This region is officially WIDE OPEN!

Key games this week:

Mon - McCracken Co. at Christian Co.

Tues - McCracken Co. at Carlisle Co., Mayfield at Fulton Co.

Fri - Marshall Co. at Calloway Co. (Region 1 Game of the Week), Tilghman at McCracken Co.

Sat - Carlisle Co. at Ballard Mem.

Here are this week's rankings:

1. McCracken Co. (14-1) - L 53-57 at Marshall Co.

Tough loss at Marshall this week, but it is important to point out that the Mustangs were without their starting PG Miller and also their starting Center Hart.  I think they are still the Region favorite, but the margin is very thin over the Lakers and others.  

2. Calloway Co. (15-4) - W 59-52 Desales, L 52-56 Lex. Catholic (OT)

One win and one loss this week, but still the most impressive week for any of the 1st Region teams.  The Lakers made it to the 2A semifinals and took Lexington Catholic to Overtime.  I thought long and hard about moving the Lakers into the first slot, but I gave the Mustangs a very slight edge.  This Friday they will host the Marshals in a very important 4th district matchup.  Getting the 1 seed in that district will be extremely important!

3. Paducah Tilghman (13-5) - W 70-65 at Graves Co., W 56-40 vs Russelville

It was a close game, but winning on the road against an improving Graves team was a very good win.  Do the Tornado have enough firepower to knock off the Mustangs on the road this Friday?  Both Powell and Shaw can really score, but I think that McCracken is a clear favorite in this one.  I just don't think that Tilghman have the personnel to keep McCune in check.  Hopefully the Tornado can keep it a close game.

4. Marshall Co. (13-4) - W 57-53 vs McCracken Co., L 50-56 vs Graves Co.

I was all set to move the Marshals into my Top 2, but then a very disappointing loss to Graves at home.  However, the Marshals picked up the biggest win of the week by knocking off the Mustangs!  I think these results show how balanced this region is.  The Marshals will get another chance to move up in the rankings when they travel to Calloway on Friday.  It's my 1st Region Game of the Week (TM).

5. Murray (11-7) - W 101 - 61 vs CFS, W 62-41 St. Mary, W 47-31 at Mayfield (All A Championship)

Congrats to the Tigers on winning the 1st Region All A Classic!  Best of luck to them in the state tournament.  Has anyone heard anything on Grant Whitaker?  I look for Murray to climb up the rankings once he returns to action.

6. Mayfield (12-4) - W 54-43 vs Fulton Co., W 61-51 vs Ballard Mem., L 31-47 vs. Murray

The game against Murray was very close for 3 quarters, but then the Tigers pulled away.  I still think this is a very dangerous team and they are the favorites in the 3rd District.

7. Graves Co. (6-11) - L 65-70 vs Tilghman, W 56-50 at Marshall Co.

What an impressive win for the Eagles at Marshall!  I've said all along that I think this team will improve considerably as the season progresses, and I don't think any of these teams want to see them in the 1st Region tourney.  The Eagles are playing in the Superman Classic in Massac Co, IL this week against some tough Illinois competition.

8. St. Mary (7-10) - W 69-52 at Carlisle Co., L 41-62 Murray

A very nice win at Carlisle!  

9. Ballard Memorial (12-6) - W 79-52 vs Hickman Co., L 51-61 at Mayfield

A very interesting game for the Bombers on Saturday when they host Carlisle Co.

10. Carlisle Co. (7-7) - L 52-69 vs St. Mary

A disappointing home loss to the Vikings, but I still think they are the 1st District favorites.

11. Fulton Co. (9-4)

12. Community Christian Acad. (8-8)

13. Hickman Co. (5-11)

14. Christian Fellowship School (4-9)

15. Fulton City (3-10)

@D Wolf great information!

Was curious if you had any predictions for the big upcoming Bowling Green at McCracken County game.

I think that should be a great game with 2 teams that will be strong regional contenders.

I think it should be a good one, and sorry for missing that as a key game this week.  The Mustangs are currently missing their starting PG (Miller) and also starting Center (Hart).  I am not sure when they will return, but hopefully soon.  If those 2 players are out then I think I would give a slight edge to Bowling Green.  If they are back then I think it should be a very even game, but maybe with a slight edge to the Mustangs being at home.