This is a fun region. It almost always is. The 45th district is extremely competitive and fun. It almost always is. And this week, after a long cooling period (pun certainly intended) hit the region, play came back into full swing and gave us some absolute gems. We are nearing the postseason's doorstep and it is going to be so much fun watching the 8 team field of the regional tournament form. 

Rankings:

1. Danville Christian Academy (14-5) - Yes, the 45th is akin to the Wild West, but one team has sat on top of the district (and the region) all year long. The Warriors started the week with back to back district wins as they defeated Lincoln County and Garrard County. They stepped away from district play long enough to face the mighty Cardinals of George Rogers Clark, falling by ten in the Fox 56 Hometown Showcase that featured a shot clock. This week it is not only back to district play but the final three district games. They face Boyle County, Danville, and Lincoln County, all three teams they have already defeated. An undefeated record against district opponents as well as the regular season district title and the 1 seed are all on the line. Danville was the closest challenger last time out of the three but that game was a roadtrip across town for DCA. This time they host and we will see if that impacts the result.

2. Wayne County (15-7) - The Cardinals got big wins over Somerset Christian and Southwestern this week before falling to powerful North Laurel by 20. Rylan Morgan had 22 points and 9 rebounds in the win over Southwestern. They turn away from district play this week to face two fellow regional contenders (not named DCA) in Pulaski County and Somerset. Both games have the potential to be epic. They also host Corbin. 

3. Somerset (15-5) - After the long break after their trip to the All A State Tournament, the Briar Jumpers got right back to their winning ways, defeating McCreary Central, Pulaski County, and Bluegrass United. They now sit atop the district and can start fine tuning their strategy and game play for a deep regional run. They have an absolute gauntlet this week as they play 5 games in 6 days - at Southwestern, at Wayne County, off Wednesday, at Clinton County, host Boyle County, and host Middlesboro. I don't know of much that is going to prepare a team for the postseason quite like that brutal stretch. Just absolutely grueling (but fun for us to watch).

4. Pulaski County (14-8) - The Maroons had a blowout win over East Jessamine before losing by 5 to Somerset. They got outpaced pretty much everywhere it matters again Somerset, losing the rebounding battle 22 to 15, shooting 7 percent less from the field, shooting 11 percent less from 3, and only getting 5 free throw attempts. Pulaski gets little rest as they host Wayne County tonight and face Southwestern Friday.

5. West Jessamine (11-9) - I think hear lies the clear drop-off but less about a drop-off in talent and more a decline in consistency. The Colts have shown they can play with the best in the region. They have also lost to East Jessamine and squeaked by Mercer County. Their offensive output sits at an average of 53.75 points per game. But they also hold opponents to an average of 50.65 points per game. They have played in a large number of slugfests in the 40s and haven't always come out on top. They defeated Mercer and Trinity Christian last week as they inch closer to the 1 seed in the district. They also lost to Woodford County in the Jock Sutherland Classic. They have two more district games this week as they face Burgin and East Jessamine. A win against East should virtually clinch the 1 seed (barring a loss this week or next to Burgin). 

6. Rockcastle County (13-12) - Here we find a Rocket squad that has flirted with .500 all year, a constant yo-yo above and below. But now may be the time they seize the moment. Walker Craig's 34 points helped them absolutely crush Southwestern to start the week. They also defeated Bluegrass United and Bardstown while falling to Lafayette. They have Somerset Christian and Madison Southern this week.

7. Southwestern (11-10) - Last week was a bit of a stumbling block for the Warriors as they went 0-3 after the long layoff. They lost to Rockcastle and Wayne in games that weren't really competitive before falling to Tates Creek by 1. They have Somerset, Adair County, and Pulaski County this week as they look to regroup and finish the regular season strong. 

8. Boyle County (10-8) - Now back to the 45th and wow, did Boyle County give some examples of the craziness this district presents. First, they had an overtime win over Danville as they took advantage of an Ad collapse down the stretch. Next came an overtime loss to Garrard County. Finally, they secured the regular season sweep of Lincoln County in double overtime by 1 point. If only they had time to breathe. They face McCreary Central tonight before having to take on the leader in the district, DCA, Tuesday. They wrap up the week with a roadtrip to Somerset Friday.

9. Lincoln County (9-11) - The Patriots fell to DCA and Boyle County but did pickup the win over Danville. Sawyer Robbins had 20 in the victory. They host Garrard, Lafayette, and DCA this week before facing South Laurel on the road on Valentine's Day.

10. Garrard County (9-15) - It hasn't been the easiest year for the Golden Lions. Their record reflects that. However, they are coming off their best week yet as they competed with (but ultimately lost to) DCA before beating Danville and Boyle County ON THE ROAD. If they want to end up opposite of the 1 seed in the district tournament they will have to beat Lincoln County on the road to have any chance at all. They also face Marion County and McCreary County.

11. Somerset Christian School (10-9) - The Cougars reported playing just one game last week, a 71 to 82 loss to Wayne County. They face Rockcastle, McCreary, and Highlands Latin this week.

12. McCreary Central (8-12) - The Raiders look to avenge their earlier loss to Somerset Christian as they face them for a second time this week along with games against Boyle County, Casey County, and Garrard County.

13. East Jessamine (10-13) - The Jaguars fell to Pulaski County and North Hardin. They are now on a 5 game losing streak and haven't won since upsetting West Jessamine on January 16th. They face Bluegrass United before squaring off with West in the rematch and end the week with Bellevue at home.

14. Danville (8-12) - The Ads had 3 district losses coming off the long break as they are again destined for the 5th seed. They play Bethlehem and DCA this week. 

15. Mercer County (7-17) - The Titans had three district games, losing to West Jessamine before beating Burgin and Trinity Christian. They are almost certainly on a collision course at this point with East Jessamine for that semifinal game. They have one more regular season meeting with them the last week of the season. They face Dunbar and GRC (ouch) this week.

16. Burgin (6-14) - It was another near miss for the Bulldogs against Mercer County as they fell by 5, virtually locking them into the 4 seed in the district. They face West Jessamine and Trinity Christian this week.

17. Casey County (8-12) - The Rebels fell to Jackson County and Bath County. They face the Kentucky Christian Knights, McCreary Central, Pineville, and Jackson County (again) this week. 

18. Trinity Christian (0-23) - Time is running short for the Titans to pick up a win this year. Cornerstone Christian, Burgin, and St. Patrick are on the schedule this week. They fell by by 13 to Burgin the first time, their closest game of the year. 

19. Kentucky School for the Deaf (1-8) - The Colonels recorded a forfeit against Frankfort Christian. They just have one game left on the schedule, and it is a TBA opponent on 2/17.

Here are a few metrics that might help make sense of the 12th region.

RPI:  DCA - .63354,    Somerset - .61083,   Wayne - .60112,    PC - .60046

Massey overall:  DCA - 38,   Wayne - 64,   PC - 65,   SHS - 82

Massey defense:  DCA - 22,  Lincoln - 35,   West Jessamine - 40,    Wayne -  51

Massey strength of schedule:  Lincoln - 41,   DCA - 44,  Wayne - 54,   PC - 62

Somerset officially has locked up the #1 seed in the 47th district as of 12:00 today.  The final RPI margin was SHS .61043 and Pulaski Co. .60008.  It will be Somerset at Casey Co. and Pulaski Co. vs.. Rockcastle Co. in the Semifinals in a few weeks.   

Edited February 9Feb 9 by theguru

Garrard at Lincoln IMO game of the week (because of seeding implications).  I think Lincoln has won 20some in a row.  Great opportunity to break another streak for the Golden Lions, but will not be easy at Lincoln Co. 

Edited February 9Feb 9 by theguru

3 hours ago, LethalPG said:

Garrard at Lincoln IMO game of the week (because of seeding implications).  I think Lincoln has won 20some in a row.  Great opportunity to break another streak for the Golden Lions, but will not be easy at Lincoln Co. 

Yes, the Patriots have dominated the series both recently and throughout history, save for a stretch from 1977-79 and 1999-2004. Oddly enough, Garrard's last two series wins both came in Stanford, late in the season in 2016 and 2018.

Edited February 9Feb 9 by theguru

55 minutes ago, gchs_uk9 said:

Yes, the Patriots have dominated the series both recently and throughout history, save for a stretch from 1977-79 and 1999-2004. Oddly enough, Garrard's last two series wins both came in Stanford, late in the season in 2016 and 2018.

Good omen?  I expect a tight affair.

Somerset picked up a solid 56-48 win at Southwestern last night. Southwestern went on a run right before halftime, then scored the first basket if the second half to take an 8 point lead.  Somerset outscored them by 16 over the last 15 minutes to pull away.  Very physical game.  Somerset really crashed the boards hard and for the most part neutralized the Warriors size.  

Should be a dandy between Wayne and Somerset tonight. Wayne went into Pulaski last night and got the win 63-44 in a physical game. Pulaski had an 11 game win streak in the series.

Two teams coming off solid wins with maybe some tired legs and minds. Should be great prep for post season play.

Boyle beat McCreary Central by 12 last night on the road. DCA awaits tonight. 

31 minutes ago, Boyd_Blue said:

Should be a dandy between Wayne and Somerset tonight. Wayne went into Pulaski last night and got the win 63-44 in a physical game. Pulaski had an 11 game win streak in the series.

Two teams coming off solid wins with maybe some tired legs and minds. Should be great prep for post season play.

Wayne is playing great basketball right now.  Beating them on their home court would be a tall task for any team in the 12th.  Brutal stretch for Somerset this week. But if they come out of it healthy, I can't see it doing anything but help them get ready for the postseason, even if they drop a few this week.  

Pulaski is in an extended tailspin. They are 5-7 over their last 12 games after a great start.  They're a young team, and really missing Zak Anderson.  Carson Fraley is a great player, but they could have really used another senior leader to go along with him.  

2 hours ago, Boyd_Blue said:

Should be a dandy between Wayne and Somerset tonight. Wayne went into Pulaski last night and got the win 63-44 in a physical game. Pulaski had an 11 game win streak in the series.

Two teams coming off solid wins with maybe some tired legs and minds. Should be great prep for post season play.

Two teams with limited depth too.  Pretty impressive with what these teams have done playing 6-7 guys.  #24 Rylan Morgan has really impressed me.  He was the key last night in their success.  Really good slasher and finisher.  

1 hour ago, Carl Spackler said:

Wayne is playing great basketball right now.  Beating them on their home court would be a tall task for any team in the 12th.  Brutal stretch for Somerset this week. But if they come out of it healthy, I can't see it doing anything but help them get ready for the postseason, even if they drop a few this week.  

Pulaski is in an extended tailspin. They are 5-7 over their last 12 games after a great start.  They're a young team, and really missing Zak Anderson.  Carson Fraley is a great player, but they could have really used another senior leader to go along with him.  

Since Jan. Somerset has won @ Rock, DCA, Pulaski and Southwestern last night.  This one would will probably be the toughest considering a back to back outside of winning @ DCA.

57 minutes ago, LethalPG said:

Two teams with limited depth too.  Pretty impressive with what these teams have done playing 6-7 guys.  #24 Rylan Morgan has really impressed me.  He was the key last night in their success.  Really good slasher and finisher.  

Losing Ryder Bell again mid-season really made a short bench even shorter.

#24 quietly stuffs the stat sheet and is a sneaky good rebounder for a pg. He had 9 rebounds against SW, 6 against NL and 7 last night. Not bad for 3 games in 4 days.

Gehring being "on" helped last night too. He was 4-5 from 3 after being 1-8 against NL. 

Kole Grundy out with illness tonight for the Jumpers.  Dampers the game some, as he is the best defender for the Jumpers and solid 2nd scorer.

4 hours ago, Boyd_Blue said:

Losing Ryder Bell again mid-season really made a short bench even shorter.

#24 quietly stuffs the stat sheet and is a sneaky good rebounder for a pg. He had 9 rebounds against SW, 6 against NL and 7 last night. Not bad for 3 games in 4 days.

Gehring being "on" helped last night too. He was 4-5 from 3 after being 1-8 against NL. 

Been really impressed with his development at the PG spot with Edwards out.  He plays super hard.