15th Region: Week 8

15th Region Boys Basketball Week 8:

8th week in the 15th in the books, let's look at it.

1. Martin County (12-6) - The Cardinals had a decent showing at the State All A. They opened things up with a 28 point win over Breathitt County, but then were knocked off by Walton-Verona by 7. I would've liked to have seen them go a little further. This week they play Shelby Valley on the road Wednesday night, and then Johnson Central at home on Friday. 

2. Johnson Central (13-3) - The Golden Eagles went a perfect 2-0 on the week. They crushed Magoffin County by 29, and put it on Perry County Central by 18. They have also added Ethan Cole from Paintsville, so we will stay up to date with his eligibility each week. This week they have a big one with Pikeville at home tomorrow, Martin County on the road Friday, and Letcher County Central Saturday. 

3. Floyd Central (15-4) - The Jaguars had a massive week this past week. They beat Paintsville at home by 1, and then beat Betsy Lane by 28. Floyd Central is starting to roll. This week they play Lawrence County again on Friday. 

4. Paintsville (11-8) - The Tigers went 1-1 on the week. They lost a head scratcher to Floyd Central by 1, and then one of their top players Ethan Cole transferred across the street. They finished the week in a big way though with a 8 point win at home against Pikeville. Maybe they got the spark they needed. This week they play Magoffin County, and Ashland Blazer.  

5. Pikeville (14-3) - The Panthers had a let down this week going 2-1. The 35 point win over East Ridge was good, and the 17 point win over Shelby Valley was nice too. The 8 point loss to Paintsville was disappointing. Things do not get easier with Johnson Central on the road tomorrow. That’s their only game, if it gets played this week. 

6. Belfry (15-5) - What a week for the Pirates. It started off with a disappointing win over Prestonsburg by 1. The headline of this one was the fight that happened in the middle of the game. This led to two games being added to the schedule Wednesday night with Hurley VA and Mingo Central WV, both which Belfry won by 56 and 29. Then Thursday was the big district matchup with Pike County Central, which saw Belfry go on the road and win by 6. I believe things are now back to normal. The Pirates play Tug Valley WV, and Lewis County this coming weekend. 

7. Lawrence County (10-9) - The Bulldogs went 1-1 on the week. They lost to Russell at home by 10, but then beat Prestonsburg at home by 46. I thought they had a chance to make some noise this year but I’m not so sure now. This week they play Elliott County, Floyd Central, and Wayne WV. 

8. Shelby Valley (13-8) - The Wildcats went 2-1 on the week. They lost to Pikeville by 17, but followed that up with a 12 point win over Phelps and a 13 point win over Kachea Co–Op. Sounds like something off of the movie Cars. This week they are squared to play Martin County, East Ridge, and Hurley VA. 

9. Pike County Central (12-6) - The Hawks went 1-1 on the week. They knocked off Betsy Lane in the battle of 9/10, but lost to Belfry at home by 6 in a game they could’ve won. This week they are set to play East Ridge on Tuesday, and Phelps on Friday, with both games coming at home. 

10. Betsy Lane (5-10) - The Bobcats went 0-2 this past week. They lost to PCC by 8, then were blown out by Floyd Central by 28. This week they only have one game, and it’s with Prestonsburg on Friday. 

11. Phelps (6-11) - The Hornets went 2-1 this past week. They beat Jenkins and Prestonsburg, and lost to Shelby Valley. This week they play Pike County Central. 

12. East Ridge (7-10) - The Warriors went 1-0 on the week. They beat Hurley VA by 41. This week they play Pike County Central, and Shelby Valley. 

13. Magoffin County (3-16) - The Hornets went 1-2 this past week. They lost to Johnson Central and Letcher County Central. They beat Estill County. This week they play Paintsville, and West Carter. 

14. Prestonsburg (1-16) - The Blackcats went 0-3 this week. They lost to Belfry, Phelps, and Lawrence County. This week they play Betsy Lane, and Pineville.