home followed by weekend games with Eastern and Montgomery County.

5. LEWIS COUNTY (4-3) The Lions started the week well with a win over East Carter but dropped two close games to Lawrence and Morgan County to end the week. Junior Sam O'Keefe continues to a force for the Lions while senior Cameron Ruckel has increased his offensive production. The Lions host Nicholas County tonight then travel to border rival Mason County Thursday.

6. ASHLAND (3-3) Ashland has been the early season enigma of the region. A solid win over Greenup County was followed by a 22 point loss to Knox Central. Big man Ryan Bryant is becoming a force on the inside for the Tomcats. A brutal week awaits the Tomcats with matchups with GRC and Woodford County.

7. WEST CARTER (4-2) The Comets were a play away from beating Boyd County last week. A big home seed game with Elliott County Tuesday is followed by games versus Breathitt County and Estill County over the weekend. Braden Leadingham is leading a balanced Comet scoring attack.

8. RUSSELL (3-3) The young Red Devils got a huge 50-49 district win over Raceland last Friday night. Freshman Brady Bell scored 18 points and made key plays down the stretch to help secure the win. Guards Tristan Miller and Charlie Jachimczuk continue to play well for the Devils. A trip to Boyd County Tuesday is followed by a loaded Simon Kenton Invitational over the weekend.

9. FLEMING COUNTY (6-2) The Panthers continue to be a pleasant surprise for Coach Chris Stapleton. A big win over district foe Bath County solidifies them as a contender for a regional tournament spot. A loss to 12th region power South Laurel ended the week for the Panthers. Jumior Kaleb Flannery has been steady for the Panthers who will host Rose Hill Tuesday before taking on East Jessamine and Iroquois over the weekend.

10. RACELAND (3-3) The rams had a tough beginning with a lopsided loss to Elliott County and a heartbreaking district loss at Russell. sophomore Kirk Pence had a breakout game with 24 points in the loss to Russell. The Rams try to bounce back in their own Derby Classic at The Palace this week.

11. BATH COUNTY (3-5) The Wildcats have been up and down so far this season Another nice win over Fairview was followed up with a district loss at Fleming County. Jake Porter's play is improving to help Spencer Pergrem and Chandler Otis with the scoring load. A trip to Gatlinburg may get the Wildcats going this week.

12. GREENUP COUNTY (3-5) The Musketeers have been competitive while going through a gauntlet of upper tier teams in the region. Losses to Ashland and Boyd County put the GC losing streak to four games. Brady Nelson continues to be the lone offensive threat for the Musketeers. An opening round matchup with Morgan County awaits them in the Derby Classic at Raceland.

13. FAIRVIEW (2-5) The Eagles got a much-needed win over Menifee County over the weekend. Garrett Greene is rounding into form after missing the first week of the season. The Eagles will take on Allen County-Scottsville at the Derby Classic Thursday.

14. EAST CARTER (0-6) The Raiders schedule has been brutal to start the season. Lewis County and Mason County losses were competitive at times for the Raiders. The Raiders lone game this week comes against a much improved Lawrence County in Louisa.

15. MENIFEE COUNTY (3-6) The Wildcats dropped three in-region games last week. Trey Abner has been a hidden gem for the Wildcats this season. A matchup with Owsley County will start tournament play for Menifee at Berea.

16. ROSE HILL (2-7) Don't call me a prophet. The Royals, as predicted by yours truly, notched their first two victories of the season. Kenny Wilburn continues to be an adept scorer for the Royals. Host Raceland will be the first-round opponent for the Rose Hill squad at the Derby Classic this week.

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