Preview by Les

 

Up until the past couple of years, you could almost guarantee the 13th Region champion would be coming out of the 50th District with both South Laurel and Corbin flexing their muscles, but it looks as if the power has shifted to the 49th District.

Yep, two years ago Brad Sizemore’s North Laurel Jaguars surprised many by capturing the 13th Region championship, and last season the Clay County Tigers ended a 12-year drought by capturing their first 13th Region crown since Mike Jones led them to the feat in 2001.

So who is the team to beat this season?

It has to be the Tigers, who returns the region’s top player in Chip McDaniel while big man Jake Allen and Ryan House transferred from district rival North Laurel to put on the black and gold in Manchester.

Yep, Clay County is the team to beat, but don’t forget about another 49th District team, Jackson County, who returns the bulk of its talent from last season while getting even better with Isaiah Collier transferring in from Southwestern Pulaski.

With that said, Knox Central has enough talent to make win its first region crown since 1970 while Bell County, Harlan, Williamsburg, Corbin, North Laurel, Middlesboro and South Laurel could make some noise as well.

 

Team Rankings

 

1. Clay County — The Tigers graduated four of its top six players, but the addition of Allen and House along with McDaniel, Wes Wolfe and Blake Smith make Clay County the team to beat this season.

 

2. Jackson County — If the Tigers don’t win the region, the Generals could very well do so. Jackson County has a lot of talent and returns Jordan Fox along with sharpshooter Zach Lawson and Jacob Hammons. The addition of Collier is a big plus for Jeff Parrett’s squad.

 

3. Knox Central — This is another team that could easily win the region. Coach Brian Evans is back to try and lead Knox Central to a region title and could very well do so with Matt Barger, Jeffrey Adams, Dustin Hensley, Chad Marsee and Nate Cole returning to the mix. This team is young and talented.

 

4. Bell County — The Bobcats made some noise last season, and could very well do the same this season with offensive threat Tyler Potter returning along with Jake Patterson, Josh Asher, Ben Collett and Cody Ferguson coming back.

 

5. Harlan — The addition of Tyler Miller, who transferred from Harlan County, to an already solid nucleus of young players make the Green Dragons a team to watch out for. Miller, Drew Parks, Caleb Hogue and Isaiah Johnson make this an team to keep an eye on.

 

6. Williamsburg — Yes, you are seeing this right. I’ve got the Yellow Jackets at the six-spot. Yes, they’ll start the season slow because of how far their football team went into the playoffs, but once they get their core of players into the swing of things Williamsburg is going to be dangerous. Andrew Griffith might be the best kept secret in the 13th Region.

 

7. Middlesboro — The Yellow Jackets surprised many last season by upending Corbin in the first round of the 13th Region, and I expect them to continue their impressive play this season with seniors Donnie Foster and Austin Poindexter returning.

 

8. South Laurel — Zac Baxter returns to the mix, which will make the Cardinals a dangerous team. Look for Trevor Grubb, Brennan Miller, Tyler Vandeventor and Freshman Jared Grubb to turn in solid seasons for South Laurel.

 

9. North Laurel — The Jaguars are young, but talented. The losses of Allen and House hurt, but by no means is the cupboard bare. Guard Peyton Broughton will continue to show he’s one of the best guards in the region.

 

10. Corbin — The Redhound coaching staff did a fantastic job last season, and I expect the same this season. Losing Trevor Hill is big, but Kevin Goins returns along with Zach Henson, Joey Shelton and Taylor Waddle.

 

11. Harlan County — This might be a bit too low for the Black Bears, but they lost all five starters off last year’s 13th Region runner-up squad with the departure of Miller to Harlan. Zach Caldwell and Fred Massey returns for Harlan County along with Cody Bumgardner.

 

12. Barbourville — You never know what type of magic Dinky Phipps will create once the season begins, but look for the Tigers to improve as the season progresses.

 

13. Pineville — The Mountain Lions surprised many last season. They could dot he same again this season.

 

14. Whitley County — The Colonels will be a much-improved team in a district that could very well be wide open with both Corbin and South Laurel rebuilding.

 

15. Lynn Camp — Eric Swords’ team could surprise some this season with players such as Justin Hammonds and Skylar McFarland returning.

 

16. Oneida Baptist — The Mountaineers will try to improve on last season’s 1-18 record.

 

17. Red Bird — The Cardinals have a new coach in Bobby Joe Harper, and they’ll have to find a replacement for last season’s 13th Region top scorer in Erik Young.

 

 

Players Rankings

1. Chip McDaniel, Clay County — Sharpshooter who will lead the way for the Tigers.

2. Zac Baxter, South Laurel — Baxter could very well be the best scorer in the region.

3. Jordan Fox, Jackson County — Has a chance to lead the generals to a 13th Region crown.

4. Matt Barger, Knox Central — Very crafty guard that is very versatile.

5. Tyler Potter, Bell County — Another sharpshooter, who can score points at will for the Bobcats.

6. Peyton Broughton, North Laurel — Talented freshman that can do it all.

7. Jake Allen, Clay County — Transferred from North Laurel, and has a chance to be the region’s top post player.

8. Tyler Miller, Harlan — Will be interesting to see what he can do at Harlan after he transferred from Harlan County.

9. Skylar Griffith, Williamsburg — Has a chance to lead the Yellow Jackets to a lot of success this season.

10. Andrew Griffith, Williamsburg — The Yellow Jacket big man is healthy now, and ready to show the 13th Region what he can do.

Nice work Les. Agree that Harlan County might be too low and on Williamsburg's talent.

 

I don't think there's as much difference in the top 4 teams as people may think.

Thanks.