Folks, it’s that time to release a new notebook with the majority of the holiday tournaments over. What we have seen in the past two weeks is that the 13th Region might be a bit stronger overall than many had imagined.

Williamsburg has flexed its muscles and captured the Cumberland Falls Invitational this past week against a good Corbin team on its home court while teams such as Knox Central has held its own against me of the state’s top teams despite being without some of its best players.

Clay County is still playing good while teams such as South Laurel, Whitley County and Harlan County are showing they have the talent to contend for the region crown.

So where does this lead us to? A very interesting January and February, to say the least. With that said, let’s get to the Player of the Week and the Top 10.

 

1. Clay County (12-1 overall, 6-0 vs. 13th Region opponents) — Not having Trey Farmer during their 74-67 loss to West Jessamine hurt. The Tigers missed his 16 points per game scoring average and 7.7 rebounds per game, but with that said, the Tigers remain the region’s top team until someone in the region beats them. Blake Smith continues to play well, leading Clay County with a 22-point scoring average. The one thing that sticks out, though, is that in the end, this region is wide-open with about eight teams capable of beating anyone in the region on a given day. Why do I say that? I know the Tigers were without Farmer against West Jessamine, but this was a Colts team that South Laurel handled with ease and beat, 82-61.

 

2. Williamsburg (9-0, 6-0) — The Yellow Jackets have proved they are a team that has the talent to win the 13th Region title. Patrick Robinson’s squad fought a lot of obstacles during their three-game journey in the Cumberland Falls Invitational to capture the championship. They were trailing 59-53 with less than two minutes remaining when they lost big man Andrew Griffith for the remainder of the game, and still managed to win thanks to a last-second shot by Corey Shelton. Shelton is the best kept secret in the region, averaging 22 points and shooting 47.5 percent (19-of-40) from three-point range. He’s also shooting a red-hot 61.8 percent (63-of-102) from the floor. That’s unheard of for a guard. This Williamsburg team is for real.

 

3. Knox Central (7-5, 3-1) — The Panthers’ record isn’t the prettiest, but being above .500 with the schedule they have played, and being without Jeffrey Adams and Chad Marsee, just goes to show how good they are. Knox Central posted a 4-3 record over the holidays with three losses coming by a total of 19 points. And those losses came against good teams. A 10-point loss to Whitley County, who is playing some pretty darn good basketball right now, and a last-second, two-point loss to Hopkinsville and a seven-point loss to Warren Central. Once Marsee gets back in the line-up, this team is going to be hard to beat. And, there is a chance that Adams can be back playing by district tournament time.

 

4. South Laurel (8-5, 1-3) — When healthy, the Cardinals are a hard team to beat. South Laurel big man Caleb Taylor has established himself as one of the best centers in the region by averaging a double-double on the season. Guard Jared Grubb scored 36 points against McCreary Central, and Ryan Anders continues to improve. This team’s ceiling is high, and they’ll only get better. They did drop a seven-point loss to Williamsburg this past week, but the game was tied with three minutes to go.

5. Whitley County (8-4, 5-1) — The Colonels continue to be one of the hottest teams in the region. They posted a 5-2 record during their two tournaments they participated in over the holidays. The two losses they suffered were by a combined six points and one was on a last-second shot against Tates Creek. James Sasko continues to shine, averaging 14 points a game for Whitley County.

 

6. Harlan County (8-6, 2-3) – Coach Mike Jones has done a fantastic job with the Black Bears, and they look to be improving with each game they play. This is a dangerous team, and we need to keep an eye on them.

 

7. Corbin (8-4, 3-3) — This Redhound team has the talent to beat anyone in the region. They have lost four games this season by a combined 12 points. Freshman Andrew Taylor continues to shine and show why he is considered by many as one of the top freshmen in the state. He was limited to 13 points against Williamsburg, and until another player can step up and do some scoring for Corbin, opposing teams will continue to double and triple team Taylor.

 

8. North Laurel (5-8, 0-1) — The Jaguars have played the toughest schedule in the 13th Region, and they are getting better, but right now, they are struggling a bit, and I just can’t put my finger on what the problem is. Sophomore guard Peyton Broughton continues to shine, and received an offer last week from Clemson. He’s leading the region, averaging more than 27 points per game. North Laurel needs to get more scoring from someone, and their big men on the post need to make their presence known. This team has the most talent in the region. The question is when will they turn things around?

 

9. Barbourville (8-4, 3-2) — The Tigers are quietly putting together a solid season. And, they’re not a team I would want to face in an elimination game. Brently Perry is averaging 17 points per game while Brandon Gray (11.5), Wade Liford (10.5) and Tate Carter (10.2) are also scoring in double figures. Keep an aye on Markelle Turner (8.2). He’s one of the best freshmen in the region.

 

10. Pineville (10-4, 5-3) — The Mountain Lions are quietly putting together an impressive season so far. They are led in scoring by Donald Collett, who is averaging 22.5 points per game while Frederick Carnes is turning in a 15.8 effort.

 

 

Player of the week

Corey Shelton, Williamsburg - Shelton averaged 25 points per game during the Cumberland Falls Invitational, including hitting the game-winning shot and scoring 28 points during the finals against Corbin.

Looks about right. No grips from me this time. I wish Clay was at full strength now. Would have like to seen what they looked like against some good teams with all their horses. And Williamsburg is better than I thought.

It's still a LONG season Truth99. This region has really been hard to rank this season. I'm sure the top five will move numerous times by the time March rolls around.

I think the region is the best it has been 1 -7 in many years. There's no doubt that it will. I think from 3 thru 8 there's not a 2 or 3 point difference in any of those teams. I still think that at full strength it's Clay and Knox and then everyone else. Gonna be a fun year in the 13th.

Looks about right. No grips from me this time. I wish Clay was at full strength now. Would have like to seen what they looked like against some good teams with all their horses. And Williamsburg is better than I thought.

 

Why aren't they at full strength?

Arnold is out injured and Farmer is serving a suspension.

Farmer is there 2nd leading scorer and leading rebounder was ejected 2 games ago with 2 technicals. So he will miss the Boyle County game Saturday. Arnold has been out 2 weeks and is expected to miss 2 more weeks, he is the 6th man. We did get House back this week from knee injury. He is not 100% but has been cleared to play.

I think the region is the best it has been 1 -7 in many years. There's no doubt that it will. I think from 3 thru 8 there's not a 2 or 3 point difference in any of those teams. I still think that at full strength it's Clay and Knox and then everyone else. Gonna be a fun year in the 13th.

 

 

 

I've been saying that for a while that 3 through 8 are real close, a step below Clay and Knox.