Fear 'Les' 13th Regional Rankings 1129-1201

[Les]

Boys Top 5

 

1. South Laurel (1-0)

What’s the scoop: It’s just one game, but South Laurel has to be concerned a bit with its performance against Knox Central Tuesday.

The Panthers led 34-26 at halftime and was in the game with eight minutes remaining in regulation.

We all know ‘The Big Three’ of Jordan Hammonds, Ty Proffitt and Trey Smith will be getting their points, but who else is going to step up when needed?

 

Surprise, surprise: Smith was 0-for-1 from the floor in the first half of Tuesday’s game and didn’t have any points.

If the Cardinals are going to be successful, they must have Smith at their disposal at all times. He did rebound and score 16 points in the second half.

 

What’s ahead: South Laurel will travel to Williamsburg Saturday and face-off against the Yellow Jackets in a 50th District match-up. Then the Cardinals will host Whitley County Dec. 5.

 

2. Corbin (1-0)

What’s the scoop: The Redhounds have already jumped a spot to No. 2 after disposing Middlesboro with ease, 76-44.

I’m really impressed with Tony Pietrowski’s young squad. Josh Crawford poured in 17 points, while Madison Johnson added 16 during Corbin’s 32-point victory.

 

Surprise, surprise: I was really surprised with the play of Johnson. He is going to be one of the better players in the region. He’s got good size, shooting ability and can rebound with the best of them. I’m really high on this kid.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin travels to Whitley County Friday in a much-anticipated match-up with the Colonels and former Redhound coach Mike Deaton.

Corbin will be back in action Tuesday at home against Cawood.

 

3. Bell County (1-0)

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats dropped a spot to No. 3, but we’ll get to see who is the better team between Corbin and Bell County at Log Mountain on Dec. 7 when the two teams hook up.

 

Surprise, surprise: I was really surprised that Bell County only led Lynn Camp by 11 points at home entering the fourth quarter. No knock on the Wildcats, but many believed the Bobcats would roll to an easy win.

Bell County managed to force 30 turnovers and got a 26-point scoring effort from Ryan Whitaker and 15 points from Brent Slusher.

 

What’s ahead: The Bobcats don’t play again until next Thursday’s home match-up with Corbin.

 

4. Jackson County (0-1)

What’s the scoop - I’m going to give Jackson County the benefit of the doubt and say they lost to a solid 14th Region team.

For you that don’t know, Lee County handed the Generals a 67-55 loss Tuesday.

 

Surprise, surprise: To be honest, I was surprised with the loss. Jackson County only scored 20 points in the first half and Nick Brumback only scored 12 points in the loss. That’s not going to cut it if you’re wanting to contend for the 13th Region championship.

 

What’s ahead: Things do get a bit easier today, as the Generals will play Buckhorn. Jackson County will be back in action Saturday against Lawrence County.

 

5. Pineville (1-0)

What’s the scoop: The Mountain Lions cruised to an easy 70-33 win over Williamsburg Tuesday.

Daniel Day scored 23 points to lead the way.

 

Surprise, surprise: I was kind of surprised when I found out that Pineville only led 36-21 at halftime.

The Yellow Jackets are improved, but the Mountain Lions had to use a 16-2 run in the third quarter to put the game away.

 

What’s ahead: Pineville will go on the road Friday to play Evarts and will remain on the road Tuesday against Cawood.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

No. 6 Cumberland (1-0)

What’s the scoop: I’m not sold on the Redskins either. Cumberland trailed 27-25 against Barbourville Tuesday at home before rallying to pick up a 53-50 win.

I’m keeping them at the No. 6 spot, but I’m not sure if I should. This team could be way overrated.

We shall see.

 

No. 7 Harlan (0-0)

What’s the scoop: The Green Dragons haven’t played a game yet, but from how things went in the pre-season, it looks as if John Smith has recovered from last season’s knee injury.

 

No. 8 Knox Central (0-1)

What’s the scoop: I’ve liked the Panthers from the beginning of pre-season and I really believe this team could play a big spoiler’s role this year.

Don’t be surprised to see Knox Central win the 51st District and look for Cody Miller (23 points against South Laurel) to continue to show he’s one of the best players in the 13th Region.

 

No. 9 North Laurel (0-0)

What’s the scoop: I watched North Laurel play in the KBA Showcase Saturday and the Jaguars have lots of holes, but as the season progresses, look for coach Conway’s squad to improve.

 

No. 10 Clay County (0-0)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers will see their first action next week against Harlan at home.

If Clay County can pull off a win then who knows just how good they can be?

I’ve been told Zach Lewis suffered a broken nose during the Tigers’ scrimmage against Ballard, but look for him to have a solid recovery.

[rudedogky]

big reason 4 the close gam against B'Ville 4 Cumberland was behind only 19-56 shooting....& their D wasnt as great as it will b by any means..