On the boys’ side, what a weird week it was. Barbourville loses to Bishop Brossart and then survives a shootout with Middlesboro. Just when I thought the Corbin Redhounds were catching fire, they lost to surging Jackson County on the road. But that’s not all.

Clay County loses to Bell County, but knocks off Pineville. Oh well, there is one thing for certain: South Laurel remains at the No. 1 spot, while Clay County is the No. 1 team on the girls’ side with Corbin not far behind. Enjoy.

 

1. South Laurel (18-4)

What’s the scoop: The Cardinals are winners of three straight. South Laurel replaced Scott County as the state’s No. 1 team in the recent AP poll. That’s the second time this season the Cardinals have garnered the top spot.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Cardinals continue to win. South Laurel should finish the regular season out with an eight-game win streak and go into the 50th District Tournament at 23-4. Not too shabby, huh?

 

What’s ahead: The Cardinals renew an old 48th District rivalry at home on Saturday against Shawn Thacker’s Somerset Briar Jumpers. South Laurel will travel to Clinton County on Tuesday before hosting Hazard on Friday.

 

2. Barbourville (18-3)

What’s the scoop - The Tigers had a minor setback after losing to Bishop Brossart 62-29 last week. Barbourville came back in its following game and score 101 points against Middlesboro.

 

Surprise, surprise: I was surprised with the way Bishop Brossart handled Barbourville. The Tigers managed to score only seven points in the first half. That’s right seven points.

If Barbourville is going to contend for a 13th Region title, the Tigers need solid offensive outputs from their seniors every game. That didn’t happen against the Mustangs. When tournament time comes around, you need to be firing on all cylinders or you’ll be heading home quickly.

 

What’s ahead: Barbourville will be tested in its final five games. The Tigers will travel to Red Bird today before hosting Leslie County on Tuesday. Barbourville will get have a major road test from 13th Region foe Jackson County on Feb. 16.

 

3. Clay County (17-4)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers saw their 10-game win streak fall to the wayside after losing to Bell County on the road last week. Clay County managed to pull out a big win a couple of days later by defeating Pineville, 68-65.

 

Surprise, surprise: I was really shocked with the Tigers’ 56-52 loss to Bell County. But in this region, I shouldn’t be shocked about anything. The 13th Region Tournament could be loaded with potential upsets.

 

What’s ahead: The Tigers finish the regular season with four home games. Lexington Catholic will come to Manchester on Saturday. Clay County will play its final regular season road game on Tuesday against Lynn Camp.

 

4. Pineville (17-5)

What’s the scoop: I have been high on the Corbin Redhounds, but their loss to Jackson County on the road moves Pineville to this spot. Remember, the Mountain Lions handed Corbin a 61-58 home loss.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Mountain Lions held their own against Clay County on Tuesday before losing 68-65. Pineville is a dangerous team and has the talent to reach the 13th Region finals.

 

What’s ahead: The Mountain Lions will host J. Frank White on Friday before traveling to Harlan on Tuesday to face the Green Dragons.

 

5. Corbin (14-8)

What’s the scoop: This is where things get hard. Should Corbin be in this spot or should it be Bell County? Well, how about Cawood or even North Laurel? For right now, the Redhounds cling to this spot. Corbin has beaten the Bobcats and Jaguars, but the Trojans handed the Redhounds a loss earlier in the season. Hmmm. Told you this was a tough one.

 

Surprise, surprise: I was surprised to say the least when Jackson County handed Corbin a 55-51 loss on Tuesday. If the Redhounds want to win the 13th Region, they have to beat teams like the Generals.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin will host Bowling Green on Saturday and Rockcastle County will come to town on Tuesday.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

No. 6 North Laurel (9-14)

What’s the scoop: Call me stupid, but North Laurel belongs in this spot. Yes, the Jaguars have lost seven games in a row, but I really believe their hard schedule is going to pay off in March. North Laurel could be the 13th Region’s sleeper. Wait and see.

 

No. 7 (tie) Bell County (16-6)

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats along with Jackson County get the nod at the No. 7 spot. Bell County will host Cumberland Gap today.

 

No. 7 (tie) Jackson County (12-10)

What’s the scoop: The Generals picked up a huge win over Corbin on Tuesday. Jackson County will host Franklin County on Friday.

 

No. 9 Cawood (15-7)

What’s the scoop: The Trojans suffered a setback after losing 87-80 to Middlesboro. Cawood will host Knox Central on Tuesday.

 

No. 10 Lynn Camp (13-7)

What’s the scoop: The Wildcats held on to this position after defeating Williamsburg by 51 points on Tuesday. Lynn Camp suffered a disappointing loss to Red Bird this past week, but the Wildcats hope the loss to the Cardinals was a minor bump in the road.

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Good job Les....

Good list :thumb: but I wouldn't want your job. I would have just tied 3-9 for #3. :lol:

Good list :thumb: but I wouldn't want your job. I would have just tied 3-9 for #3. :lol:

Yep thats true.........I would tie 2-9 lol

Very good analysis Les.

Kinda suprised that you dropped Bell county so far down in your list Les, I know they have 6 losses on the season, 2 of those from out of state opponents. They dropped your number 3 teams and have completely dominated your number 5 teams for the last 10 years, losing maybe one game over that time span to them. I guess we get to see how good they are when they play your number 2 and 1 teams in the last two games of the season.

 

scott

bahrain

Bell County didn't drop...the Bobcats actually moved up a spot.

When Whitaker comes back, Bell will move up, but I don't think they can hang with South.

Les your article today about Elam was a great one. He is a great coach and its time somebody said he was. Central is down this year, but that dont mean Elam is a bad coach.

Les your article today about Elam was a great one. He is a great coach and its time somebody said he was. Central is down this year, but that dont mean Elam is a bad coach.

 

 

I agree Central will be back, and coach Elam is the right coach for Central. It won't be long until KC is the team to beat every year in the 51st. Great article as usual Les. :thumb:

Coach Conway needs to really work on keeping his kids from the feeder program so that they make it to the high school level. They have lost one of their best middle school players to South Laurel, ... again. It will continue as long as the school board allows it to go on and he is not the first coach to face this problem. I have heard that a couple of kids who didn't play the past few years at the high school are debating on going out for the team next season to be with one of their football teammates and because they really respect Coach Conway.

Thanks guys. Elam is too good of a coach to be on the hot seat.