By JOHN HENSON

For the Corbin Times Tribune

 

Perhaps there was a more balanced race at some point in 13th Region basketball history, but someone with a better memory than me will have to supply the year because the 2011 campaign is the most competitive in the 35 years I’ve traveled around southeastern Kentucky watching basketball.

 

Eight teams could have made a case as a serious contender for the regional title at different points of the season.

 

Bell County ended the year on top for the first time since 1980. The Bobcats were rated second by me at this time last year and the region’s coaches agreed in preseason publications.

 

As many as seven teams have a legitimate shot at the 2012 title, but Knox Central and Harlan County appear to be the frontrunners with the Panthers losing only one starter and the Bears losing none.

 

My picks for the best of the 2010 -2011 season are followed by a look ahead to 2011-2012.

 

All-Region

 

First team

 

G - Ben Madon, Bell County

 

G - Jordan Akins, Whitley County

 

G - Jon Barger, Knox Central

 

F - Travis Smith, Corbin

 

F - Matthew Mitchell, Clay County

 

Second team

 

G - J.V. Hooker, Clay County

 

G - Cody Likins, North Laurel

 

G - Travis Canady, Knox Central

 

F - Codi Roberts, Clay County

 

C - Lee Spencer, North Laurel

 

Third team

 

G - Tyler Brewer, Harlan County

 

G - Kyle Lee, Bell County

 

G - Josh Hildebrand, Barbourville

 

F - Tyler Wagner, Lynn Camp

 

C - Adam Gay, Clay County

 

Fourth team

 

G - Brody Freeman, Corbin

 

G - Matthew Taylor, Corbin

 

G - Philip Ely, Harlan

 

F - Cameron Rancher, Middlesboro

 

F - Dillon Tabor, South Laurel

 

Best juniors

 

Travis Smith, Corbin

 

Jon Barger, Knox Central

 

Kyle Lee, Bell County

 

Josh Hildebrand, Barbourville

 

Tanner Broughton, Knox Central

 

Best sophomores

 

Tyler Brewer, Harlan County

 

Blake Sanders, South Laurel

 

Alex Sergent, Harlan County

 

Steven Wagers, Clay County

 

Aaron Caldwell, Harlan County

 

Best freshmen

 

Jordan Fox, Jackson County

 

Jake Allen, North Laurel

 

Zach Chitwood, Harlan County

 

Jake Patterson, Bell County

 

Donnie Wilson, Corbin

Edited April 12, 201115 yr by gold sunrise
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Great article...I've been waiting on this since the season ended. I agree with you HDE on that being a toss up...I know no one that knows 13th Region history as much as you and I always look forward to your thoughts on it.