1. North Laurel (9-4, 4-0)

The Jaguars came back from their trip to Florida by turning in what many believe was their best performance of the young season.

North Laurel handed Pulaski County an 82-67 loss as freshman Ryan Davidson led the way with 22 points. Freshman Reed Sheppard added 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the win.

 

2. South Laurel (11-3, 6-1)

The Cardinals will get to enjoy a week off after knocking off Clay County on Saturday, 56-55. Senior Matt Cromer continues to dominate, scoring 15 points during the win.

South Laurel will be back in action on the road on Saturday against, yep you fussed it, Clay County.

 

3. Clay County (10-5, 4-1)

The Tigers picked up their first-ever win over Scott County last Friday with a 75-64 victory but dropped a 56-45 decision to South Laurel on Saturday.

The Tigers managed to get back on track Monday with an impressive 79-45 win over Jackson County.

 

4. Knox Central (12-2, 1-0)

The Panthers are heating up at the right time. They managed to escape with a 74-66 win over Rockcastle County this past Saturday before defeating Perry Central on Monday, 73-67.

Keep an eye on junior Jevonte Turner, he’s easily one of the top players in the region.

 

5. Harlan County (9-5, 2-2)

The Black Bears avenged last week’s 70-59 loss to Knox Central by picking up wins over both Rye Cove, Va. (82-37) and Letcher Central (55-50).

 

6. Corbin (8-4, 3-2)

The Redhounds were able to snap a two-game losing skid on Saturday as Matthew Taylor’s 25-point performance helped Corbin hand Cordia an 88-63 loss.

 

7. Bell County (5-7, 2-1)

Brad Sizemore’s Bobcats picked up a huge win against Middlesboro last week. Bell County rallied from 14 points down with four minutes remaining in the game as London Stephney’s 3-pointer at the buzzer gave his team a 46-43 win.

 

8. Oneida Baptist (6-6, 6-2)

The Mountaineers will finally be back in action Friday after being off since Dec. 21, 2019.

 

9. Middlesboro (6-6, 1-4)

The Yellow Jackets saw a 14-point lead with four minutes remaining against Bell County turn into a disappointing 46-43 last-second loss. They have now lost two games in a row.

 

10. Williamsburg (6-8, 2-5)

The Yellow Jackets are losers of two straight, which includes a 77-49 loss at home to South Laurel last week.

 

11. Whitley County (6-7, 1-2)

The Colonels are beginning to heat up at the right time. They recorded big wins over Pike Central (54-39) and Whitley County (46-44) last week.

 

12. Barbourville (6-5, 3-2)

The Tigers’ inconsistent ways continued last week after falling to Whitley County, 46-44.

 

13. Lynn Camp (9-6, 2-2)

Dinky Phipps’ Wildcats snapped a two-game slid after upending Jellico, Tenn. last week, 80-58.

 

14. Jackson County (7-5, 2-4)

The Generals saw their four-game win streak come to an end on Monday after dropping a 79-45 decision to Clay County.

 

15. Harlan (3-7, 1-3)

The return of Jordan Akal from an ankle injury will soon have the Green Dragons moving up in the rankings.

 

16. Pineville (4-6, 1-4)

After a hot start, the Mountain Lions are losers of four straight and six of their last eight.

 

17. Red Bird (3-10, 0-5)

First-year coach Brad Marsee seems to be having the Cardinals heading in the right direction after they won two of three games last week.

Bump.