Boys Top 5

 

1. Corbin (20-3 overall, 13-0 against 13th Region foes)

What’s the scoop: The Redhounds saw their 16-game win streak come to an end against a very good McCreary Central squad. Corbin had problems stopping Aaron Watts and that played a key role in the 78-71 loss.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Redhounds need a couple of more players to step up offensively if they are going to be able to beat some of the better teams in the state. It’s almost a given that both Isaac Wilson and Madison Johnson will score in double figures, but someone else needs to step up. Aaron Manns has been doing a good job, but some other players need to answer the call.

 

What’s ahead: Corbin will host Louisville DeSales on Friday before finishing up regular season play with a road game against Harlan County (Tuesday) and a home game against Harlan on Feb. 19.

 

2. Clay County (16-8, 6-1)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers picked up a big 13th Region win by defeating South Laurel on the road last week, 55-50. I’m really impressed with the solid nucleus Clay County has, but with that said, I believe a healthy Matt St. John would have allowed the Cardinals to pick up the win.

But you know what they say about ifs and buts.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Tigers continued to surprise one day after its win over South Laurel by only losing 66-56 to No. 1 ranked Louisville Trinity. Clay County held its own at home, but the Shamrocks managed to pull away in the fourth quarter.

 

What’s ahead: Clay County will be back in action Saturday against Louisville DeSales before finishing the regular season with games against Tates Creek, Middlesboro and South Floyd.

 

3. South Laurel (14-10, 10-3)

What’s the scoop: It’s been a rough week for South Laurel fans. First off, Matt St. John injures his ankle midway through the Clay County game, and then coach Steve Wright gets ejected and has to sit out two games. But that’s not all. Wright’s son, Eric, dislocated his shoulder against Clinton County and it seems like the Cardinals are reeling at the wrong time.

 

Surprise, surprise: The good news is that it looks as if St. John will be back back for the North Laurel game on Friday. It also seems like Eric Wright will only be out a couple of games.

 

What’s ahead: South Laurel will host North Laurel Friday before Letcher Central pays a visit to London on Tuesday. The Cardinals will wrap up the regular season with a road game against Rockcastle County on Feb. 19.

 

4. Knox Central (11-10, 6-6)

What’s the scoop: Just when it looked as if the Panthers were beginning to hit stride with a season-best three-game win streak, they drop a 66-61 decision to Wayne County.

 

Surprise, surprise: I still wouldn’t want to have to play Knox Central in the postseason. The trio of Cody Miller, Tanner Broughton and Travis Canady makes the Panthers a scary team.

 

What’s ahead: Knox Central has a chance to match its three-game win streak for the third time this season with its final three games being played at home. The Panthers play Bell County Friday, Middlesboro Tuesday and North Laurel on Feb. 19.

 

5. North Laurel (10-14, 4-4)

What’s the scoop: The Jaguars’ record might not show it, but they are a much improved team. Matter of fact, North Laurel has played the toughest schedule in the region this season with Clay County’s tough slate not too far behind.

 

Surprise, surprise: The Jaguars have enough talent to make a run during the postseason. Of course it helps having a player the caliber of Adrian Wardrup.

 

What’s ahead: North Laurel will play five games in a seven-day period beginning Friday. The Jaguars play South Laurel on the road Friday before traveling to play Dixie Heights in the Central Bank Classic on Saturday. North Laurel will pay a visit to Leslie County Monday before hosting Pineville on Tuesday. The Jaguars finally finish the regular season out with a road game against Knox Central on Feb. 19.

 

 

The Best of the rest

 

No. 6 Whitley County (10-12, 7-5)

What’s the scoop: The Colonels are another dangerous team to look out for once postseason play begins.

 

No. 7 Bell County (11-11, 8-7)

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats are beginning to come on strong.

 

No. 8 Harlan County (16-8, 8-5)

What’s the scoop: The Black Bears are 5-5 dating back to Jan. 14.

 

No. 9 Barbourville (10-12, 10-8)

What’s the scoop: Dinky’s boys can flat out shoot the ball.

 

No. 10 Lynn Camp (11-11, 9-6)

What’s the scoop: The Wildcats return to the top 10 after defeating Williamsburg in double overtime.

Bump

Les, nice mention of Adrian Wardrup from North Laurel. I hadn't seen him play until a few weeks ago when the Jags came to Garrard County. He's a really nice player - very solid from about 15 feet and in. And North used him really well. Do you know about any future plans he might have?

I hadn't heard anything on Wardrup. He is a very solid ballplayer. How's things going with ya?

I hadn't heard anything on Wardrup. He is a very solid ballplayer. How's things going with ya?

 

Going well. Enjoyed talking with you at the All "A". Looks like whoever wins the 13th Region will have a really tall task at the Sweet 16 this year. I know you have Corbin ranked #1 right now - are they also your favorite to win the region?

Going well. Enjoyed talking with you at the All "A". Looks like whoever wins the 13th Region will have a really tall task at the Sweet 16 this year. I know you have Corbin ranked #1 right now - are they also your favorite to win the region?

 

Yeah, Corbin is the team to beat, but teams like Clay and South have the potential to knock them off, but then again, Whitley might catch South in the district.

Yeah, Corbin is the team to beat, but teams like Clay and South have the potential to knock them off, but then again, Whitley might catch South in the district.

 

I would LOVE it!!!:thumb: