Inside the 13th Region 2-23-15

1. Knox Central (16-11 overall, 10-2 vs. 13th competition)

The Panthers hold on to the top spot after slipping past Jackson County this past week, 67-64.

This I do know — if you’re going to try and run with the Panthers, the odds are, you’re going to lose. Knox Central used a fast-pace tempo to wear down the Tigers during Tuesday’s win, and it worked. Matt Barger showed he is the best point guard in the region by dictating the pace and scoring 23 points while Chad Marsee added 23 points and 12 rebounds. Jeffrey Adams came off the bench and hit two key three-pointers, but the unsung heroes of the game has to be Delonie Graham and Tanner Wells. Graham is athletic as they come, and Graham was a beast inside.

2. Clay County (20-6, 11-1)

The Tigers suffered their first loss to a region opponents last week, losing to Knox Central, 81-77. Clay County’s achilles’ heel (defense) reared its ugly head against the Panthers, so they’ve got to improve on that end of the floor if they want to three-peat as regional champs.

Clay County’s struggles were shown in the second quarter against Knox Central when the Tigers knocked down only three-of-16 shot attempts. I believe fatigue played a big part in their loss to the Panthers.

3. Williamsburg (20-4, 16-2)

The Yellow Jackets picked up a big win by defeating South Laurel.

The Yellow Jackets will be facing the Cardinals again Tuesday in the first round of the 50th District Tournament.

4. Whitley County (19-7, 12-4)

The Colonels are playing some mighty fine basketball right now. They have now won four in a row. No team is playing better basketball right now than Whitley County.

5. South Laurel (15-10, 7-7)

The Cardinals dropped a few spots after losing Williamsburg on the road in a district battle, 55-51.

South Laurel did recover by knocking off Franklin this past weekend. The 73-48 win assured the Cardinals their first winning season since the 2009-10 campaign.

6. North Laurel (10-14, 5-6)

The Jaguars are winners of four of their last five games.

7. Corbin (15-9, 7-8)[/b

]Corbin is a dangerous team heading into post-season play.

8. Barbourville (17-8, 10-6)

The Tigers are a team to keep an eye on.

9. Harlan County (16-10, 7-5)

The Black Bears are a quiet team, but they are still a team to keep an eye on.

10. Jackson County (15-13, 5-7)

The Generals are ranked 10th, but they can surprise some teams.