Boys Top 5

 

1. Corbin (20-6 overall, 13-1 vs. 13th Region foes)

What’s the scoop: I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. The 26-point loss to South Laurel on Jan. 22 was a wake up call for Tony Pietrowski’s Redhounds.

Since the loss, Corbin has reeled off a season-best seven straight wins, which included victories over previous No. 1s Knox Central and Pineville. The Redhounds also have wins over Bell County and North Laurel during the streak.

 

Surprise, surprise: Corbin continues to get impressive play from Madison Johnson, along with guard Isaac Wilson. The Redhounds have established themselves as the 13th Region front-runner at the present time after playing the way they have during the past month.

 

What’s ahead: Pietrowski’s squad gets another test Friday on the road before taking a week off to play Harlan at home. Yep, Corbin only has two regular season games remaining. The season has gone by quickly, hasn’t it?

 

2. Knox Central (18-6, 13-2)

What’s the scoop: The Panthers are another team that is red-hot at the moment.

Knox Central captured its fourth win in a row by defeating Cawood this past Tuesday and will get a chance to extend its win streak to a season-best five games if the Panthers can get by South Laurel today on the road.

 

Surprise, surprise: I really believe Cody Miller has established himself as the best player in the region with his recent play.

He scored 31 points during Knox Central’s 87-70 win over Lynn Camp and added another 31-point effort during the Panthers’ 82-81 overtime win against Pineville.

He’s not the only player that has been torching the nets for Brandon Elam’s squad.

Jacob Scalf is averaging 27 points a game during his past two performances and Chad Messer turned in a 28-point effort against Lynn Camp.

 

What’s ahead: Knox Central’s game against South Laurel today will mark the Panthers’ fourth road contest during the past six days.

Ouch!

Knox Central follows today’s game with a home game Friday against Bell County. Don’t be surprised if fatigue catches up with the Panthers in one of these upcoming games, which might end up in a Knox Central loss.

 

3. South Laurel (20-6, 11-2)

What’s the scoop: The Cardinals recovered quickly from their loss to Boyle County by knocking off both Clay County and Clinton County at home.

 

Surprise, surprise: Clay County controlled the tempo against the Cardinals during last week’s game, but South Laurel never folded and got a solid effort out of Jordan Bortnem.

 

What’s ahead: The Cardinals will have an interesting match-up against No. 2 Knox Central today. This game will allow the Cardinals to guage themselves and see where they stand in the 13th Region post-season picture.

 

4. Cumberland (18-4, 12-2)

What’s the scoop: The Redskins remain at No. 4 even with the loss against Bell County.

After watching the the last few seconds of the game on video against the Bobcats, I consider the loss to Bell County a minor blip on the radar screen for Jerry Edwards’ squad.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Redskins managed to pick up a big win at home Tuesday by handing Clay County a 59-41 loss.

Desmond Johnson continued his impressive season by scoring 19 points, while grabbing 10 boards in the win.

Garfield Wilson, who missed the last two games due to a foot injury, had 11 points and seven rebounds.

I guess the most impressive thing that stood out in the win was the Redskins’ stingy defensive play.

Cumberland showed why its the best defensive team in the region by limiting Clay County to only 24 percent shooting (12-for-49) in the game.

Like I said before, you can’t count out the Redskins. Edwards’ squad has the talent to win this region, too.

 

What’s ahead: The Redskins have some tough games ahead. Cumberland has a road date with McCreary Central Friday and will host North Laurel Feb. 19.

 

5. Pineville (22-5, 15-2)

What’s the scoop: I still like what the Mountain Lions bring to the table, but there is some cause for concern.

Pineville is 3-3 during its last six games and 1-2 against 13th Region teams.

The lone win was against Williamsburg, who had the Mountain Lions down in the fourth quarter.

But with that said, J.D. Strange’s squad played both Corbin and Knox Central close and could have won both games.

 

Surprise, surprise: James Strnage showed me during the past week that he is the best point guard in the region. He never takes an untimely shot and is very unselfish.

 

What’s ahead: Pineville has a road game against North Laurel Saturday before finishing regular season play at Evarts on Feb. 19.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

No. 6 Clay County (14-9, 7-4)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers are on a three-game losing skid (losses to South Laurel, Pineville and Cumberland), so that tells me they’re not a contender this season for a region title.

But Clay County can pull off an upset here or there.

 

No. 7 Jackson County (18-6, 6-4)

What’s the scoop: The Generals have been quiet lately. Watch out for Jackson County.

 

No. 8 Bell County (16-5, 9-5)

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats are riding a three-game winning streak.

 

No. 9 North Laurel (16-9, 3-7)

What’s the scoop: The Jaguars are 5-5 during their last 10 games and North Laurel still has games against Pineville, Cumberland and Knox Central ahead.

Ouch!

 

No. 10 (tie) Middlesboro (12-14, 7-10)

No. 10 (tie) Barbourville (10-12, 6-9)

What’s the scoop: This spot is a toss-up between the Yellow Jackets and Barbourville.

:ylsuper: Superb Les!

Thank ya.

Go HOUNDS!!!

bump

I don't know if I would change anything. It will be interesting to see if Cawood belongs in that tie with Middlesboro-Barbourville when they play at Barbourville on Friday.

 

I've tried to get you to put North in that ninth spot all year.

Watch out for SL in the 13th. They know what it takes to get to Rupp.

Cawood might just belong, too. I believe the big guy for the Tigers is out and another starter.

Boys Top 5

 

 

 

5. Pineville (22-5, 15-2)

What’s the scoop: I still like what the Mountain Lions bring to the table, but there is some cause for concern.

Pineville is 3-3 during its last six games and 1-2 against 13th Region teams.

The lone win was against Williamsburg, who had the Mountain Lions down in the fourth quarter.

But with that said, J.D. Strange’s squad played both Corbin and Knox Central close and could have won both games.

 

Surprise, surprise: James Strnage showed me during the past week that he is the best point guard in the region. He never takes an untimely shot and is very unselfish.

 

What’s ahead: Pineville has a road game against North Laurel Saturday before finishing regular season play at Evarts on Feb. 19.

 

 

 

Okay, I have no problem with Pineville at 5 its a very logical choice. Let me just say one thing. Pineville is 3-3 in the past 6 games while being 3-2 agaisnt regional opponents. They haven't lost 3 games to regional opponents all season. The only 2 came in the last week against your Number 1 and number 2 teams. The three wins in the past 6 games came agaisnt Clay County, Williamsburg, and Harlan. The third loss in the last 6 games came when Pineville played in their first ever State All "A" classic tournament agaisnt a very good Bardstown team that they led by as much as 13.

 

 

I just wanted to clear up the confussion on your reasons for concern.

Ummm, Pineville is 3-3 during its last six games ... and you are right about being 3-2 against 13th Region opponents. I forgot about the Clay and Harlan wins. But NEVER did I say they had lost THREE games against the 13th Region ... I clearly state they are 15-2 against 13th Region teams.

They led by 13 points, yes, but they also blew a 13-point lead, too?

No confusion, here, my friend.

Ummm, Pineville is 3-3 during its last six games ... and you are right about being 3-2 against 13th Region opponents. I forgot about the Clay and Harlan wins. But NEVER did I say they had lost THREE games against the 13th Region ... I clearly state they are 15-2 against 13th Region teams.

They led by 13 points, yes, but they also blew a 13-point lead, too?

No confusion, here, my friend.

 

Sorry, I misread it. I guess I assumed since you didn't count the Clay County game as a win that you counted it as a loss.

 

Good Rankings this week!

Sorry, I misread it. I guess I assumed since you didn't count the Clay County game as a win that you counted it as a loss.

 

Good Rankings this week!

 

No problemo, dude. Thanks:thumb:

Bump

Good job les, as usual.

KC's win over South Laurel tonight is making your rankings look pretty good.