I have only seen M'boro a couple of times. I watched them get slaughtered by Corbin earlier in the season and then totally dominate B'Ville in the opening game of the 13th region. With this in mind, I think they appear to be a team on the rise which could be partially attributed to coaching. One thing that isn't in question is the talent level. If they can force SL to play an up-and-down the court game they could pull an upset. If the game stays in the 40s or 50s SL will be in another 13th regional final.

Corbin vs M-boro in the finals.

I think Middlesboro without a question has the talent to beat South Laurel. I actually had Middlesboro in the finals but beating Clay County instead. However, they will have to dictate the tempo and be hitting on all cylinders. They will have to get St. John tired in the up and down game and force him into making some fouls out of fatigue. I like Middlesboro's chances a whole lot if they can do that.

 

Bill Jones has been much maligned in the past and one could argue that it's pretty just criticism. Over the past, he has done less with more than a lot of coaches. He will have to have one of his better coached games. Steve Wright is one of the states best. Like him or not, the man can flat out coach and get it done when it counts. If he can keep the Jackets from dictating the pace of the game, look for South to yet again make it back to the finals.

 

As for round two, this game puzzles me. Which North team will show up? Don't get me wrong, Corbin is the clear favorite and the favorite to win this thing regardless. However, you cannot sleep on the Jags. They have plenty of talent led by the Seidel kid. If they come out believing they can win, they could pull the upset. On the other hand, 15-18 year olds can let the mental aspect of games take over. Corbin has beaten North twice this year by pretty decisive margins. I think this game will be much closer but in the end, Corbin marches on and wins by about 14.

Corbin & South :thumb:

Its hard to play an uptempo style when you only play 5 or 6 players. Fatigue takes over early in the 2nd half. SL wins by 14

I am going to say that Mboro upsets South and that Corbin gets by North and Corbin goes on and makes the trip to Rupp. But don't listen to me I thought Knox was going to be playing Corbin. But who knew that North was going to upset Knox (other than Les!).

 

I picked he NL upset over KC, but I am afraid I can't pick it against Corbin. I hope I am wrong, but Corbin just has too many weapons.

South Laurel 68 Middlesboro 62

Corbin 74 North Laurel 65

Your scores are dead on 4CHS.