Boys Top 5

 

1. Pineville (19-3 overall, 12-0 vs. 13th Region foes)

What’s the scoop: Yep, for the third consecutive week we’ve got a new No. 1. That’s a first for the Fear ‘Les’ 13th Region Ratings.

The Mountain Lions deserve the No. 1 rating this week.

Pineville upended Cumberland in the semi-finals of the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic, while capturing their 11th win in a row in the finals versus Harlan.

The Mountain Lions had a double-digit lead against Bardstown before losing in the first round of the All 'A' Classic State Tournament.

 

Surprise, surprise: The combination of James Strange and Dustin Day are a big reason why Pineville moved up five spots to No. 1.

Strange is one of the top players in the region and carries the Mountain Lions on his back at times.

Pineville has more talent than just Strange and Day, though. The Mountain Lions have a handful of talented players.

 

What’s ahead: Pineville’s match-up with Knox Central was moved from today until Feb. 11 because of the Mountain Lions’ game against Bardstown today in the All ‘A’ Classic in Richmond.

Pineville will be tested next week with games against Clay County (Feb. 5) and Corbin (Feb. 7) coming up.

 

2. South Laurel (17-5, 9-2)

What’s the scoop: The only other team that is as hot as Pineville has to be Steve Wright’s South Laurel Cardinals.

Wright’s squad is riding a five-game win streak, but things will get tougher with upcoming games against North Laurel, Clay County and Knox Central on the horizon.

 

Surprise, surprise: Matt St. John is beginning to play his best basketball of the season, while players such as Billy Jones, Matt Watkins, Jordan Price, Jordan Bortnem and Zack Smith are playing well, too.

The Cardinals received some good news Wednesday when they found out that starting guard Matt Gilbert has been cleared to practice with the team.

Gilbert has been out since getting injured during the Cardinals’ Jan. 5 contest against Breathitt County.

 

What’s ahead: South Laurel will host North Laurel Friday before traveling to participate against Boyle County Tuesday.

 

3. Corbin (16-6, 10-1)

What’s the scoop: The Running Redhounds are back on track after beating last week’s No.1 team (Knox Central).

Corbin is really beginning to hit stride and that doesn’t look good for the other teams in the 13th Region.

The 26-point loss to South Laurel a couple of weeks back could be a blessing in disguise.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Redhounds’ defensive play is a big reason why Tony Pietrowski’s squad has turned things around recently.

Corbin’s opponents are only averaging 41 points a game during the Redhounds’ recent three-game win streak.

Corbin continues to take advantage of its depth, too.

The Redhounds were without the services of Josh Smith against North Laurel and still managed to knock off the Jaguars at ‘The Jungle’ by 22 points.

Ouch!

 

What’s ahead: Pietrowski’s squad has an upcoming road game Friday against Williamsburg.

Corbin must win the game to force a first place tie with South Laurel in the 50th District.

The Redhounds will host Bell County Saturday before their big match-up on Feb. 7 against Pineville.

 

4. Knox Central (14-5, 9-2)

What’s the scoop: The Panthers dropped three spots after falling on the road to Corbin last week, 50-47.

To be honest, there are up to six teams that could lay claim to being the best team in the region, so don’t count out Brandon Elam’s squad.

And, we all know if Knox Central gets the 13th Region Tournament that will only make the Panthers even more dangerous in the post-season.

 

Surprise, surprise: Knox Central hung tough with Corbin before falling by three points on the road.

The Panthers showed they can play with anyone in the 13th Region and will get a nice break since their game against Pineville today got pushed back until Feb. 11. That extra time gave Elam and his squad time to work on things during practice.

 

What’s ahead: The Panthers will hit the road Friday to play against Wayne County and will be back in action Tuesday against Whitley County.

 

5. Jackson County (16-5, 5-3)

What’s the scoop: The Generals remain at the No. 5 spot and could very easily win the rest of their regular season games if they can get past Clay County Friday.

 

Surprise, surprise: Jackson County has put together an impressive three-game win streak behind the play of Nick Brumback.

 

What’s ahead: The Generals have a home date Friday against Clay County and will be back in action Feb. 5 at home against Barbourville. After the game against the Tigers, Keith Hayes’ squad will take a week off.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

No. 6 Cumberland (14-3, 9-1)

What’s the scoop: Let me say this again: Just because I have the Redskins rated sixth doesn’t mean Cumberland can’t win the region. Jerry Edwards’ squad has enough talent to accomplish the feat, but will they?

 

No. 7 Clay County (12-6, 6-1)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers are a dangerous team. This is another team that might surprise once post-season play begins. You can never count out Clay County in the 13th Region.

 

No. 8 North Laurel (13-8, 3-6)

What’s the scoop: I said it last week and I’ll say it again: The Jaguars have to perform better against 13th Region teams.

 

No. 9 Bell County (12-8, 6-4)

What’s the scoop: There is a big gap between the top eight teams and the No. 9 and 10 rated teams.

 

No. 10 Middlesboro (10-11, 5-7)

What’s the scoop: The Yellow Jackets snapped their losing skid with a double-digit win over Harlan.

Those are the best 10, I think, with Middlesboro and Bell up there instead of Whitley, but I don't think there's a big gap between No. 8 and No. 9. You don't want to admit I was right after all about North Laurel at No. 9. I admitted Seidel should have been in the top 10. North Laurel is still dangerous and could make a run in February and March, but to quote Dennis Green "They are who we thought they were."

I have to agree with you HDE. North is too inconsistent right now. Plus, the Jags need to do better against Region teams.

These are right for this week! Great Job!

Clay County has 1 region loss and they are second statistically in defense in the region. They can't be the 7th best team in the region.

Well, they are in my opinion:)

No way Pineville is #1!!:D

Well, they are in my opinion:)

 

It is your opinion, and i'm not questioning if it is your opinion or not Les. I understand that you rankings are your opinion, I was just giving mine:)

bump

I like this poll so far. I'll admit that Pineville probably isn't the best team in the region but they are without question one of the hottest teams playing. Mid season rankings are basically hot or not polls and I find this one hard to argue with.

1. Corbin

2. Pineville

3. Jackson

4. South L.

5. Knox Central

6. Clay Co.

7. Cumberland

8. North L.

9. Bell Co.

10.M'boro

I agree with Pineville being the best team in Region after their win agaisnt Cumberland, I think Pineville do NOT get the attention they need to on here, they have a veteran squad and James David Strange is a TOP NOTCH guard. Don't accuse me of being from Pineville, because I'm far from it, but I've seen them play quite a bit...Glad to see they are number one..

 

As always Les, an AWESOME top 10, I--as always agree with them all, another great job.

I like this poll so far. I'll admit that Pineville probably isn't the best team in the region but they are without question one of the hottest teams playing. Mid season rankings are basically hot or not polls and I find this one hard to argue with.

 

You hit it right on the head. That's what most people don't understand. If I were a betting man, I would still go with Corbin winning the region, but right now, Pineville is playing the best and South right behind.

I agree with Pineville being the best team in Region after their win agaisnt Cumberland, I think Pineville do NOT get the attention they need to on here, they have a veteran squad and James David Strange is a TOP NOTCH guard. Don't accuse me of being from Pineville, because I'm far from it, but I've seen them play quite a bit...Glad to see they are number one..

 

As always Les, an AWESOME top 10, I--as always agree with them all, another great job.

 

Thank you very much. I am to please :thumb:

I meant to say AIM to please.