We’ve got a new No. 1 in the 13th Region after only one week of play.

Glenn Gray’s Clay County Tigers take over the top spot, but will be challenged throughout the season by a handful of teams.

South Laurel, North Laurel, Knox Central, Harlan County, and Williamsburg are currently the main threats to unseat the Tigers.

 

1. Clay County (3-0)

The Tigers are off and running after picking up impressive wins over both Oneida Baptist (79-57) Corbin (91-74) and Woodford County (65-64) this past week.

Connor Robinson continues to show he’s one of the best players in the region while Evan Langdon has established himself as the best big man in the region.

 

2. South Laurel (3-0)

South Laurel Senior Matt Cromer has turned in an impressive week, scoring 87 points in three games while turning in a 30-point, 16-rebound effort during Saturday’s 66-64 overtime win against Tates Creek.

Coach Jeff Davis’ squad is better than expected so far and look to be even better by season’s end.

 

3. North Laurel (2-1)

Nate Valentine’s Jaguars are still in the feeling out stage with their new coach. Valentine’s squad has been gritty in its two wins this season against Montwood (Texas) and Harlan County.

North Laurel only trailed by eight in the fourth quarter during its loss to Collins, and co tiniest to grow.

Freshman Reed Sheppard had 22 points and nine assists during the Jaguars’ 66-63 win over Harlan County while his cousin and fellow freshman Ryan Davidson is averaging close to 17 points and eight boards a game.

 

4. Knox Central (1-0)

The defending 13th Region champions got off to a good start by defeating Jellico, Tenn. on the road, 106-70.

 

5. Harlan County (1-1)

Keep an eye on the Black Bears. They’ve got wins over both Breathitt County (61-53) and Perry Central (83-71) and fought back from a 15-point deficit before falling to North Laurel, 66-63.

Taylor Spurlock is averaging 28.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while eighth grader Trent Noah is averaging a double-double, 11.3 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game.

 

6. Williamsburg (3-0)

The Yellow Jackets are living up to their preseason hype. They have wins over Cumberland Home School Athletic Teams (86-33), Barbourville (74-60) and Harlan (88-52).

Slaht Hunter picked up from where he left off last season and is averaging 24 points per game so far this season.

 

7. Corbin (1-1)

The Redhounds took one on the chin to open the season, losing to Clay County, 91-74, before picking up a 63-51 win over Montwood (Texas). The win over the Rams gave coach To y Pietrowski his 399th win.

Corbin has talent, but it’s gonna take a while for the Redhounds to start clicking.

 

8. Barbourville (2-1)

Cody Messer’s Tigers have gotten off to a good start after picking up wins over both Harlan (66-59) and Bell County (70-52).

Barbourville did suffer a 74-60 setback to Williamsburg, but the Yellow Jackets are unbeaten on the season.

Matthew Gray (20.5 scoring average) and Shawn Vaughn (15.0) continue to be a solid scoring duo for Barbourville.

 

9. Middlesboro (1-1)

The Yellow Jackets started the season strong with a 78-48 win over Thomas Walker, Va. as Trey Brock scored 24 points while Jabari Kyle added 18. Middlesboro then dropped a 57-50 stunner to district foe Harlan.

 

10. Bell County (0-1)

It’s really hard to gauge just how good the Bobcats are currently with their football players not playing yet due to the football team making a run to the Class 3A State title game.

Bell County opened the season at home and dropped a 70-52 decision to Barbourville.

 

11. Oneida Baptist (1-2)

The Mountaineers are much-improved and played Clay County close before losing, 79-57.

Elijah Woods currently leads the team in scoring with a 16.3 average.

 

12. Lynn Camp (3-0)

Dinky Phipps’ Wildcats are off and running after picking up wins over Jellico, Tenn. (77-75), Whitley County (60-50) and Sunbright, Tenn. (71-60).

 

13. Harlan (1-3)

I’m really not sure where to rank the Green Dragons after seeing them play without point guard Jordan Akal, who suffered an ankle injury in a season-opening loss to Barbourville.

They did manage to hand Middlesboro a 57-50 loss.

 

14. Whitley County (1-2)

After opening the season with a 97-88 win over Mosel, the Colonels have dropped two straight games to Lynn Camp (60-50) and Montgomery County (75-38).

 

15. Jackson County (1-1)

The Generals recovered from their 83-41 season-opening loss to South Laurel by defeating Red Bird, 63-59.

 

16. Pineville (2-0)

The Mountain Lions are off to their best start in a while after defeating both Red Bird (78-59) and Thomas Walker, Va. (78-62).

 

17. Red Bird (0-3)

It’s been a rough start for first-year coach Brad Marsee, but he’ll have his Cardinals ready for each game they play. This team will improve as the season progresses.

Bump.