With only a couple of teams not playing in the 15th Region "All A" Classic, the past week or so has really gave us a chance to see where the region stacks up against one another a little over midway through the season.

 

 

One of the surging teams of late has been the Pikeville Panthers, a team that has been up and down in our rankings this season. After the Ray Kasongo eligibility ruling was over turned on appeal we instantly dubbed Pikeville as a top 3 team, then they went on a skid losing six of seven. Recently they have started to trend upwards once again as they have won four straight against quality regional opponents(East Ridge, Belfry, Prestonsburg, Shelby Valley). Now they sit as the likely favorite to come out of the 15th Region for the All-A, they play a semi-final game tonight against Trevor Tiller and the Paintsville Tigers. A big part of the recent success for Pikeville has to do with the inside out duo of Kasongo and Ethan Rowe finally starting to get things going. Kasongo is now averaging 15 a game on the season, while Rowe is scoring over 20+ (22.7ppg). Kasongo is also pulling 9.4 boards a game which has him dangerously close to averaging a double double on the season. If they can continue their recent play he will achieve that double double average sooner rather than later, and Pikeville will continue to be a contender instead of a pretender. Pikeville is now 10-7 on the season.

 

 

As Pikeville is on the up and up, another 59th district team is on the ropes. After sitting in our top 3 all season, Shelby Valley's young Wildcats are now searching for answers after dropping two straight in region to Pikeville and Lawerence County. Shelby Valley will still be okay at seasons end, but right now the two losses and early exit from the "All-A" is likely enough for them to forefeit their top 3-5 spot in our rankings. Shelby Valley has a chance to avenge both losses later on in the schedule, both on the road. Currently they sit at 9-8 on the season.

 

Another team of note in the region is our #1, the Johnson Central Golden Eagles. After sitting at the top spot since pre season, JC has had to deal with the injury bug all season long. As Shane Hall still tries to get to 100% coming off of an ankle injury, JC is still trying to justify itself as tops in the region. At 10-7 the record doesn't seem to indicate one of the regions top teams, however, the only losses in region are to Sheldon Clark early, and then more recently Lawerence County who clipped them 78-76 last Tuesday. Once healthy, fully expect Johnson Central to be in the mix to defend their regional crown.

 

Arguably the hottest team of late has been the Bulldogs of Lawerence County. After a forgettable 1-6 start, they now sit at 11-7 on the season with a three point loss to Lee County in the Red River Classic their only blemish since. With recent wins over Shelby Valley, Johnson Central, Maggoffin County, and Prestonsburg, Lawerence County is ready to prove they are for real. They get their chance tonight in the "All-A" semi's as they square off with Allen Central for a spot in the "All-A" championship. Leading the young balanced attack for Lawerence has been Robert Dalton, Timmy Dalton, Grant Kiser, Brandon Richardson, and Austin Chaffin, all averaging more than ten points per game. It is apparent after the slow start that it took a little time for these young guys to gel, and more importantly get football in the rearview.

Top 10 Rankings

 

1.) Betsy Layne

2.) Johnson Central

3.) Pikeville

4.) Sheldon Clark

5.) Lawerence County

6.) Paintsville

7.) East Ridge

8.) Belfry

9.) Prestonsburg

10.)Pike County Central

Top 10 Rankings

 

1.) Betsy Layne

2.) Johnson Central

3.) Pikeville

4.) Sheldon Clark

5.) Lawerence County

6.) Shelby Valley

7.) Paintsville

8.) East Ridge

9.) Belfry

10.)Prestonsburg

 

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