Inside the 6th Region (1/20/15)

We have completed games almost at the mid point of the season and here in the 6th region we also have the most recent performance of teams from last week's LIT which hosts the best of the 6th & 7th regions in a mid season invitational. This body of work gives ample opportunity to provide the rankings which are slightly changed from last reporting. Interesting of note is that during LIT week, (3) Region Six teams made the Elite Eight to (5) Region Seven teams. The semi-finals were even with (2) from both regions, and of course the champion, Ballard, was from Region 7. That indicates a fairly equal Region 6 and Region 7 representation at the top. Of course Region 7 is a bit deeper and tougher at the very top, but both regions were well represented showing a degree of parity in the County. It was a good showing by Doss, Bullitt East, and also DeSales all making the quarterfinal round of 8.

Top 10

1.) Doss

Now 15-3 and winners of all their 6 regional games make Doss the overwhelming #1 team where they have been starting week #2 of this Insider Report. Since the last ranking they made it to the final of the LIT. Along the way they beat two 6th region top teams, DeSales by 12 and Bullitt East by 7. Tyler Jefferson and DuJuanta Weaver each made the All-LIT team.

2.) Bullitt East

12-5 on the season and 3-2 in the Region. They made the Final Four of the LIT by defeating Seneca and a very tough Manual team, both from Region 7. Tyler Sharpe continues to lead the team and hits the timely baskets as he is a hard nose competitor capable of leading his team during hard times in the game. Gaining the Final Four pushes them in front of a PRP team which lost in a 1st round upset. They must also play Manual tonight in a rematch of their win on Friday in the LIT.

3.) DeSales

14-4 with a 7-1 record in the region keeps DeSales at the #3 spot. DeSales beat 6th region foe, Fairdale, in the 1st round game. They then followed that win with their 12 point loss to Doss to go 1-1. In a scheduling coincidence they have a rematch with Doss tonight to give us a further look into how close they may be to the top.

4.) PRP

12-4 and 5-1 in the region keep PRP near the top, with the first round loss in the LIT to Central it was the catalyst to swap places with Bullitt East who made it to the Final Four. Obviously the loss to Central does not appear to be that bad of a loss given how well Central played, including an upset over Trinity. The PRP schedule aligns favorably the remainder of the regular season and they should be favored in almost every game. If they continue to win they will very likely rebound to the top of the region.

5.) Fern Creek

10-7 and 4-2 in the region keep Fern Creek at the 5th position, but outside of the 4 teams in the upper tier of the 6th. They lost in the first round of the LIT in their rematch with Eastern who they had beat during a holiday tourney. Had they beaten Eastern they may have been able to make a claim they belong in the upper tier and a contender once regional play begins. However, they must now prove they belong at the top of the second tier of teams which includes North Bullitt, Fairdale and Western. Tonight they play Jeffersontown, a district opponent. Fern Creek must win this game to stay just outside the top teams and remain a threat to contend for the title.

6.) North Bullitt

10-6 on the season, 4-1 within the 6th region, and 3-0 in district play with a close defeat to St. X in the LIT is enough to keep them in the 6th spot of the rankings. However, the regional wins have come against Bullitt Central (twice), Moore, and Iroquois. Those wins are not over any quality 6th region opponent and the loss came to Holy Cross who has not proven to be a top ranked team in the region either. They play Southern tonight who is near the bottom of the Top 10 teams in the region. This game will also be a must win for North Bullitt to stay ranked where they currently reside.

7.) Western

Western stays put again in the 7th spot as they went 1-1 in the LIT with a win over Butler and a loss to Manual. They are 6-6 on the season overall, and 3-3 in the region. They next play Jeffersontown later in the week.

8.) Fairdale

Fairdale is slightly below.500 on the season with a 7-8 record after losing to DeSales in a first round LIT game last week. They are now at 5-1 and 2-0 in district play. They play St. X tonight in a tough match up with a 7th region team.

9.) Whitefield Academy

Whitefield Academy is above.500 with a 10-8 record and is 1-2 in regional play. But a win over Southern who previously was in the ninth spot caused the switch to move them into the Top 10. Five of the next 6 opponents will be tougher than anyone they have currently played with the exception from their 33 point loss to Bullitt East, so we will know much more about this team in the next two weeks.

10.) Beth Haven

BH continues to get the final spot because they are now 13-1. However, they are 0-1 in regional play with a loss to Valley who does not sit inside the Top 10. They play Holy Cross tonight which will be a good test and go a long way to determine if they stay in the Top 10.

Top Player

DuJuanta Weaver made the All-LIT team and continues to lead his Doss Dragons night in and night out with his exciting brand of basketball. If you have not watched him play, he may be the most under rated point guard in the state.