Merry Christmas to everyone!

Here are this week's rankings:

1. McCracken Co. (9-0) - W 69-49 v Augusta, W 53-47 v Henry Clay.  This week - South Oldham Xmas Tourney

The Mustangs are one of five unbeaten teams against Ky competition this season!  They will get a very tough test against Highlands tomorrow.  Jack McCune scored 23 points against Henry Clay!  I was looking forward to see what their game against Mason County would be like, but the weather cancelled the plans.

2. Paducah Tilghman (7-2) - L 56-90 v Louisville Ballard, W 67-55 v Moore.  This week - Illinois Route 13 Xmas Tourney

I think that Coach Overstreet knew that the Tornado would be overmatched against an elite Ballard team.  Jayvion Powell continues to lead the way for the Tornado, but a name to watch is Freshman Miles Woodfork.  He is their 3rd leading scorer and seems to be playing a bigger role each week.

3. Calloway Co. (8-3) - L 47-87 v West Jessamine, W 72-41 Waggener, L 48-69 Henderson Co.  This week - Murray Bank Classic

Not a great week for the Lakers, but they remain unbeaten against 1st Region foes.  It will be interesting to see if the Lakers can win the Murray Bank Classic.  I was surprised by the 20-point loss to Henderson County.

4. Murray (5-5) - W 57-39 vs Mayfield, L 53-81 Louisville Ballard.  This week - Smokey Mountain Winter Classic

I will be honest that the main reason for moving the Tigers up this week is the expected return of Grant Whitaker.  I still think at the end of the season this will be one of the top two teams in the 1st Region.  A very nice win (without Whitaker) this week over Mayfield.

5. Marshall County (9-2) - W 46-36 v Harrison Co., W 75-45 Deltona (FL), W 56-45 Camden Central (TN).   This week - Smokey Mountain Winter Classic

The Marshals remain my biggest surprise of the season so far.  They have a balanced scoring attack - five players average between 7 and 12 points per game led by Alex Staples and Wade Moore

6. Mayfield (5-2) - L 39-57 at Murray.  This week - KSA Events Holiday Classic

The Cardinals get to go to Orlando this week!!!  I'm jealous.

7. Graves Co. (4-6) - L 42-61 at Hancock Co., L 53-54 Spring Hill (TN).  This week - Murray Bank Classic

I still think this team will probably be a contender by the end of the season.  Cole Mills has just recently returned to action, and he may end up being their leading scorer this season.

8. Ballard Memorial (8-2) - W 66-51 Livingston Central, W 75-66 Fulton County, W 51-46 St. Mary

Congrats to the Bombers on winning the St. Mary Christmas Classic!  You might notice that I have three 3rd District teams 6th, 7th, and 8th in my rankings.  Only two of those will make the 1st Region Tourney.

9. St. Mary (4-6) - W 82-41 vs Ft. Campbell, W 59-42 vs Carlisle Co., L 46-51 vs Ballard Mem.  This week - City of Middletown Holiday Classic

A bit of a slow start for the Vikings, but that was a nice win over Carlisle last week.  I have a feeling this team is headed up in my rankings.

10. Carlisle Co. (6-3) - L 42-59 at St. Mary, W 69-51 Fulton County.  This week - Independence Bank Classic

To win the 1st District you typically have to knock off the Comets, and I don't think this year will be any different.

11. Fulton Co. (7-2)

12. Community Chirstian Acad. (7-5)

13. Hickman Co. (2-8)

14. Christian Fellowship (2-6)

15. Fulton City (0-7)

McCracken is the definition of consistent. That is what separates them from the rest of the region.