Andrew_Corbin

Well, I think winning in Rupp and going home with a state championship would be much sweeter than winning a region tournament--11th, 7th, or any other. No doubt, both regions have a lot of talent -- they both have a lot of talent to draw from (population wise). Nevertheless, I enjoy region tournaments more due to the environment--more intimate and the rivalries.

I wish I had time to go to all the games in the 13th Region--boys and girls; however, with work and attempting to obtain a master's degree, it will not be possible. I do plan on going to the Corbin/Clay Co game on Wednesday. I may end up going to the girl's semi-finals and finals this weekend. We'll see. Good luck to all the teams.

I think the Girl's 13th Region Tournament is going to be as competitive as the Boy's. There are four teams that can win this thing--Clay Co, Middlesboro, South Laurel, and Whitley Co. With that said, I still believe if you are going to win the Girl's 13th Region Tourney, then you're going to have to dethrone the Lady Tigers. Until someone knocks them out, they have to be favorite to win it again. Or maybe the seas of change are coming and Clay Co girls and South Laurel boys will finally lose one. If I were a coach, I would adopt Obama's motto, "Yes, we can!" LOL

Just thought about it, Corbin lost to Clay Co in the first round of the 13th Region in 1996 and 1998, I believe. A forecast of future events?

Yes, I remember Corbin going to Clay County in 1998 and losing a close one--wasn't there a foul called with no time left? That year Williamsburg ended Corbin's hope for their 10th straight 50th district title and Jones had left for Scott County. I remember the signs on the way to Manchester teasing Corbin fans about Jones leaving or something to that effect. The rivalry continues this Wednesday, 6:30 PM ... Corbin VS Clay Co. It should be a fun one!

If you're going to be 13th Region Champions, then you are going to have to beat the two-time defending South Laurel Cardinals. The Cardinals are looking to go to Rupp Arena for the fourth consecutive year. Impressive, especially, considering this was to be a rebuilding year for South Laurel. Instead of rebuilding, SLHS just reloaded. I did not think Wright's team was a contender for the 13th Region title until they dismantled Corbin by 26 on the Redhound's home court. Jackson County will not be a cake-walk for the Cardinals; however, I think South will move on in a nail biter. The big question for this tournament is what Corbin team will come to play at Knox Central. Corbin has had moments of excellence this seasons along with spells of mediocrity. It seems the team does not have the chemistry it had before J. Crawford was put back in the line up. I am NOT writing Corbin off--this team is more than capable of winning the 13th Region Tournament; nevertheless, I believe it depends on how well they play as a team and execute a gameplan. Corbin will have to be ready to handle Hobbs who will penetrate the paint all night if Corbin lets him. Also, they'll have to watch Roberts, who had an almost perfect game against Jackson Co. As for predictions -- I do not have any. I believe South Laurel and Knox Central have the best chances of reaching the championship game. I repeat what I have heard from most of the knowledgable minds of 13th Region basketball--this is one of the most balanced regional tournaments of recent memory. I do not think Lynn Camp or Bell County will post three consecutive wins. Clay Co, Corbin, Knox Central, Cumberland, South Laurel, and Jackson Co are all capable of winning three. On a final note, Corbin won the region in 2005, 2000, 1991 ... did they win in 1997 as well? Yes, that is a question.