Boys Top 5

 

1. Corbin (18-2 overall, 11-0 against 13th Region foes)

What’s the scoop: I’ve been biting my tongue for a while, but it’s about time Corbin begins to get some recognition statewide. The Redhounds are winners of 14 straight, while putting together an impressive 18-2 record during the process and still not a top 20 ranking.

What gives?

 

Surprise, surprise: The Redhounds continue to roll past regional opponents after picking up two wins this past week. Corbin also clinched the 50th District’s No. 1 seed after defeating Williamsburg on the road, 70-51, on Tuesday. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, I don’t see the Redhounds losing another game in the regular season — that would mean Corbin would be riding a 20-game win streak into postseason play. The Redhounds’ toughest games will come against McCreary Central on Feb. 9 and Louisville DeSales on Feb. 12.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin will host Whitley County on Thursday and will be back in action Monday at home against Lynn Camp.

 

2. Clay County (15-7, 5-1)

What’s the scoop: Watch out 13th Region teams, Clay County is beginning to hit stride. The Tigers picked up two regional wins this past week with victories against Harlan County and Pineville.

 

Surprise, surprise: Clay County has now won six of its last seven games and it looks as if the hard schedule the Tigers have played this season is beginning to pay off.

 

What’s ahead: Clay County has a huge road game against South Laurel on Friday and it doesn’t get any easier on Saturday with a home game against Louisville Trinity.

 

3. South Laurel (13-8, 9-2)

What’s the scoop: It’s really rare to see a South Laurel team this late in the season go through a two-game losing skid. It could reach three games if the Cardinals can’t get past Clay County on Friday.

 

Surprise, surprise: South Laurel is 6-5 since Christmas, and still hasn’t seemed like it has peaked yet. The Cardinals only have three weeks remaining to get something going before postseason play begins.

 

What’s ahead: South Laurel will host Clay County on Friday before traveling to play Williamsburg on Saturday. The Cardinals will host Clinton County on Tuesday.

 

4. Knox Central (10-9, 6-6)

What’s the scoop: Don’t look now, but the Panthers are beginning to peak at the right time. Knox Central has struggled throughout the season, but coach Brian Evans looks to have turned things around.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Panthers picked up a HUGE region win on Tuesday against Whitley County. Any time Cody Miller (22 points), Travis Canady (22 points) and Tanner Broughton (12 points) each score in double figures during the same game, Knox Central is going to be a tough team to beat. The Panthers’ game against the Colonels marked only the third time Knox Central has played at home this season.

 

What’s ahead: The Panthers will host Frankfort on Saturday before going on the road Monday to play Wayne County.

 

5. Whitley County (9-10, 6-4)

What’s the scoop: The Colonels were going for a season-best three- game winning streak against Knox Central on Tuesday, but came up short in overtime, 66-60. Whitley County remains a dangerous team, but the Colonels need to be just a bit more consistent.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Colonels have some of the fastest guards in the region. I was really impressed with the way Chris Baker’s guards played against the Panthers.

 

What’s ahead: Whitley County will travel to play Corbin on Friday before hitting the road on Tuesday against Middlesboro.

 

The Best of the rest

 

No. 6 North Laurel (9-12, 3-4)

What’s the scoop: The Jaguars are winners of four out of their last six games, but they have games with No. 1 Trinity and No. 7 Shelby Valley coming up.

 

No. 7 Bell County (9-11, 6-7)

What’s the scoop: You just don’t know which Bell County team is going to show up. The Bobcats did manage to pick up a big win over Harlan County.

 

No. 8 Harlan County (15-7, 7-4)

What’s the scoop: The Black Bears have dropped two in a row against regional opponents.

 

No. 9 Williamsburg (7-15, 5-9)

What’s the scoop: Can the Yellow Jackets maintain the momentum they gained in the All ‘A’ Classic regional and state tournaments?

 

No. 10 Barbourville (9-11, 9-8)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers just keep plugging along.

Looks good Les. I think 5-8 or maybe even 4-8 could be flopped around without much argument.

 

I too think the Hounds should get a little more recognition. The McCreary game will be tough. Watts is a talent!

I'm curious, Les ... looking at this week's BGP Top 20, who would you take out to put Corbin in the top 20? And where would you rank them?

One other point ... out of that 14-game winning streak, only four of those wins have come against teams with a winning record.

I'm curious, Les ... looking at this week's BGP Top 20, who would you take out to put Corbin in the top 20? And where would you rank them?

 

After looking at the top 20 list, I can't really see anyone that they should definitely be ahead of. If they beat McCreary Co., then I guess they could make a case over them, but I imagine there are some other lurking in the 20-30 range that could also make an arguement.

I still believe Bell Co. is one of the top 4 teams in the region. They play good physical "D" and have good size at all positions. The Robbins kid also played in his first game against Harlan Co. and came up huge in the second half. Robbins is one of the better players in the region but has been slowed by injury.

Corbin will get state recognition when they venture out of the mountains 3 or 4 times a season and put up some signature wins. When the state doesn't see you, it's hard to garner than recognition.

 

That being said, an away win over McCreary gets the Hounds in the Top 20, IMHO. The gaudy record will be enough.

Corbin will get state recognition when they venture out of the mountains 3 or 4 times a season and put up some signature wins. When the state doesn't see you, it's hard to garner than recognition.

 

That being said, an away win over McCreary gets the Hounds in the Top 20, IMHO. The gaudy record will be enough.

 

Come on down to the ole mountains and watch'em play.

Looks good Les. I think 5-8 or maybe even 4-8 could be flopped around without much argument.

 

I too think the Hounds should get a little more recognition. The McCreary game will be tough. Watts is a talent!

 

Thanks Hank.

Come on down to the ole mountains and watch'em play.

 

Will you be in Stearns on Tuesday night, Les?

 

Finally get to pit the Raiders against the Redhounds. Should be a dandy.

I still believe Bell Co. is one of the top 4 teams in the region. They play good physical "D" and have good size at all positions. The Robbins kid also played in his first game against Harlan Co. and came up huge in the second half. Robbins is one of the better players in the region but has been slowed by injury.

 

Fourth best team? Nope. Sorry.

Will you be in Stearns on Tuesday night, Les?

 

Finally get to pit the Raiders against the Redhounds. Should be a dandy.

 

Yeah, I'm going to make the trip. Will you be there. Should be a good one. I look for McCreary to come out of the 12th.

Yeah, I'm going to make the trip. Will you be there. Should be a good one. I look for McCreary to come out of the 12th.

 

I haven't made many games this season with my work schedule. However, I am going to make it out to Williams Gym for that one.

 

McCreary seems to be the best team this season. In years past, there was McCreary and Lincoln or McCreary and West Jessamine. Sure, WJ or anyone else can still win, but McCreary has been looking the best. Hopefully, they will when it gets down to the important time.

I'll see you there.

I'm curious, Les ... looking at this week's BGP Top 20, who would you take out to put Corbin in the top 20? And where would you rank them?

Corbin is a least as qualified to be in this top 20 as is Shelby Valley. :sssh: