Enjoy.

 

 

Boys Top 5

 

1. Corbin (14-2 overall, 9-1 against 13th Region foes)

 

What’s the scoop: The Corbin Redhounds are looking scary right now.

 

If you don’t believe me, then you should have watched their dominating win over Jackson County. Yes, the Generals are rebuilding this season, but still, whenever Josh Crawford only scores four points and Corbin still wins by 66 points, that’s impressive.

 

Surprise, surprise: Speaking of Crawford, I’ve never seen a player that plays as unselfish as he does. He is the ultimate team player. Against Jackson County, he had easy lay-ups on three different occasions, but passed the ball to an open teammate instead. Another surprise could be the improvement of the Redhounds’ bench. Yeah, I know, Corbin’s bench is already solid, but I was impressed with the way Caleb Watkins came out and played and heck, Luke Stewart tossed in a 10-point effort against the Generals, too. And, I can’t leave out Blake Hendrickson. He’s a battler on the floor.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin will be in action Friday on the road against Wayne County and will host Breathitt County Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

 

2. South Laurel (12-4, 5-2)

 

What’s the scoop: The Cardinals are a hard team to figure out. South Laurel’s three losses came against solid teams (Corbin, twice, and Scott High). But the Cardinals were pushed to the limit during both of their district wins over Whitley County and Williamsburg this past week, so who knows which team is going to show up.

 

Surprise, surprise: Matt St. John continues to show he’s one of the top players in the state by scoring 28 points, while blocking 14 shots against Williamsburg, and Zack Smith has played solid with consecutive 20-plus point efforts. And, I’ll continue to say this: if the Cardinals are going to capture their fifth straight regional title, then someone else must step up and help St. John. Smith has answered the call and players such as Matt Gilbert, Matt Watkins and Wes Dean have the ability to do the same.

 

What’s ahead: The Cardinals put up a solid effort against Seneca, but the Redhawks were too much in the end during the first round of the LIT, winning, 88-78.

 

South Laurel will host Madison Central Friday and will travel to play Knox Central on Tuesday.

 

3. Knox Central (8-6, 7-2)

 

What’s the scoop: Things are going good in the Panther camp. Knox Central wrapped up the 51st District’s No. 1 seed this past week by defeating Pineville and will face-off against Lynn Camp in the opening round of the district tournament. The Panthers handed the Wildcats a 105-72 loss during the two teams’ regular season game.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Panthers took a week off after a grueling stretch of games during the holiday break. Knox Central is a dangerous team in the 13th Region and don’t forget, the Panthers are the only region team to beat Corbin so far this season.

 

What’s ahead: Knox Central will be back in action Friday at home against Rockcastle County and will hit the road Saturday to play red-hot Middlesboro. The Panthers will have a home test against South Laurel Tuesday. The Cardinals won an earlier meeting between the two schools by knocking off Knox Central, 64-54.

 

4. Clay County (8-7, 1-2)

 

What’s the scoop: The Tigers posted a 1-2 record in the WYMT Mountain Classic.

 

Surprise, surprise: Clay County is head and shoulders better than anyone in the 49th District and we’ll get to see just how much better they are Friday when the Tigers travel to play North Laurel.

 

What’s ahead: Kevin Spurlock’s squad will play North Laurel on the road Friday and will be back in action Saturday at home against Madison Central.

 

5. Middlesboro (13-1, 6-0)

 

What’s the scoop: The Yellow Jackets might be the class of the All A teams in the 13th Region this season. Bill Jones’ squad has strung together an impressive nine-game win streak.

 

Surprise, surprise: I’ll say the same that I said last week: Middlesboro is the only team left in the 13th Region that is undefeated against region opposition at 6-0, but the one thing that really bothers me about this team is the lack of competition the Yellow Jackets have played. Other than their 69-56 and 69-66 wins over a sub-par Harlan County squad and an 82-64 win over Barbourville, there hasn’t been much to brag about for Jones’ squad.

 

What’s ahead: The Yellow Jackets will be back in action Saturday at home against Knox Central before squaring off against Williamsburg during the first round of the All A Classic 13th Region Tournament Tuesday at Oneida Baptist.

 

The Best of the rest

 

No. 6 Whitley County (8-8, 6-3)

 

What’s the scoop: The Colonels could be a very dangerous team come district tournament time.

 

No. 7 Pineville (10-8, 7-4)

 

What’s the scoop: The Mountain Lions are better than what I expected them to be this season.

 

No. 8 Barbourville (7-8, 6-4)

 

What’s the scoop: Dinky Phipps continues to work his magic.

 

No. 9 (tie) Harlan County (7-7, 3-4)

 

What’s the scoop: The Black Bears are a very good defensive team.

 

No. 9 (tie) Bell County (5-8, 2-5)

 

What’s the scoop: I said this last week and I’ll say it again: I’m not sold on Bell County. The Bobcats just aren’t a strong offensive team.

 

No. 9 (tie) Williamsburg (5-10, 2-8)

 

What’s the scoop: The Yellow Jackets aren’t winning the close games yet, but they are an improving team.

Looks good again Les. I know this is a completely moot point but I'd like to see how this Corbin team would stack up against 05 or 06 South Laurel. I think they are right on par with them and could be the best region team since the 99/00 Redhounds.

I'll say they are the best 13th Region team since South Laurel's 2006 team (but remember, Dinky's boys almost knocked off South in the region finals), but Corbin is right there with that team. I believe the x-factor between the 2005 South team and Corbin's is that both teams play GREAT TEAM DEFENSE. The offense will be there, but if the defense is what can lead you to a state title.

 

And, thanks Hank. I appreciate it.

I quess Bell beating Pineville at Pineville didn't get any consideration. Dosen't say much for your picks after 1-5.

Nope, I guess it doesn't, but thanks for reading.

I will bow down to the ol great one.

No need to do that, I'm far from great.

No need to do that, I'm far frohletcim great.

 

You may not be great, but neither is Bell Co. They are very physical, and they are very physical...Did I say they were physical, but that's about it.

I agree with your rankings at this point into the season...id probly move Harlan County in front of Barb...since the Louisville-Iroqiouse game they have improved and seem to be clicking finally..