article 13th Region Week Seven Review

1. Clay County (12-5, 6-1)

The Tigers are winners of four of their last five games and the wins are impressive. They’ve beaten Scott County, North Laurel, Jackson County and South Laurel.

Clay County has another tough stretch of games coming up, and if the Tigers get through those without any losses, they’ll for sure be the team to beat heading into postseason play.

2. North Laurel (13-5, 6-1)

Freshman Reed Sheppard turned in a quadruple-double (24 points, 14 assists, 10 rebounds and 10 steals) during the Jaguars’ 82-34 win over Jackson County while freshman Ryan Davidson continues to shine with 15.6 scoring average.

If North Laurel can improve some on the defensive side, the Jaguars will be dangerous.

3. South Laurel (13-4, 7-2)

Senior Matt Cromer continues to dominate for the Cardinals, who are hands down the best defensive team in the region.

Cromer leads South Laurel with a 24.9 scoring averages and 7.9 rebounding average.

4. Knox Central (14-4, 3-0)

The Panthers saw their 11-game win streak come to an end after falling to Warren Central, 83-59, during the Class 2A State Tournament. Despite the loss, Knox Central continues to show they’re a major threat to repeat as 13th Region champs.

5. Harlan County (12-5, 3-2)

The Black Bears are heating up at the right time. They’re winners of five straight and are led in scoring by Taylor Spurlock’s 18.4 scoring average.

6. Corbin (11-6, 5-3)

The Redhounds are losers of two straight and things don’t get much easier this week when they host Knoxville Catholic on Tuesday.

7. Harlan (8-8, 5-4)

The Green Dragons are a team to keep your eye on. After starting the season 1-6, they’re 7-2 since and are also the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Boys champions after beating Middlesboro in the finals, 81-65.

Jordan Akal is the real deal and if his teammates are hitting from the outside, they’re a threat to beat anyone in the region.

8. Bell County (6-8, 3-3)

The Bobcats are winners of three out of their past five games, but missed a chance to make some noise at home during last week’s Class 2A Sectional after falling to Knox Central, 66-61.

9. Williamsburg (8-10, 4-7)

Nick Napier’s Yellow Jackets are talented but just can get over the jump. They’ve won two-of-three which included wins over Oneida Baptist and Jackson County.

Williamsburg has a tough stretch of games coming up including games against Whitley County, South Laurel and Corbin.

10. Middlesboro (10-7, 5-5)

The Yellow Jackets have caught fire the past five games, going 4-1, while advancing to the finals of the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Boys Tournament.

They dropped an 81-65 decision to Harlan in the finals, but showed they are a dangerous team.

11. Barbourville (7-8, 4-5)

The Tigers are another team that’s hard to figure out. They’re 3-7 during their past 10 games but hung close on the road against South Laurel before losing, 70-60.

12. Oneida Baptist (8-8, 6-4)

The Mountaineers picked up a 79-65 win over Wolfe County that shows they are a dangerous team despite going 2-5 during their past seven games.

13. Lynn Camp (10-8, 3-4)

It’s hard to really figure out where to gauge Dinky Phipps’ Wildcats this season. I feel like they should be a few spots higher, but they just can’t seem to get anything going. They’re 2-4 during their past six games, but could surprise down the stretch.

14. Whitley County (8-9, 1-3)

The Colonels continue to quietly put together a solid campaign despite only winning consecutive games twice this season.

15. Red Bird (4-13, 1-8)

The Cardinals are playing better and have posted a 3-4 record during their past seven games.

They were also able to surprise and reach the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Boys Tournament semifinals before bowing out to Middlesboro, 79-63.

16. Pineville (6-8, 1-6)

The Mountain Lions were able to snap a five-game losing skid by picking up wins over both White Academy (85-73) and Thomas Walker (84-73). Sean Phipps lead the Mountain Lions with a 19.1 scoring average.

17. Jackson County (7-8, 2-7)

The Generals are loser’s of course straight and are coming off a 48-point loss to North Laurel and a 23-point loss to Williamsburg.

Despite the Generals’ struggles, Clay Akemon and Logan Rose continue to shine. Akemon leads the team with a 16.9 scoring average while Logan Rose is tossing in 11.9 points per game.

Bump.

Bump.