Fear 'Les' 13th Regional Rankings

 

1. South Laurel (12-5)

What’s the scoop: What a big win for Steve Wright’s South Laurel Cardinals Tuesday against Madison Central. For those that didn’t attend the game, it was like being at the Sweet 16.

It was a very intense game with a lot of talented players on the court. South Laurel managed to pick up a 68-63 win at home over the Indians and solidified their status as the No. 1 team in the 13th Region.

 

Surprise, surprise: Freshman Matt St. John is starting to pick up his play. He scored only four points in the Cardinals’ win Tuesday, but he did manage to block four shots and establish himself in the paint, while holding his own against Madison Central’s big men.

I’m also surprised to see how Trey Smith is playing. He’s stepped up his play after being sick the past couple of weeks and is beginning to hit stride both offensively and defensively. And, we all know how good Jordan Hammonds is offensively, but he’s also solid rebounding the ball, too.

 

What’s ahead: The Cardinals have a rough road ahead with a road date at Lafayette Friday and a match-up at Montgomery County against Paintsville.

But that’s not all. On Jan. 23, South Laurel will host Corbin. A win will wrap-up the 50th District’s No. 1 seed.

 

2. Bell County (12-2)

What’s the scoop: Despite losing to June Buchanan last week, Bell County and South Laurel has established themselves clearly as the teams to beat in the 13th Region.

Even though the Bobcats don’t have the services of Brent Slusher anymore, Bell County is still pretty darn good.

 

Surprise, surprise: Coach Eddie Whitaker continues to get solid efforts from his sons Josh and Ryan.

In Bell County’s 91-65 win over Harlan Tuesday, Ryan Whitaker scored 19 points, totaled nine rebounds and added five assists. Josh Whitaker scored 16 points, while Trey Goins tossed in 13, and Shawnta Zachary added 11.

Like I said before, Bell County isn’t a shabby team and will be hard to beat come March.

 

What’s ahead: Bell County should have two easy games this week, at Pineville Thursday, while hosting Evarts Friday, but its Jan. 23 match-up with No. 3 Clay County could be interesting.

 

3. Clay County (11-3)

What’s the scoop: Who would have thunk it? At the beginning of the season many people thought Clay County would be lucky to be considered as an outside threat to win the 49th District and to say the least, the 13th Region.

Well, Kevin Spurlock’s Tigers are winners of six-of-seven and post an impressive 4-1 record against 13th Region teams. Clay County’s only loss in the region (a 67-52 decision) is to No. 1 South Laurel.

 

Surprise, surprise: Clay County led by as many as 19 points against Cumberland Tuesday and pulled out a 53-46 victory, while limiting the Redskins to 15-of-38 shooting. Cumberland also turned the ball over 16 times in the loss.

Clay County has become a dangerous team shooting the ball. Just ask the Redskins. The Tigers connected on 8-of-17 shot attempts from 3-point range Tuesday, as Zach Lewis led the way with 14 points and four 3-pointers.

 

What’s ahead: Clay County will travel to North Laurel Friday and will be on the road Saturday against Montgomery County. The Tigers have a HUGE game Tuesday at home against Bell County.

 

4. Knox Central (8-7)

What’s the scoop: Surprise, surprise.

Many of you might be shocked to see Brandon Elam’s team rated this high, but they did beat Corbin 75-72 Tuesday and as of right now, they’re playing just as good as anyone else .

I’ve said this plenty of times in the past, teams in my rankings are not being judged by who’s the best on paper, but who’s playing the best at the present time and right now, Knox Central is playing pretty good.

Let’s not forget that the Panthers put a scare in No. 1 South Laurel at the beginning of the season before losing, 73-59.

 

Surprise, surprise: How about the play of Cody Messer. He scored 22 points and hit on 6-of-8 3-point attempts against Corbin Tuesday.

We can’t forget about Cody Miller either. He continues to establish himself as one of the best freshmen in the state. He scored 17 points in Tuesday’s win over the Redhounds.

 

What’s ahead: The Panthers have a week off to celebrate their big win this past Tuesday. On Jan. 23 Knox Central will travel to Cawood and I guarantee the Trojans won’t be a pushover. If the Panthers want to show they are region title contenders, they need to win at the Trojan Dome.

 

5. Corbin (11-5)

What’s the scoop: The Redhounds suffered a setback Tuesday after losing to Knox Central on the road.

 

Surprise, surprise: I was surprised with the loss, but we have to understand, Corbin is young and anytime you go on road trips in a hostile environment, then you’ve got to bring your ‘A’ game. The Redhounds hung tough against Knox Central, but couldn’t pull out the win against their 13th Region rival.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin has a tough stretch of games ahead next week, but first the Redhounds travel to Wayne County Friday before hitting the road on Jan. 23 to play South Laurel in a 50th District showdown.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

No. 6 Cumberland (11-3)

What’s the scoop: The Redskins had a rough time at it against Clay County Tuesday. Until Cumberland can get a signature region win, it’s going to be hard to see the Redskins move back into the Top five.

 

No. 7 Barbourville (9-6)

What’s the scoop: Dinky Phipps continues to work his magic at Barbourville

 

No. 8 Jackson County (8-10)

What’s the scoop: The Generals continue to underachieve, but they do have talent.

 

No. 9 Middlesboro (5-10)

What’s the scoop: Middlesboro is five games under .500, but the Yellow Jackets have won two games in a row against Cawood and North Laurel. Middlesboro also has wins over Barbourville and Pineville.

 

No. 10 North Laurel (7-7)

What’s the scoop: With what has occurred at North Laurel, the Jaguars have dropped in the Top 10, but with Josh Seidel and Nick Shannon scoring 20 points a game, North Laurel is still dangerous. Pineville could be in this spot, but the Mountain Lions have lost six of their last seven games.

I dont see SL and Bell falling out of the top 2 spots. Both teams seem to be a notch above the rest of the region at this point. Although the Clay-Bell game Tuesday is huge!

The game at Clay is huge. It was hard doing this one this week.

Of the 19 teams in the 13th region, which ones have not been in your poll? The teams I can think of are Red Bird, Whitley Co., OBI, Williamsburg & Evarts. I see one of those five making it in before the year is out.

Here's mine.

 

1. South Laurel

2. Bell

3. Corbin

4. Clay

5. KC

6. Jackson

 

May have to do some shuffling after Tuesday night. The Clay/Bell game is too close for me to call but whoever wins that one will solidify my #2 spot.

Of the 19 teams in the 13th region, which ones have not been in your poll? The teams I can think of are Red Bird, Whitley Co., OBI, Williamsburg & Evarts. I see one of those five making it in before the year is out.

 

 

 

I think you're right...but you weren't being sarcastic were ya?...it's just that the 13th Region has been so topsy turvey after South and Bell....which team do you see making it in the top 10 from that group?

I think you're right...but you weren't being sarcastic were ya?...it's just that the 13th Region has been so topsy turvey after South and Bell....which team do you see making it in the top 10 from that group?

 

Not being sarcastic, I agree that from week to week several teams could stake a claim to the last 2-3 spots. I expect Whitley to sneak into the rankings for a week or so before the season is over.

I didn't think you were....It's just really hard t gauge the bottom 2 or 3 in the Top 10.

bump

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I really like these rankings and the way you it's more of a who's hot and who's not list. Typical rankings go too much on hype and "What have you did in the past?". I can understand all of them and like everyone else, couldn't disagree much with any of the 3-7 teams.

 

This region is going to be one crazy region towards March. Here we have Pineville who is struggling and not living up to the expectations but we all know what kind of talent they have. If they can somehow get it clicking, they could wind up knocking a Barbourville or KC out of the Region. Also I think the Corbin vs. Clay game later on is going to be one of the key games for the Hounds and Tigers this year.

I really like these rankings and the way you it's more of a who's hot and who's not list. Typical rankings go too much on hype and "What have you did in the past?". I can understand all of them and like everyone else, couldn't disagree much with any of the 3-7 teams.

 

This region is going to be one crazy region towards March. Here we have Pineville who is struggling and not living up to the expectations but we all know what kind of talent they have. If they can somehow get it clicking, they could wind up knocking a Barbourville or KC out of the Region. Also I think the Corbin vs. Clay game later on is going to be one of the key games for the Hounds and Tigers this year.

Did Pineville draw a bye? I think they will have a hard time getting past Lynn Camp just to play KC or B'ville.

I really like these rankings and the way you it's more of a who's hot and who's not list. Typical rankings go too much on hype and "What have you did in the past?". I can understand all of them and like everyone else, couldn't disagree much with any of the 3-7 teams.

 

This region is going to be one crazy region towards March. Here we have Pineville who is struggling and not living up to the expectations but we all know what kind of talent they have. If they can somehow get it clicking, they could wind up knocking a Barbourville or KC out of the Region. Also I think the Corbin vs. Clay game later on is going to be one of the key games for the Hounds and Tigers this year.

 

 

I totally agree with you. This year's region tournament is going to be fun to watch.