Numerous rankings I have seen have Paintsville and Shelby Valley ranked very low. Cantrell has Paintsville #22 and Shelby Valley not ranked. Why is this? Both have one instate loss (Paintsville to Lex Cath @ LC without their pg Bundy and Valley @ J-town by 5).

 

Shelby Valley also has wins over Male in eastern KY and DeSales in Louisville. They returned all 5 starters from a sweet 16 team. Paintsville has wins over Lincoln Co. and Tates Creek and they are coming off a blowout win over Anderson County. They also have one of the top guards in the state.

 

I normally think the 15th region is very weak but I think this year these two squads are deserving of even being considered top 10 teams. Thoughts?

Other than Paintsville 10-12 years ago and Virgie 25 years ago, the 15th has never shown a statewide presence.

 

Until they can play statewide year in and year out, they will not get the respect.

 

But, someone will be at the state tournament from the 15th.

Anymore thoughts on this?

I normally think the 15th region is very weak

 

I think you answered your own question. The 15th doesn't have a great recent history in the Sweet 16, and people won't give them respect until they earn it in Rupp...

I think you answered your own question. The 15th doesn't have a great recent history in the Sweet 16, and people won't give them respect until they earn it in Rupp...

 

... instead of doing like most mountain schools do, and just being happy to be there and take the traditional 20+ point beating.