1st Region Week 5 Review and Rankings

I didn't make any changes this week since it is hard to judge these teams in the Holiday tourneys.  Especially if they are playing out-of-state teams.

Key games this week:

Tuesday - Murray at Graves Co., Tilghman at Hopkins Central (2A Sectional tourney), Calloway Co. at Carlisle Co., Mayfield at Ballard Mem.

Thursday - McCracken Co. vs Hopkinsville

Friday - Marshall Co. at Hopkins Central, Carlisle Co. at Fulton Co.

Saturday - Mayfield at Graves Co., McCracken vs Owensboro

This week's rankings:

1. McCracken Co. (12-0) - W 59-45 Highlands, W 64-54 Beechwood, W 55-42 South Oldham

The Mustangs just keep rolling along and it is my understanding that they are the last undefeated team in Kentucky.  So far this year I would have Jack McCune as my Region 1 Player of the Year - he's been the best player on the best team.  The Saturday matchup against Owensboro could be a little interesting.

2. Paducah Tilghman (9-4) - W 68-45 Jacksonville (IL), W 56-34 Carbondale (IL), L 59-69 Marion (AR), L 55-59 at Marion (IL)

Two wins and two losses for Tilghman against tough competition in the Illinois Route 13 Tournament.  It's possible that we could see Tilghman against #3 Calloway on Saturday in the 2A Sectional, but they will both have to get through some tough 2nd Region teams first.  Tilghman plays at Hopkins Central on Tuesday and that will be a challenge on the road.

3. Calloway Co. (11-3) - W 58-37 vs Louisville Collegiate, W 67-47 vs Webster Co., W 71-61 St. Benedict (TN)

The Lakers are the champions of the Murray Bank Classic!  Could they possibly repeat as champions of the 2A Sectional this week?  They have an easier road to the finals than Tilghman does.

4. Murray (6-7) - L 49-75 St. Xavier (OH), L 54-69 Larue Co., W 61-42 (GA)

As I have said - I am giving the Tigers this ranking based on the expected (soon) return of Grant Whitaker.  A tough test for the Tigers at Graves on Tuesday.

5. Marshall Co. (11-3) - L 38-60 Spain Park (AL), W 75-68 Ballbrook (OH), W 49-48 South River (MD)

Admittedly, there is not much separating teams 2 through 6 on these rankings.  I'm ready for some 1st Region vs 1st Region games to sort these rankings out.  Teams 3 - 5 are all in the 4th District.  Will the Marshals be the team left out of the 1st Region Tourney?  I'm not so sure.

6. Mayfield (7-3) - W 48-20 Mount St. Charles (RI), W 56-39 Faith Christian (FL), L 37-45 Lipton (TX)

The Cardinals are the only team in the 1st Region that beat a team from Rhode Island and Florida this week!  Two tricky district matchups this week - Tuesday versus Ballard, and Saturday at Graves.  You can throw out the records when the Cardinals and Eagles get together.

7. Graves Co. (5-8) - L 64-71 St. Benedict (TN), W 74-61 White Creek (TN), L 53-56 Dyer Co. (TN)

Two decent chances for the Eagles to make some noise this week!  On Tuesday they host Murray, and then on Saturday they host Mayfield.

8. Ballard Mem. (10-4) - W 48-32 Steelville (IL), L 64-65 Jersey (IL), L 50-69 Pinckneyville (IL), W 76-45 Meridian (IL)

Who thought that the Bombers would be 10-4 at this point in the season?  I sure didn't!  Things will start to get a little tougher now that they get into their district matchups.

9. St. Mary (4-9) - L 61-63 Bardstown, L 51-86 Butler, L 55-73 Central

It sure seems like the Vikings will play any team, anywhere.  I look for the Vikings to make some noise next week in the All A Classic!

10. Carlisle Co. (6-5) - L 47-75 Evansville Day, L 40-57 Trinity (Whitesville)

A tough test on Friday for the Comets at Fulton County.  I think they are a favorite in this one, but not by much.

11. Fulton Co. (7-2)

12. Community Christian Acad. (7-5)

13. Hickman Co. (4-9)

14. Christian Fellowship (2-6)

15. Fulton City (2-8)