We are getting close now. Just a few weeks remain in the regular season and seeding play is coming to a close. We will do things a little differently this week. We will still go through the rankings, results and schedules, but first, we will take a deep dive into seeding.

45th District

Standings

1. Lincoln 6-1

2. Boyle County 4-2

3. Danville Christian 3-3

4. Garrard County 2-5

5. Danville 1 - 5

Remaining Games - Danville at Lincoln, Boyle at Danville, Boyle at Danville Christian, Danville Christian at Garrard County

Boyle still has a shot at tying Lincoln for the one seed but it will require two road wins and Lincoln losing at home to Danville. I will go on the record and say that that exact combination of results is unlikely. But again, that tie is still possible. Boyle cannot go lower than 3rd so we do know that Lincoln and Boyle will be on opposite sides of the bracket. Danville Christian can clinch an appearance in the 2/3 game with a win over Garrard County. Garrard's only hope at 3rd is beating DCA and DCA also losing at home to Boyle County. Danville can only get out of the 4/5 game if everything Garrard needs to happen happens, Danville beats Lincoln and Boyle, and then it goes to a tie breaker. In the 45th, if head to head doesn't decide it, a point system is then used based, 2 points for every road win and 1 for every home win against district opponents and in-common regional opponents. I am unaware if KSD is partaking in tournament play this year. If they are, they are automatically the 6 seed and would play the 3.

46th 

1. West Jessamine  7-0

2. Mercer County 4-3

3. East Jessamine 4-3

4. Burgin 1-4

5. Trinity Christian 0-6

Remaining games - West Jessamine at Burgin, Burgin at Mercer County, Trinity Christian at East Jessamine, Burgin at Trinity Christian

No drama here. West Jessamine will play the winner of Burgin and Trinity Christian in one semifinal and Mercer County and East Jessamine will play in the other.

47th

1. Somerset 5-1

2. Pulaski County 5-1

3. Casey County 1-5

4. Rockcastle County 1-5

The tournament is also set in the 47th where Somerset won the coin toss but ended up with the tougher matchup on paper as they have had two really competitive games with their tournament opponent, Rockcastle County. Pulaski County plays Casey County in the other semifinal.

48th 

1. McCreary County Central 6-0

2. Wayne County 3-3

3. Southwestern 3-3

4. Somerset Christian 0-6

This one is also already set with no games left. To be fair, I don't actually know if Wayne County or Southwestern is the 2, but they are both locked into that game. Tiebreaker is unclear and doesn't matter for any reason other than jersey color. Those two will play each other and McCreary gets Somerset Christian who are making their first appearance in KHSAA postseason play.

Rankings

1. Lincoln County - Last week - win over DCA, loss to Boyle County. This week - at North Laurel, home against Mercer County and Danville

2. West Jessamine - Last week - wins over Boyle, East Jessamine and Moore. This week - on the road against Burgin and Wayne County.

3. Pulaski County - Last week - loss at Harlan County. This week - at Madison Southern and host Southwestern.

4. McCreary Central - Last week - Defeated Wayne County twice as well as Somerset. This week - at Barbourville and host Clinton County.

5. Danville - Last week - win over Garrard County and loss to Danville Christian. This week - host Boyle and travel to Lincoln County.

6. Boyle County - Last week - loss to West Jessamine and win over Lincoln County. This week - Danville, South Laurel and East Jessamine.

7. Danville Christian - Last week - Loss to Lincoln County and win over Danville. This week - Garrard County and Washington County.

8. Somerset - Last week - win over Southwestern and loss to McCreary Central. This week - Wayne County, Pineville, and Somerset Christian School.

9. Wayne County - Last week - two losses to McCreary Central. This week - at Somerset and host West Jessamine.

10. Mercer County - Last week - win over Trinity Christian and loss to Lexington Christian. This week - on the road for Henry County, Rockcastle County and Lincoln County.

11. Southwestern

12. Rockcastle County

13. Garrard County

14. Casey County

15. East Jessamine

16. Burgin

17. Somerset Christian

18. Trinity Christian

19. Kentucky School for the Deaf

1 hour ago, se7ens said:

We are getting close now. Just a few weeks remain in the regular season and seeding play is coming to a close. We will do things a little differently this week. We will still go through the rankings, results and schedules, but first, we will take a deep dive into seeding.

45th District

Standings

1. Lincoln 6-1

2. Boyle County 4-2

3. Danville Christian 3-3

4. Garrard County 2-5

5. Danville 1 - 5

Remaining Games - Danville at Lincoln, Boyle at Danville, Boyle at Danville Christian, Danville Christian at Garrard County

Boyle still has a shot at tying Lincoln for the one seed but it will require two road wins and Lincoln losing at home to Danville. I will go on the record and say that that exact combination of results is unlikely. But again, that tie is still possible. Boyle cannot go lower than 3rd so we do know that Lincoln and Boyle will be on opposite sides of the bracket. Danville Christian can clinch an appearance in the 2/3 game with a win over Garrard County. Garrard's only hope at 3rd is beating DCA and DCA also losing at home to Boyle County. Danville can only get out of the 4/5 game if everything Garrard needs to happen happens, Danville beats Lincoln and Boyle, and then it goes to a tie breaker. In the 45th, if head to head doesn't decide it, a point system is then used based, 2 points for every road win and 1 for every home win against district opponents and in-common regional opponents. I am unaware if KSD is partaking in tournament play this year. If they are, they are automatically the 6 seed and would play the 3.

46th 

1. West Jessamine  7-0

2. Mercer County 4-3

3. East Jessamine 4-3

4. Burgin 1-4

5. Trinity Christian 0-6

Remaining games - West Jessamine at Burgin, Burgin at Mercer County, Trinity Christian at East Jessamine, Burgin at Trinity Christian

No drama here. West Jessamine will play the winner of Burgin and Trinity Christian in one semifinal and Mercer County and East Jessamine will play in the other.

47th

1. Somerset 5-1

2. Pulaski County 5-1

3. Casey County 1-5

4. Rockcastle County 1-5

The tournament is also set in the 47th where Somerset won the coin toss but ended up with the tougher matchup on paper as they have had two really competitive games with their tournament opponent, Rockcastle County. Pulaski County plays Casey County in the other semifinal.

48th 

1. McCreary County Central 6-0

2. Wayne County 3-3

3. Southwestern 3-3

4. Somerset Christian 0-6

This one is also already set with no games left. To be fair, I don't actually know if Wayne County or Southwestern is the 2, but they are both locked into that game. Tiebreaker is unclear and doesn't matter for any reason other than jersey color. Those two will play each other and McCreary gets Somerset Christian who are making their first appearance in KHSAA postseason play.

Rankings

1. Lincoln County - Last week - win over DCA, loss to Boyle County. This week - at North Laurel, home against Mercer County and Danville

2. West Jessamine - Last week - wins over Boyle, East Jessamine and Moore. This week - on the road against Burgin and Wayne County.

3. Pulaski County - Last week - loss at Harlan County. This week - at Madison Southern and host Southwestern.

4. McCreary Central - Last week - Defeated Wayne County twice as well as Somerset. This week - at Barbourville and host Clinton County.

5. Danville - Last week - win over Garrard County and loss to Danville Christian. This week - host Boyle and travel to Lincoln County.

6. Boyle County - Last week - loss to West Jessamine and win over Lincoln County. This week - Danville, South Laurel and East Jessamine.

7. Danville Christian - Last week - Loss to Lincoln County and win over Danville. This week - Garrard County and Washington County.

8. Somerset - Last week - win over Southwestern and loss to McCreary Central. This week - Wayne County, Pineville, and Somerset Christian School.

9. Wayne County - Last week - two losses to McCreary Central. This week - at Somerset and host West Jessamine.

10. Mercer County - Last week - win over Trinity Christian and loss to Lexington Christian. This week - on the road for Henry County, Rockcastle County and Lincoln County.

11. Southwestern

12. Rockcastle County

13. Garrard County

14. Casey County

15. East Jessamine

16. Burgin

17. Somerset Christian

18. Trinity Christian

19. Kentucky School for the Deaf

I think the top 3 are the top 3, just not sure in what order. From what I’ve seen, I’m pretty high on West Jessamine at this point in the season.

I do not think Mcreary Central and Danville are top 5 teams. Right now I’d say Boyle & DCA are better, and probably Somerset. I do realize Mcreary just beat Somerset by a couple points.

I expect one of those top 3 teams to cut down the nets but, given the right draw, a healthy Boyle or DCA (whichever gets out of district) has an outside chance. 

This late in the season you look for consistency and how it will translate in the postseason. I don't disagree with anybody in the top 5, other than maybe Danville. However, I think there are an outside 3-4 teams who can get hot and make a run in region with the right match-ups. Lincoln, West, and Pulaski's consistency sets them apart from the others which definitely makes them favorites going into late February/Early March.

Only bad thing about Danville is they will have to beat Garrard County and Lincoln County to get to the Regional tournament. I don't see that happening. The team I like is West Jessamine, they have played a tough schedule so they will be battle tested. Mccreary Central is another team that's playing good basketball at the right time. DCA when healthy is my dark horse. I can't wait until District tournament time! 

So the top 3 were easy and I think everyone for the most part would agree, though maybe not on the exact order. 

I will strongly defend McCreary at the four spot. This spot all year has really been filled by whoever is playing the best basketball at the moment for teams four through eight or nine. That is just how much parity is in the region. I thought real hard on putting Boyle 4 or 5 but I just don't think they have shown the consistency. Do they have the ability? Absolutely. They just have yet to really string together success. If anything, I probably could have put Boyle, DCA, and Danville all tied (there's an argument for Somerset there as well) but that is a cop out.

Bottom line - there are four tiers right now and for the most part the teams in them are interchangeable:

Contenders - Lincoln, West Jessamine, Pulaski

The Rest of the Best - McCreary, Danville, Boyle, DCA, Somerset

Middle of the Pack - Mercer, Wayne, Garrard, Southwestern, Rockcastle

Then everyone else.

51 minutes ago, QueenoftheSouth said:

I think the top 3 are the top 3, just not sure in what order. From what I’ve seen, I’m pretty high on West Jessamine at this point in the season.

I do not think Mcreary Central and Danville are top 5 teams. Right now I’d say Boyle & DCA are better, and probably Somerset. I do realize Mcreary just beat Somerset by a couple points.

I expect one of those top 3 teams to cut down the nets but, given the right draw, a healthy Boyle or DCA (whichever gets out of district) has an outside chance. 

Why isn't McCreary a top 5 team?  They have a SR laiden team (start 4) and a POY candidate in Kyle Stephens.  People have undervalued them all season, and I wouldn't be surprised with the right draw they make a deep run in Region.  Guards win tournament games, and Stephens is the best true PG/Point Forward/Playmaker in Region. 

5 minutes ago, se7ens said:

So the top 3 were easy and I think everyone for the most part would agree, though maybe not on the exact order. 

I will strongly defend McCreary at the four spot. This spot all year has really been filled by whoever is playing the best basketball at the moment for teams four through eight or nine. That is just how much parity is in the region. I thought real hard on putting Boyle 4 or 5 but I just don't think they have shown the consistency. Do they have the ability? Absolutely. They just have yet to really string together success. If anything, I probably could have put Boyle, DCA, and Danville all tied (there's an argument for Somerset there as well) but that is a cop out.

Bottom line - there are four tiers right now and for the most part the teams in them are interchangeable:

Contenders - Lincoln, West Jessamine, Pulaski

The Rest of the Best - McCreary, Danville, Boyle, DCA, Somerset

Middle of the Pack - Mercer, Wayne, Garrard, Southwestern, Rockcastle

Then everyone else.

I'm with you on McCreary.  They lost tight games to Danville and PC early in season, and battled Lincoln @ Lincoln.  I would probably favor McCreary if they played Danville or PC right now.  This team is as connected a team (knowing their roles) as anyone in the region.  West Jess is playing great ball right now, and wouldn't want to draw them in region.  Lincoln and PC will be there, and like you said there is another tier that can make you sweat on a given night.  

This region is a coin flip. After Lincoln, any team can beat anyone on a given day. Here are my teams that advance to region. 

45th-Lincoln and Boyle Co.

46th-West Jessamine and East Jessamine

47th-Pulaski and Somerset

48th-McCreary and Wayne

 

West Jessamine takes the crown this year.

7 minutes ago, Packaged Meat said:

This region is a coin flip. After Lincoln, any team can beat anyone on a given day. Here are my teams that advance to region. 

45th-Lincoln and Boyle Co.

46th-West Jessamine and East Jessamine

47th-Pulaski and Somerset

48th-McCreary and Wayne

 

West Jessamine takes the crown this year.

Would not be surprised to see West Jess win it all.  They have all the pieces, and a lot of these kids missed their chance the Covid year when they won it!

7 hours ago, se7ens said:

I am unaware if KSD is partaking in tournament play this year. If they are, they are automatically the 6 seed and would play the 3.

I have heard they are playing as the six seed but I haven’t confirmed it. I do know it would be boys only because they did not field a girls team this year. 

I don't see Boyle County beating DCA in the 45th District tournament if they play in the first round. I got Lincoln and DCA coming out of the 45th this year. They have everything you need to advance. DCA went to West Jessamine earlier this year and beat them. I love that Coach Story is playing man 2 man defense now and got away from that 2-3 zone. I can't believe Danville has only won one district game. I can't figure them out, other than they don't know how to win close games. 

17 hours ago, Packaged Meat said:

This region is a coin flip. After Lincoln, any team can beat anyone on a given day. Here are my teams that advance to region. 

45th-Lincoln and Boyle Co.

46th-West Jessamine and East Jessamine

47th-Pulaski and Somerset

48th-McCreary and Wayne

 

West Jessamine takes the crown this year.

They would be my pick as well.

7 hours ago, Statsdontlie said:

I don't see Boyle County beating DCA in the 45th District tournament if they play in the first round. I got Lincoln and DCA coming out of the 45th this year. They have everything you need to advance. DCA went to West Jessamine earlier this year and beat them. I love that Coach Story is playing man 2 man defense now and got away from that 2-3 zone. I can't believe Danville has only won one district game. I can't figure them out, other than they don't know how to win close games. 

With the game being at Lincoln, I think it’s a 50/50 game. Both teams have been very inconsistent. Whoever shoots and plays well that night will win.

On 2/6/2023 at 11:30 AM, se7ens said:

We are getting close now. Just a few weeks remain in the regular season and seeding play is coming to a close. We will do things a little differently this week. We will still go through the rankings, results and schedules, but first, we will take a deep dive into seeding.

45th District

Standings

1. Lincoln 6-1

2. Boyle County 4-2

3. Danville Christian 3-3

4. Garrard County 2-5

5. Danville 1 - 5

Remaining Games - Danville at Lincoln, Boyle at Danville, Boyle at Danville Christian, Danville Christian at Garrard County

Boyle still has a shot at tying Lincoln for the one seed but it will require two road wins and Lincoln losing at home to Danville. I will go on the record and say that that exact combination of results is unlikely. But again, that tie is still possible. Boyle cannot go lower than 3rd so we do know that Lincoln and Boyle will be on opposite sides of the bracket. Danville Christian can clinch an appearance in the 2/3 game with a win over Garrard County. Garrard's only hope at 3rd is beating DCA and DCA also losing at home to Boyle County. Danville can only get out of the 4/5 game if everything Garrard needs to happen happens, Danville beats Lincoln and Boyle, and then it goes to a tie breaker. In the 45th, if head to head doesn't decide it, a point system is then used based, 2 points for every road win and 1 for every home win against district opponents and in-common regional opponents. I am unaware if KSD is partaking in tournament play this year. If they are, they are automatically the 6 seed and would play the 3.

46th 

1. West Jessamine  7-0

2. Mercer County 4-3

3. East Jessamine 4-3

4. Burgin 1-4

5. Trinity Christian 0-6

Remaining games - West Jessamine at Burgin, Burgin at Mercer County, Trinity Christian at East Jessamine, Burgin at Trinity Christian

No drama here. West Jessamine will play the winner of Burgin and Trinity Christian in one semifinal and Mercer County and East Jessamine will play in the other.

47th

1. Somerset 5-1

2. Pulaski County 5-1

3. Casey County 1-5

4. Rockcastle County 1-5

The tournament is also set in the 47th where Somerset won the coin toss but ended up with the tougher matchup on paper as they have had two really competitive games with their tournament opponent, Rockcastle County. Pulaski County plays Casey County in the other semifinal.

48th 

1. McCreary County Central 6-0

2. Wayne County 3-3

3. Southwestern 3-3

4. Somerset Christian 0-6

This one is also already set with no games left. To be fair, I don't actually know if Wayne County or Southwestern is the 2, but they are both locked into that game. Tiebreaker is unclear and doesn't matter for any reason other than jersey color. Those two will play each other and McCreary gets Somerset Christian who are making their first appearance in KHSAA postseason play.

Rankings

1. Lincoln County - Last week - win over DCA, loss to Boyle County. This week - at North Laurel, home against Mercer County and Danville

2. West Jessamine - Last week - wins over Boyle, East Jessamine and Moore. This week - on the road against Burgin and Wayne County.

3. Pulaski County - Last week - loss at Harlan County. This week - at Madison Southern and host Southwestern.

4. McCreary Central - Last week - Defeated Wayne County twice as well as Somerset. This week - at Barbourville and host Clinton County.

5. Danville - Last week - win over Garrard County and loss to Danville Christian. This week - host Boyle and travel to Lincoln County.

6. Boyle County - Last week - loss to West Jessamine and win over Lincoln County. This week - Danville, South Laurel and East Jessamine.

7. Danville Christian - Last week - Loss to Lincoln County and win over Danville. This week - Garrard County and Washington County.

8. Somerset - Last week - win over Southwestern and loss to McCreary Central. This week - Wayne County, Pineville, and Somerset Christian School.

9. Wayne County - Last week - two losses to McCreary Central. This week - at Somerset and host West Jessamine.

10. Mercer County - Last week - win over Trinity Christian and loss to Lexington Christian. This week - on the road for Henry County, Rockcastle County and Lincoln County.

11. Southwestern

12. Rockcastle County

13. Garrard County

14. Casey County

15. East Jessamine

16. Burgin

17. Somerset Christian

18. Trinity Christian

19. Kentucky School for the Deaf

The 12th is wide open, in my opinion.  No team really dominate this time of the season.   Some nice upsets this week that could carry over to some really good rematches.