13th Region Boys Basketball Week One

1. North Laurel (2-0)

The Jaguars have gotten off to a fast start, scoring at least 100 points in each of its First two games.

North Laurel defeated Pikeville last week, 100-77, with sophomore sensation Reed Sheppard tallying 37 points and 14 assists while Clay Sizemore added 23 points while knocking down seven 3-pointers.

Sheppard continued his impressive play during North Laurel’s 104-62 win over Cov. Holy Cross by turning in a career-high 48 points while Sizemore added 26 points while knocking down eight 3-pointers.

 

2. Knox Central (2-0)

The two-time defending region champions has left the gate strong winning both games with ease.

Knox Central knocked off Perry Central, 62-37, while Jevonte Turner scored more than 20 points and the Panthers added a 70-37 win under their belts by defeating Middlesboro.

Turner continues to dominate scoring 20-plus points to begin the season and continues to make a case for himself as the region’s top player.

 

3. Harlan County (3-0)

The Black Bears are off and running with wins over Barren County (63-51), Martin County (65-47) and Letcher Central (55-35).

Tyler Cole is averaging 24 points and 8.7 rebounds per game after the first three games while freshman Trent Noah is averaging 14.3 points per game. 

 

4. Clay County (0-0)

The Tigers haven’t been able to play due to COVID-19 restrictions. They are hoping to get back in action this week.

 

5. Corbin (0-0, 0-0)

The Redhounds haven’t been able to play due to COVID-19 restrictions. They are hoping to get back in action this week.

 

6. South Laurel (3-0)

The Cardinals have been the surprise team of the region so far after picking up wins over Middlesboro (63-15), Bell County (56-42) and Louisville Trinity (62-61).

The Cardinals had Trinity down by as many as 23 points during their win but had to hold off a late rally by the Shamrocks as Micah Anders knocked down a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Anders leads South Laurel with a 16-point scoring average while Parker Payne is averaging 12.7 points per game.

 

7. Harlan (2-0)

The Green Dragons are rolling after cruising to wins over both Elliott County (62-48) and Pineville (63-50).

Jordan Akal has been dominating during the two games, scoring 38, and 30 points, respectively. He leads Harlan with a 34-point scoring average while averaging 7.5 boards per game. Jaedyn Gist has been a pleasant surprise, averaging 15.5 points and a team-best 11.5 boards per game.

 

8.  Whitley County (3-0)

The Colonels have been another surprise team of the region after getting off to a 3-0 start under first-year coach Mark White.

Whitley County defeated Lynn Camp (61-58), Barbourville (63-61) and Model (67-61) this past week.

Ethan Keene hit the game-winning shot against Barbourville and currently leads the team with a 20-point scoring average. Jamie Fuson is averaging 17.5 points per game while Brayden Mahan is tossing in 15 points per game.

 

9. Bell County (0-2)

The Bobcats have been without two starters and not having both have them played a big part In their losses to South Laurel (56-42) and Wolfe County (72-62).

Cameron Burnett has been a bright spot for coach Brad Sizemore’s squad. He leads the team with a 26.5 scoring average and a 6.0 rebounding average. 

 

10. Lynn Camp (1-1)

The Wildcats dropped a heartbreaking 61-58 loss to Whitley County but bounced back with a 55-49 win o er Bluegrass United.

Micah Engle leads Lynn Camp with a 19-point scoring average while grabbing 8.5 rebounds per game. Gavin Allen is a averaging 15.5 points and 8.5 boards per game.

 

11. Barbourville (1-2)

The Tigers lone win this past week came against Williamsburg (78-68). They dropped games to both Berea (73-60) and Whitley County (63-61).

 

12. Jackson County (1-1)

Clay Akemon has been a bright spot for the Generals. He leads the team with a 24.5 scoring average. Andrew Madden is averaging 15.5 points per game.

 

13. Williamsburg (1-2)

Eric Swords’ Yellow Jackets have struggled, but Micah Steely has put on a show. He leads the team with a 26.3 scoring average and a 7.3 rebounding average.

 

14. Pineville (1-1)

The Mountain Lions picked up a 63-60 win over Perry Central as Keean Fuson leads the team with an 18.5 scoring average. Sean Phipps is t far behind with a 16-point scoring average.

 

15. Red Bird (0-0)

The Cardinals haven’t played yet and is scheduled to top things off until Jan. 18.

 

 

16.  Middlesboro (0-2)

The Yellow Jackets are in rebuilding mode. They’ve opened the season with losses to both South Laurel (63-15) and Knox Central (70-37).