Boys Top 5

 

On the boys’ side, things are beginning to get interesting. Of course, we have the defending state champions starting to hit stride, but behind the South Laurel Cardinals are three teams that are very, very dangerous. Barbourville remains at the No. 2 spot, while Clay County is No. 3 and Tony Pietrowski’s improving Corbin Redhounds move up to the fourth spot. On the girls’ side, it’s a yawner. There’s no movement as Clay County and Corbin continue to show they’re the top two teams in the region.

 

1. South Laurel (17-4)

What’s the scoop: South Laurel picked up an impressive road win over Mason County this past week and looks to be in fine shape as the Cardinals prepare for the 50th District and 13th Region Tournaments.

 

Surprise, surprise: Not much to be surprised about this week with the Cardinals. Their 58-41 win over Mason County gave South Laurel its first two-game win streak dating back to the first of January. Other than that, the Cardinals look to be in fine shape.

 

What’s ahead: Cross-town rival North Laurel travels to South Laurel on Friday. The Jaguars are struggling. They have lost five games in a row and nine of their last 12 games. That doesn’t bode well for a team that has an overall record of 6-32 against South Laurel. Ouch!

 

2. Barbourville (16-2)

What’s the scoop - The Tigers’ win streak is now at 11 games, which is impressive. Barbourville now holds a 14-1 record against 13th Region opponents this season.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Tigers captured their third consecutive 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic title with a 44-43 win over Pineville last week. Another interesting tidbit: Barbourville is shooting 51.5 percent from the floor this season (484-940) and has four players shooting over 50 percent. Travis Crawford leads the way with a 58.8 field goal percentage.

 

What’s ahead: The Tigers will be in action today against Russellville and if Barbourville wins against the Panthers, Dinky Phipp’s squad will play Friday.

 

3. Clay County (16-3)

What’s the scoop: It’s been more than a month since the Tigers lost a game. Clay County is playing well and has both the district and regional tournaments in its backyard. Could Glenn Gray’s Tigers be the team to represent the 13th Region at Rupp Arena? Who knows.

 

Surprise, surprise: Clay County has won 10 games in a row, but the biggest surprise will be the 49th District draw, which will take place next Wednesday. A Clay County/North Laurel first round match-up wouldn’t sit well with either team.

 

What’s ahead: The Tigers have a key three-game stretch coming up. Clay County will travel to Bell County on Friday before hitting the road again Feb. 7 against Pineville. But that’s not all. No. 3 Lexington Catholic will come to Manchester next week.

 

4. Corbin (13-7)

What’s the scoop: Tony Pietrowski’s Corbin Redhounds could be the most improved team in the 13th Region. The Redhounds have won seven of their last nine games.

 

Surprise, surprise: Corbin picked up a huge road win in the 13th Region on Tuesday against North Laurel. The Redhounds will be a dangerous team come March. Wait and see.

 

What’s ahead: The Redhounds will be on the road again on Friday against Cumberland and will travel to Jackson County on Feb. 7.

 

5. Pineville (16-4)

What’s the scoop: The Mountain Lions dropped a spot and that was a hard call. Yes, they defeated Corbin 61-58, but I really like the way the Redhounds are playing ball right now.

 

Surprise, surprise: Pineville was just a couple of points away from playing in the Touchstone Classic All ‘A’ State Tournament, but lost to Barbourville, 44-43.

 

What’s ahead: Middlesboro comes to town on Friday and the Mountain Lions will be challenged again on Feb. 7 against Clay County.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

No. 6 North Laurel (9-12)

What’s the scoop: Yes, the Jaguars have lost five in a row and nine of their last 12 games, but Cawood’s four-point loss to Bell County keeps the Trojans from remaining at the No. 6 spot. No team in the 13th Region has played a harder schedule than North Laurel and it’s beginning to take its toll on Jim Conway’s squad. It doesn’t get any easier this week with South Laurel hosting the Jaguars on Friday.

 

No. 7 Bell County (14-6)

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats picked up an impressive 64-60 win over Cawood this past week. Clay County will visit Bell County on Friday.

 

No. 8 Cawood (14-6)

What’s the scoop: The Trojans saw their eight-game win streak come to an end last week against Bell County. Cawood will host Evarts.

 

No. 9 Jackson County (11-9)

What’s the scoop: The Generals are another dangerous team. Jackson County almost upset Pineville last week before losing 52-50. The Generals will travel to Frankfort on Friday before hosting Corbin on Feb. 7.

 

No. 10 Lynn Camp (10-6)

What’s the scoop: The Wildcats are hanging by a thread at the No. 10 spot. Lynn Camp had a disappointing loss to Jackson County last week and managed to slip past Wayne County by one point on the road Tuesday. The win was the Wildcats’ first over the Cardinals.

 

Les Dixon is the Sports Editor and can be reached at [email protected]. The Fear ‘Les’ 13th Region boys and girls ratings will be published in every Thursday edition of the Times-Tribune.

That looks about right. You could make a case for Harlan and/or Cumberland in at 9 and 10, but Jackson and Lynn Camp have better records.

To be honest, I was flirting with the idea of putting Cumberland at the 10 spot, but since he Campers beat the skins at home I went with them. But, I agree, Cumberland and Harlan aren't too far behind.

Looks good to me..

Right now I don't think Lynn Camp deserves to be in the top 10, they are not playing well, but hopefully the 4th quarter rally at Wayne will get them going.

Good list except for Pineville being below Corbin. Pineville played a great game with Barbourville (for the second time) in the 13 Region ALL "A" championship game and was just 10 seconds from playing in Richmond.

Hopefully the Redhounds will get a re-match with Pineville in the 13th region tournament and we can settle who deserves the spot. Pineville is a great team. North Laurel and Pineville would be a great regional game as well. Wonder what the region picture would look like if South Laurel was not in the 13th this season?

To be honest, I was flirting with the idea of putting Cumberland at the 10 spot, but since he Campers beat the skins at home I went with them. But, I agree, Cumberland and Harlan aren't too far behind.

You should go ahead and take LC out, each week you act like they dont belong, why put them in "YOUR" top ten anyway? Hard to agree with a list that has Corbin (who have improved alot,and getting better) ahead of Pineville who has a very good record and beat the Hounds at Corbin. By the way LC has beaten Jackson Co. two of three and you are right they have beat Cumberland as well. For awhile you wanted to put a team with a losing record (Knox Central) in for the campers. May as well take the cats out, I'm sure it won't hurt any feelings.

Sheesh, don't take it too hard. It's someone's opinion no need to cry about it. If you've watched Corbin play the past couple of weeks, you'll see they are very improved. Coach Wright at South said CORBIN is a very dangerous team, but heck, what does he know, he's just won a state title. And, how about taking a look at the Cantrall, Massey and Litkenhouse Ratings, I don't believe Lynn Camp is in the Top 10 in anyone of those?

Oh well, I just call them like I see'em.

Lynn Camp is right now about even with Harlan, Cumberland, and Jackson. Jackson earned 9th with the big over LC. and a win over Harlan, but I think Cumberland beat them, but Jackson after their performance in the All A is playing better since than. Cumberland has lost some close games, if they beat Corbin imo they move ahead of LC. Harlan and LC meet up later in the month. Imo Lc has the talent to matchup with anyone from the 13th region, except for South Laurel, it is just a matter if they can get on the same page. If they do the little things it takes to win basketball games, they will move up. LC is a border line number 10 right now so I can see the argument from both ends.

:thumb: Looks good to me!

There is no argument from me. I'm just putting them where I believe they belong.

You should go ahead and take LC out, each week you act like they dont belong, why put them in "YOUR" top ten anyway? Hard to agree with a list that has Corbin (who have improved alot,and getting better) ahead of Pineville who has a very good record and beat the Hounds at Corbin. By the way LC has beaten Jackson Co. two of three and you are right they have beat Cumberland as well. For awhile you wanted to put a team with a losing record (Knox Central) in for the campers. May as well take the cats out, I'm sure it won't hurt any feelings.

 

 

Where would you rank Lynn Camp?

Sheesh, don't take it too hard. It's someone's opinion no need to cry about it. If you've watched Corbin play the past couple of weeks, you'll see they are very improved. Coach Wright at South said CORBIN is a very dangerous team, but heck, what does he know, he's just won a state title. And, how about taking a look at the Cantrall, Massey and Litkenhouse Ratings, I don't believe Lynn Camp is in the Top 10 in anyone of those?

Oh well, I just call them like I see'em.

If I disagree then I'm crying? If you will read I stated Corbin has improved and are getting better as a team but fact is they lost to Pineville at home who IMO should be ranked higher than them based on this. Coach Wright knows Corbin is a dangerous team he has been around awhile. If Lynn Camp is not on any other lists why are they on yours? Keep on calling them like you see them, but sometimes others have differnet opinions, I never thought LC was a top ten team at anytime, my point was don't put them at 10 then say they really dont belong there.

Where would you rank Lynn Camp?

Until they beat a team with a winning record not in the top ten of the 13th region, where would you rank them?