Overview:

The 15th Region All A Classic is much like a super-regional in the 15th Region as 11 of the 16 teams will compete in the tournament. Held at the Pikeville EXPO Center, the All-A gives many schools a chance to familiarize themselves with the backdrop and larger court they may see in the 15th Region Tournament come March. Johnson Central, Pike Central, Belfry, Lawrence County, and Magoffin County will not compete in the All-A this year, but listed below are the teams you will see beginning Friday 1/2/2015 and how we rank them going into the tournament. It should be an exciting tournament this year as many teams have a legitimate shot to represent the mountains in Frankfort.

 

Tournament Rankings:

1. Sheldon Clark (9-0) – Chase Parsley and Dylan James look to lead the Cardinals to the All-A State Tournament. The Cards will be a tough out with Kaleb Sturgill and Marvin Albrecht providing key support to the aforementioned superstars.

 

2. Betsy Layne (8-5) – Coming off a surprising upset of Perry County Central, Peyton Case and company look to defend their 15th Region All-A Classic. Drawing on the opposite side of Sheldon Clark may set up a powerful championship clash.

 

3. Paintsville (8-5) – Head Coach Bill Mike Runyon as won 8 15th Region All-A Titles and looks to make it 9 this year. The Tigers have been playing better of late and learning how to sustain leads and close out games. They will be a tough out as Kash and Lane Daniels seem to be in full basketball mode.

 

4. Pikeville (6-7) – When Zach Huffman plays well, Head Coach Bart Williams and the Panthers can beat anyone in this tournament. Inconsistency from the front court has made it difficult on the Panthers thus far this season, but they always seem to play well at the EXPO Center. Pikeville could make some noise.

 

5. Shelby Valley (7-4) – Strength of schedule and injuries have really hurt the Wildcats this season. Every respectable challenge they have faced has proved too much for SV. They do have Dalton Richardson and Hunter Swindall and with those two anything is possible.

 

6. East Ridge (6-5) – Randy McCoy is still trying to establish and identity with the Warriors but they sure fun to watch. Are they a half court team or a pressing team? With high riser Hytlon on the court you may see some highlight dunks. East Ridge has a punchers chance in the tournament as they have been in every 15th Region game they have played in this year and lost on FT’s with no time on the clock to Betsy Layne. In short, they have the talent to win the All-A.

7. Prestonsburg (4-5) – Jarredd Jarrell and Dalton Frasure seem to have finally gotten the football out them and are playing at a high level. If coach James Derossett can find some bench support to negate double teams and pack in zones, the Blackcats could be a difficult out.

8. South Floyd (2-11) – The early season upset of Paintsville seems eons ago as the Raiders have fallen on hard times. They seem to be competitive for 8-10 mintue stretches, but have yet to put it all together for 32 (at least since the Paintsville game). If they shoot the ball well and rebound (both have been big weaknesses thus far this season), they may pull another upset.

 

9. Allen Central (5-8) – The very young rebels have the ability to play in the half court, but struggle against pressure in back court. With a good pairing in the first round, they may be more competitive than years past.

 

10. Phelps (4-5) – Head Coach Bobby Varney is off to a wonderful start this season at Phelps. The team is very young, but very talented and play extremely hard. The determination of the Hornets seems to carry them to wins at times. They will not be an easy out and could pull an upset if they shoot the ball well.

 

11. Piarist (1-6) – Piarist has never defeated a 15th Region opponent and don’t expect that to happen this season. The Knights have struggled with fielding a team and are extremely young but seem to have a great time playing the game and are always respectful and gracious to their opponents. It would be an amazing upset if they were to win a game.

 

First Round Games:

Jan. 2 – 7:00 Sheldon Clark vs East Ridge

Jan. 3 – 12:00 Betsy Layne vs Prestonsburg

Jan. 3 - 1:30 Paintsville vs Allen Central

Jan. 3 – 6:00 Phelps vs Shelby Valley

 

Teams that got a bye and who they might play:

 

Jan. 3 – 7:30 Winner of Sheldon Clark - East Ridge plays South Floyd

Jan. 6 – 6:00 Piarist vs winner of Betsy Layne - Prestonsburg game

Jan. 6 – 7:30 Pikeville vs winner of Paintsville - Allen Central game

 

Semi Finals and Championship:

Jan. 8 - 6:00 and 7:30 - Semifinals

Jan. 9 - 8:00 Championship game.

 

Listed below are the past results from the 15th Region All-A and how they did at the State Tournament.

 

Year/ School/ State Tournament Results

1990 Pikeville Lost in Opening Round

1991 Pikeville Lost in Semifinals

1992 Elkhorn City Lost in Opening Round

1993 Pikeville Lost in Opening Round

1994 Elkhorn City Lost in Opening Round

1995 Paintsville Lost in Opening Round

1996 Paintsville Lost in Opening Round

1997 Paintsville Lost in Finals

1998 Paintsville Lost in Semifinals

1999 Allen Central Lost in Semifinals

2000 South Floyd Lost in Opening Round

2001 Allen Central Lost in Quarterfinals

2002 Paintsville Lost in Opening Round

2003 Paintsville Lost in Opening Round

2004 Shelby Valley Lost in Opening Round

2005 South Floyd Lost in Quarterfinals

2006 South Floyd Lost in Opening Round

2007 Paintsville Lost in Quarterfinals

2008 Paintsville Lost in Semifinals

2009 Shelby Valley State Champion

2010 Shelby Valley State Champion

2011 Betsy Layne State Champion

2012 Betsy Layne Lost in Opening Round

2013 Pikeville Lost in Opening Round

2014 Betsy Layne Lost in Semifinals

 

Most Wins (School)

Paintsville – 8

Pikeville – 4

Shelby Valley – 3 (2 State Championships)

Betsy Layne – 3 (1 State Championship)

South Floyd – 3

Allen Central – 2

Elkhorn City - 2

 

Agree or Disagree?

Very good preview of the All A Regional. Thanks very much.

Well it won't be Sheldon Clark. East Ridge knocked off the undefeated Cardinals in round one last night, 70-68.