Boys Top 5

 

1. South Laurel (5-1)

What’s the scoop: South Laurel holds on to the No. 1 spot despite losing 66-62 to George Rogers Clark last week.

The Cardinals have a lot of talent in Ty Proffitt, Jordan Hammonds and Trey Smith. But we all know if South Laurel is going to make a run at the 13th Region crown and a state championship, players such as Matt Gilbert, Jordan Bortnam, Matt St. John, Mark Conley and Casey Hamm must pick up their play.

But with that said, Wright’s squad will remain No. 1 in the region until a 13th Region team beats them.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: The Cardinals have won 23 games in a row against 13th Region foes with their last loss (59-54) coming on Feb. 24, 2004 against Corbin.

 

Surprise, surprise: Trey Smith turned in a solid effort during South Laurel’s 84-59 win over Russell County Tuesday. He scored 26 points and did a good job on the boards.

 

What’s ahead: South Laurel has a big match-up with rival Corbin Friday and will be back in action next week during the Hoopin’ It Up Classic. Unbeaten Trinity (5-0) is the Cardinals’ main threat in their bracket, while a second round showdown with Clay County (3-0) could take place, too.

 

2. Bell County (3-0)

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats proved they’re worthy of the No. 2 spot after knocking off Corbin at home, 70-64.

 

Surprise, surprise: Bell County followed its six-point win over Corbin with a convincing 73-53 win over Evarts Tuesday. Senior guard Ryan Whitaker powered Bell County with 20 points. Brent Slusher contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Jordan Turner came off the bench and scored 10 points.

 

What’s ahead: Bell County will host Cawood Friday before participating in the Cumberland Falls Invitational beginning on Dec. 26.

 

3. Corbin (4-1)

What’s the scoop: The young Redhounds dropped a spot, but should still be considered one of the top teams in the 13th Region. Friday’s 50th District showdown with South Laurel should show just how good Corbin is.

 

Surprise, surprise: Just like coach Tony Pietrowski said earlier in the year, he expects to see his team play inconsistent at times because of their youthfulness, but by the end of the season, Corbin should be a seasoned team.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin will host South Laurel Friday and hit the road to Florida to participate in the Marlin Christmas Classic.

 

4. Cumberland (2-0)

What’s the scoop: The Redskins remain at the No. 4 spot, while picking up wins over Letcher Central and Harlan.

 

Surprise, surprise: Cumberland’s schedule hasn’t been the strongest around, but I’m impressed with the Redskins’ 72-52 win over overrated Harlan.

Desmond Johnson led the way with 17 points and 16 rebounds in the win.

 

What’s ahead: Cumberland’s schedule doesn’t get any harder with upcoming games against Evarts and Powell County.

The Redskins’ hardest game will come on Jan. 2 against Bell County.

 

5. Clay County (3-0)

What’s the scoop: With all of the talk about South Laurel, Bell County, Corbin and Cumberland, everyone has forgot about good ol’ Clay County.

The Tigers are setting pretty at 3-0 and move up a spot to the No. 5 slot.

 

Surprise, surprise: I said last week, the Tigers are only go as far as Zack Lewis and Justin Hobbs take them and so far, the duo has been on fire.

They are a big reason why Clay County knocked off Rockcastle County 91-70 Tuesday.

 

What’s ahead: Kevin Spurlock’s squad plays Letcher County Central Saturday before participating in the Hoopin’ It Up Classic beginning on Monday.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

No. 6 Jackson County (4-2)

What’s the scoop: The Generals are talented and have won three games in a row, but they almost blew their game against North Laurel and by the end of the season, Jackson County might not be the best team in the 49th District.

 

No. 7 Red Bird (4-1)

What’s the scoop: Why not? It seems like anyone else I put in this spot has many inconsistencies, so why not put John D. Wilson’s team here?

Red Bird has won four in a row - including Tuesday’s 62-61 win over Pineville.

 

No. 8 Knox Central (2-2)

What’s the scoop: The Panthers are young and talented. By the end of the season, Brandon Elam’s squad will be a force in the 51st District.

Wait and see.

 

No. 9 Lynn Camp (4-1)

What’s the scoop: The Wildcats are winners of four straight since their season-opening loss to Bell County.

Players such as David Sizemore and Craig Bargo has made Lynn Camp a surprise team so far this season.

 

No. 10 North Laurel (1-4)

What’s the scoop: Yes, the Jaguars are 1-4, but I’m beginning to like what I see out of coach Jim Conway’s Jaguars. North Laurel had a great shot at beating Jackson County Tuesday, but connected on only 11-of-28 shot attempts from the free throw line.

Ouch!

 

Les Dixon is the Sports Editor and can be reached at [email protected]. The Fear ‘Les’ 13th Region boys and girls ratings will be published in every Thursday edition of the Times-Tribune.

^^^

I'm with you on North Laurel. I believe they will beat some good teams this year and should contend for the district title.

Yeah, I agree. After watching North play Jackson County Tuesday....I figured this out: North is underrated and has talent, while Jckson County has talent, but it just a tad bit overrated.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jaguars win the district at Red Bird in March.

North was ranked ninth in the preseason. Isn't that about where they are now?

Actually they were seventh in mine and ninth in the Cats Puase, but the Cats Pause is done so early that you can't go by that by the times it's released. It still had Rick Jones listed as Williamsburg's head coach, but anyway, I'm just surprised with how the Jaguars have improved since the beginning of the season.

They still have a long way to go, but they've got more than just one player and actually have some youg talent in the transfer from Pennsylvania (who wasn't mentioned either) along with some others.

Nick Shannon will be a top 5 player in the region by the time he graduates.

bump

That wasn't a criticism, just a point that I didn't think North Laurel was underrated.

 

The stories are done in July, but I'm guessing 95 percent of the names didn't change. It's hard to predict a coach leaving in October.

 

Seven of last year's top nine in the Cats' Pause made the regional tournament, so that's a pretty good score. South was first and Barbourville was third in the preseason.

Cumberland(4-0) looked impressive against Harlan.I know Harlan isn't the best team around,but its a rivalry,the student section for Harlan was hostile for 1st half & Cumberland did a good job of slowing down John Smith.He went 5-17 from the floor & made NO 3-pointers.Most of his points came off free-throws that some could have been questioned for him to be on the line.Cumberland led by 31 with 3 to go & cruised the rest of the way not trying to score & Junior Center Desmond Johnson was fouled out.But Cumberland is where they should be until they beat someone of the likes of Bell or Corbin.

I know it's hard to predict a coach leaving, I'm just saying they are very hard to go by because they're done so early.

It's like doing a high school football preview in February.

I know it's hard to predict a coach leaving, I'm just saying they are very hard to go by because they're done so early.

It's like doing a high school football preview in February.

 

 

Truer words could not be said Mr. Les. You are a fine American. One thing about it. You call it like you see it. Are you writing us from your campout outside of Gillium Gym? I figured you would be arriving early to get a ringside seat for the game tomorrow. What is your prediction on the South Laurel/ Corbin game? Which cheering section will be the most unique?

Truer words could not be said Mr. Les. You are a fine American. One thing about it. You call it like you see it. Are you writing us from your campout outside of Gillium Gym? I figured you would be arriving early to get a ringside seat for the game tomorrow. What is your prediction on the South Laurel/ Corbin game? Which cheering section will be the most unique?

 

I heard that the Corbin students are trying to hire someone to play some special music for the occasion at Friday's game.

I heard that the Corbin students are trying to hire someone to play some special music for the occasion at Friday's game.

 

 

Could it be Elvis? Hank Jr? Perhaps Jimmy Buffett will lead the Cheering section into Gillium gym. The student section might be the best part of the matchup. South will have a rowdy crowd as well. If the students want to pay the right price they can have me....the musical genius strum my banjo and lead them in like the Pied Piper.

Well, I'm not predicting this one folks....BUT I do have a little interesting tidbit in my column tommorrow...it's a prediction, BUT it's not from me...and IT'S really, really interesting.

We also have a good little preview, too.

Could it be Elvis? Hank Jr? Perhaps Jimmy Buffett will lead the Cheering section into Gillium gym. The student section might be the best part of the matchup. South will have a rowdy crowd as well. If the students want to pay the right price they can have me....the musical genius strum my banjo and lead them in like the Pied Piper.

 

Do you have any Scottish blood?