Fear 'Les' 13th Regional Rankings Jan. 21

[Les]

Here ya go ... enjoy

 

 

Boys Top 5

 

1. Corbin (17-2 overall, 10-1 against 13th Region foes)

 

What’s the scoop: Since dropping a 66-53 decision to Scott on Dec. 20, 2008, the Corbin Redhounds have reeled off 14 straight wins, while beating teams by margins of 16, 15, 6, 68, 25, 18, 3, 25, 22, 12, 66, 12, 29 and 28 points for a margin of victory average of 24.6 points.

 

Now that’s pretty impressive.

 

Corbin is now ranked No. 7 in the Cantrell Rating the State ratings and No. 9 in the Associated Press Poll. I’ve said this and I’ll say it again — if Corbin can win the region and reach the Sweet 16, making a run to play on Saturday is a real possibility.

 

Surprise, surprise: This week, it’s time to brag on Corbin’s Isaac Wilson, who I believe is the best point guard in the 13th Region. His outside shot has gotten better dating back to last season and he’s just a warrior who never gives up. He’s also one of the best defenders around and even though he’s a HUGE Pittsburgh Steeler fan, I’m not going to hold that against him. I also like the way head coach Tony Pietrowski is improving his bench play. Players such as Luke Stewart and Caleb Watkins have been playing well during recent games.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin will be in action today against Whitley County before taking some days off before its big game at South Laurel next Tuesday. A win against the Cardinals will wrap up the 50th District No. 1 seed for the Redhounds.

 

2. South Laurel (14-4, 6-2)

 

What’s the scoop: The Cardinals are probably resting a bit after their battle with Knox Central this past Tuesday. To be honest, the 13th Region battle between the two teams was one of best games I’ve watched this season. It was like watching the old battles between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier — neither team gave up. Kudos goes to South Laurel for pulling out the win.

 

Surprise, surprise: I say this every week, but Matt St. John continues to impress. His 23-point, 14-rebound effort against the Panthers was top-notch. Another effort that can’t be overlooked is the clutch shooting of Wes Dean. Dean’s three-pointer that tied the game with three minutes remaining, reminded me of his clutch shot against Corbin last year to tie the game up during the 13th Region title game.

 

I also want to mention the play of guard Matt Gilbert. He has to be South Laurel’s unsung hero. He’s very quiet on the court, but he gets the job done.

 

What’s ahead: I don’t believe any team in the 13th Region has played a schedule like South Laurel has. The Cardinals played Seneca, Madison Central and Knox Central last week, and things won’t get any easier for the week ahead.

 

South Laurel will host Lexington Catholic Friday, Warren Central Saturday and Corbin Tuesday — talk about a tough six-game stretch.

 

3. Clay County (11-7, 3-2)

 

What’s the scoop: The Tigers are quietly becoming one of the most dangerous teams in the 13th Region. This team has the ability to make a run at the 13th Region crown this season.

 

Surprise, surprise: Kevin Spurlock’s Tigers are winners of four straight, which includes wins over Wayne County, North Laurel, Madison Central and Bell County.

 

What’s ahead: Clay County will get another test Saturday at West Jessamine with a game against Bryan Station. The two teams met earlier in the season with the Defenders coming away with a 59-49 win.

 

4. Knox Central (10-7, 8-3)

 

What’s the scoop: The Panthers suffered a heart-breaking defeat to South Laurel Tuesday. Knox Central saw a three-point lead with three minutes remaining turn into a two-point loss at home.

 

Surprise, surprise: Despite the loss to the Cardinals, don’t be surprised to see Knox Central play a major role in deciding who will win the 13th Region Tournament in March.

 

What’s ahead: The Panthers won’t be back in action until next Thursday against Harlan County.

 

5. Middlesboro (14-2, 7-1)

 

What’s the scoop: The Yellow Jackets should win the All A 13th Region Tournament this week, but don’t have enough depth to make a run at the 13th Region title.

 

Surprise, surprise: Middlesboro struggled at home against Knox Central last week and lost, 76-70. But the Yellow Jackets responded with an 88-80 overtime win over Williamsburg.

 

What’s ahead: Middlesboro will play Harlan today in the semi-finals of the All A 13th Region Tournament. If the Yellow Jackets win, then a match-up against the winner of the Lynn Camp/Pineville winner will take place Friday.

 

The Best of the rest

 

No. 6 Whitley County (8-10, 6-4)

 

What’s the scoop: When healthy, the Colonels have the ability to knock off anyone.

 

No. 7 Pineville (12-8, 8-4)

 

What’s the scoop: The home loss to Bell County sticks out a bit, but I’m still leaving the Mountain Lions in this spot.

 

No. 8 North Laurel (7-12, 3-4)

 

What’s the scoop: Their win at Whitley County might just be the win that gets the Jaguars over the hump.

 

No. 9 Harlan County (9-8, 4-5)

 

What’s the scoop: The Black Bears seem to be struggling a bit right now.

 

No. 10 (tie) Bell County (6-9, 3-6)

 

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats are getting better.

 

No. 10 (tie) Williamsburg (6-11, 2-9)

 

What’s the scoop: Seven of the Yellow Jackets’ 11 losses have been within eight points or less.

[WILDMAN]

Kudos.

[Les]

Thanks, Hank.

[HDE]

That looks about right. I think the 6-10 teams could go in about any order with Lynn Camp and Barbourville capable of moving into the mix.

[Cawoodball player]

Looks good!

[Les]

That looks about right. I think the 6-10 teams could go in about any order with Lynn Camp and Barbourville capable of moving into the mix.

 

Thanks and remember, you owe me some ....:popcorn:

[HDE]

I'll see you at the regional, if not before. I'm covering the rematch Saturday in Pineville and I'll be taking up a collection.

[Log Mountain Boy]

Les,

 

Do you honestly think Pineville is better than Bell Co?

[Les]

Log Mountain Boy,

 

As of right now, yes, by the end of the season, I'm not sure. Bell has talent, but I believe they're a few weeks away from hitting stride and that's the time of the year you want to hit stride anyway.

[Bayshore Drive]

Pineville has star power, JD Strange can take over a game, Bell co still has some time to get better before the district.

[Log Mountain Boy]

Log Mountain Boy,

 

As of right now, yes, by the end of the season, I'm not sure. Bell has talent, but I believe they're a few weeks away from hitting stride and that's the time of the year you want to hit stride anyway.

 

So if Pineville is better how did they lose to Bell Co. by 20 on their home court?

[Les]

Umm, take a look at my rankings. They are No. 7 and Bell is tied for 10th. It's kind of like the Bluegrasspreps Poll, Corbin beats Lexington Catholic and is riding a 14-game win streak, but is rated below the Knights.

 

Plus, it's my opinion. You don't have to like it.

[ppawedwards]

WC:ohbrother::ohbrother::ohbrother:

[Log Mountain Boy]

Umm, take a look at my rankings. They are No. 7 and Bell is tied for 10th. It's kind of like the Bluegrasspreps Poll, Corbin beats Lexington Catholic and is riding a 14-game win streak, but is rated below the Knights.

 

Plus, it's my opinion. You don't have to like it.

 

Corbin beat LexCath by 3 at home. Bell beat Pineville by 20+ on the road.

 

For the record I do believe Corbin has the stronger team BTW.

[Les]

Now you're beginning to come around.