Week 10:
Another wild week in the 13th region. Here we go!

 

1. Harlan County (21-4)
The Black Bears had a tough week by doubling their season losses going from 2 to 4. I still think they’re the favorites and are in the driver's seat for the 13th with how the rest of the teams did this week. However, they need to win these games if they plan on making noise at the state tournament. They lost to Pikeville by 2 on the road and Douglass by 10 at Lafayette. They only have one game this week at Harlan on Friday. 

2. Bell County (18-4)
The Bobcats got back to their winning ways going 2-0 on the week with a 2 point win over Middlesboro and a 26 point win over Jackson City. Bell has two big games this week as they play Harlan on Tuesday and Middlesboro on Friday. This will go a long way for district seeding for the upcoming tournament. This should help them locking up the two seed and avoiding a first round district game with Harlan County. 

3. Clay County (14-8)
Clay is now winners of five straight and seem to be peaking at the right time. They started the week off with a 13 point win over Corbin, then a 22 point win over Jackson County, before finishing the week off with a 1 point win over Knox Central in OT. Clay looks to keep their winning ways alive with a game tonight against Hazard, Friday at home with OBI, and a game at Bishop Brossart on Saturday. 

4. North Laurel (10-12)
North Laurel started the week off win a 45 point win over Red Bird, then had a nice 5 point win over 12th region contender Pulaski County. They did end the week on a bad note as they got beat by Ashland by 34. There’s no time to sulk though as North plays at Lincoln Co on Tuesday, at home with Jackson County on Thursday, then they travel to Jackson County the next day on Saturday. 

5. Whitley County (17-5)
If not for a 1 point loss to Jackson County Whitley would’ve likely jumped up even higher this week. After that setback, Whitley responded well with an 8 point win over South Laurel at home and a 31 point win over Owsley County. Whitley continues district play this week with a game Tuesday against Williamsburg as they look to avenge a loss earlier in the year, and then a game with Corbin on Friday. If Whitley has any hope to get the 1 seed in the district they have to go 2-0 on the week. 

6. Corbin (12-7)
The Redhounds had a tough week as they are now on a 3 game losing streak. They lost by 3 to Clay County on the road, then got beat by 50 by Great Crossing. This week they look to end their losing skid against South Laurel at home on Tuesday. They also play at Barbourville on Thursday, and at Whitley County on Saturday. If Corbin can go 2-0 in the district on the week they will lock up the 1 seed and avoid a game against South or Whitley to open up the district tournament. 

7. Knox Central (15-7)
Knox is in the driver's seat of their district after a 9 point win over Pineville and a 7 point win over Lynn Camp. They also came a point away in OT from pulling the upset against Clay County at home. Knox is the region's most improved team and I love seeing them back competing. This week Knox will play McCreary at home on Tuesday, before going to Middlesboro to play Wayne County on Friday in the Coach Larry Tom Davis Classic. 

8. South Laurel (12-7)
South is having a rough go without Mabe as they have now lost 5 of their last 7. If anyone knows the status of Mabe, fill us in! I’m hoping they get him back before the district tournament games start. South beat Williamsburg by 29 but then lost by 8 to Whitley on the road. This week they play Corbin on Tuesday and Williamsburg on Friday in two more big district games. 

9. Jackson County (10-12)
The Generals had a big 1 point win over Whitley County, but followed it up with a 22 point loss to Clay County and a 3 point loss to Montgomery County. The Generals look to get back in the W column this week with games against OBI on Tuesday, North Laurel on Thursday, and North Laurel at home on Friday.
 

10. Williamsburg (12-11)
Williamsburg got beat pretty bad by South Laurel at home, but then bounced back with wins over Cumberland Christian Home Educators and a forfeit win over IAM. They continue district play this week with games at Whitley on Tuesday and South Laurel on Friday. 

 

Best of the Rest:

11. Pineville (14-6)

12. Harlan (6-13)

13. OBI (11-9)

14. Middlesboro (7-12)

15. Lynn Camp (5-13)

16. Barbourville (5-17)

17. Red Bird (2-12)

As usual a spot on list. Harlan co is the best team in the region on paper but I still think they struggle at the Arena as they historically have in the past(the worst venue in the state for teams that are perimeter based). Personally I think Clay co(although I'm not sold on them yet I still think their may be some internal issues lingering but I can't confirm)has jumped Corbin(still doesn't have a go to scorer at this point in the season) to be my favorite at the Arena. And look out because was told that Mabe for SL was without the Knee Brace at Whitley co a couple of nights ago, he is a gamechanger as he is the only player in the region who can look Noah eye to eye(actually looks down at him) and can play at the same level. If he makes it back 100% before season end they will be a load. Bell county continues to be solid, just because this may be Sizemores best coaching job in memory. Great list and thoughts on each team