article 13th Region Rankings Dec. 28 - Jan. 4

[Les]

1. Clay County Tigers (9-1 overall) — Clay County faced its toughest opponent of the season during first round action of the Cumberland falls Invitational. They defeated previously unbeaten Franklin Simpson, 85-80, thanks to Trey Farmer’s 35-point scoring effort while Blake Smith added 31.

 

2. South Laurel Cardinals (6-2) — The Cardinals were off this past week, but did have a success two weeks ago by going 3-0 with wins over Corbin (43-41), Cordia (65-45) and Boyd County (68-49). The Cardinals turned int heir worst performance of the season against Corbin with leading scorer Caleb Taylor getting in foul trouble and only playing only four minutes in the first half. Taylor finished with four points in the game, but the Cardinals showed they are more than just a one-man team. The bench stepped up in the two-point victory with Taylor, Andrew Griffith and Ryan Anders battling foul trouble the entire game, as South Laurel is now 2-0 against 50th District foes. Jef Davis’ squad turned in a stellar effort against 14th Region power Cordia, winning by 20 points, as Taylor turned back into regular season form scoring 26 points while grabbing 18 rebounds in the win. Jared Grubb aded 19 points. The Cardinals ended their week by going 2-0 in the Kentucky Bank Challenge by defeating Boyd County by 19 points.

 

3. Harlan County (9-1) — The Black Bears suffered their first loss of the season this past week, but responded with wins over Pendleton County and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

 

4. North Laurel Jaguars (7-1) — The Jaguars picked up an impressive 65-60 victory over George Rogers Clark, as Peyton Broughton led the way with 32 points and 14 rebounds.

 

5. Barbourville Tigers (7-3) — The Tigers posted a 1-1 record this past week, losing to Muhlenberg County (79-76), but defeating McCreary Central, 74-71.

 

6. Knox Central Panthers (4-3) — After starting the season with an 0-2 mark, the Panthers are on a roll, winning four of their last five games, including a 70-66 win over Whitley County.

 

7. Whitley County Colonels (5-5) — The Colonels are 1-3 during their last four games after losing to North Laurel, Clay County, Tennessee and Knox Central. They did snap the three-game losing skid by defeating madison Southern, 62-53.

 

8. Corbin Redhounds (5-5) — The Redhounds posted a 2-2 record over the week with their two wins coming against Berea (in the Berea Invitational and the Cumberland Falls Invitational).

 

9. Lynn Camp Wildcats (8-1) — The Wildcats cruised in their only game this past week, defeating Williamsburg, 76-48.

 

10. Oneida Baptist Mountaineers (5-3) — The Mountaineers are rolling since getting all their starters back. Oneida Baptist is riding a four-game win streak, thanks in part to leading scorer Dejour Frazier, who is averaging 23 points per game.

 

11. Bell County Bobcats (5-5) — The Bobcats posted a 1-2 record this past week

 

12. Pineville Mountain Lions (7-2) — We need to keep an eye on the Mountain Lions. They could be the most underrated team in the region.

 

13. Jackson County Generals (4-4) — The Generals split a pair of games this past week.

 

14. Harlan Green Dragons (5-5) — The Green Dragons are another team that’s hard to figure out. After staring the season 4-0, they’ve now dropped five of their last six games.

 

15. Willliamsburg Yellow Jackets (0-4) —The Yellow Jackets are still searching for win No. 1.

 

16. Middlesboro Yellow Jackets (1-11) — The Yellow Jackets are struggling, but coach Isaac Wilson will build this team into a winner.

 

17. Red Bird Cardinals (1-7) — The Cardinals snapped a seven-game losing skid by defeating Riverside Christian two weeks ago, 45-24. Jonathon Kabonga and Stephen Leath each led the way with 13 points apiece.

[4chs]

Barbourville appears to be much too high, haven't really beaten any good teams yet. I would have them in the 8-9 range.

[Les]

Nah. I like them right where I have them.