Les

I promise you any team would like to have what North has on their roster right now.

Just ask Bill Self if he'd rather have size and length. That's what North has. They might go 0-30. But they have the best talent.

And North will have ups and downs. They play as tough as a schedule as anyone in the region. Which will make them better come postseason play.

On paper, North has the best talent in the region. If you don't believe that, then you're wearing rose colored glasses.

Thanks Truth.

You're absolutely correct about Coty, but until the KHSAA web site changes South Laurel's record, I go with the "official" record at the time and that is 14-15.

2014-15 Kentucky High School Basketball Preview - 13th Region Ranking the teams 1. North Laurel (13-18) — Up until last week, many considered the Jaguars as one of the top three teams in the region. The young and talented squad got even better this past week, that is if 6-4 senior Jackson County transfer Isaiah Collier (14.0 points per game, and 8.0 rebounds per game) is ruled eligible in the coming weeks. Add Collier’s 6-4 frame to 6-8 freshman Bayley Rice, 6-7 sophomore Bryson Asher (10.0, 10.0), 6-6 junior Kyle Jeffers (6.5, 5.0) and 6-4 sophomore guard Peyton Broughton (20.0) and you’ll see why manning are tagging North Laurel as the team to beat. Broughton brings a lot to the table, and is being recruited by many Division I schools from across the nation. Talented eighth grader Adam Sizemore, freshmen Brian Gray and Jake Capobianco, sophomore Weston Griebel and seniors Hagan Hodges, Jaythus Riley and Jake McFadden will provide solid bench play for Brad Sizemore’s squad. 2. Clay County (23-9) — The defending two-time region champion has a great shot at three-prating as region champs, but will have to find replacements for Chip McDaniel and Jake Allen, who played big roles for Roger Marcum’s squad last season. The Tigers do return a lot of talent with juniors Blake Smith (11.5, 5.0), Wes Wolfe (10.8, 5.5), and Trey Farmer (12.8, 5.8) returning along with senior Ryan House (6.5, 2.6). Sophomores Will Sexton and Trevor Sams will also provide strengths on offense and defense for Clay County. 3. Knox Central (19-10) — Once again Knox Central brings in some of the best talent in the 13th Region, but the big question is if the Panthers will finally capture their first region title since 1970 or will they get upset again like they did last season against Williamsburg. Knox Central has a new coach and an abundance of talent starting with 6-foot senior guard standout Matthew Barger. Joining Barger are sharpshooters Jeffrey Adams, Dustin Hensley and Nathan Cole along with 6-5 big man Chad Marsee, who has lost close to 30 pounds, while looking to dominate the post this season. Depth could be an issue with Knox Central. Senior forward Dallas Yeager along with 6-3 junior Blaine Wyatt and 6-3 sophomore Tanner Wells will provide bench play for the Panthers. 4. Corbin (22-11) — Corbin surprised many last season by making a run to the 13th Region title game before losing to Clay County. The Redounds will have high expectations again, but the graduation of Kevin Goins will have coach Tony Pietrowski searching for a scorer. Senior Kenny Hopper returns to the mix along with fellow senior Trevor Browning. Junior Connor Hopkins along with sophomore Zac Maguet returns for the Redounds, and so does freshman Andrew Taylor, who is one of the best players in the region. 5. Williamsburg (16-17) — The Yellow Jackets made a run to the 13th Region semifinals last season, and is looking to go even further this time around. The last time Williamsburg advanced to the 13th Region title game was back in 1987 when former coach Rich Prewitt guided them. Patrick Robinson’s squad will be loaded with talent and it starts with the talented brother duo of senior Skylar Griffith (15.0) and 6-5 junior Andrew Griffith (13.5). Senior leading scorer Corey Shelton (19.0) returns along with guard Chase Lowrie (7.5). Another key addition to the team is Harlan County transfer Fred Massey, who is expected to give Williamsburg much-needed strength in the post area. Senior Michael Rose-Creekmore and Eric Poore will provide depth along with junior Ryan Haus and freshman Darrell White. 6. South Laurel (14-15) — The Cardinals are still searching for their first winning season in four years, and will have to do it without leading scorer Zach Baxter, who opted not to play this season. South Laurel did receive some good news with 6-7 junior Caleb Taylor transferring in from London Christian School while sophomore Jared Grubb and junior Vince Holcomb is expected to help the Cardinals out. Juniors Coty Arnold and Braden Miller and 6-3 freshman Ryan Anders will provide playing time as well. 7. Whitley County (17-13) — The 50th District could very well be the strongest district in the 13th Region, from top to bottom. The Colonels have enough talent to win the district, but for me, they’ve got to show me first. senior James Sasko leads the way, joining juniors Luke Woods and Casey Crislologo and Aadam Petrey. Senior Levi Barton will also be in the mix along with junior Cameron Johnson and freshman Cory Johnson. 8. Harlan County (14-15) — The Black Bears have a new coach in Michael Jones, and will try their best to make a run at the 52nd District and 13th Region titles. Seniors Cody Bumgarner (10.5) and Trey Sanders (6.3) return in the backcourt along with sophomoresCameron Carmichael (8.0) and Treyce Spurlock (8.0). Zach Caldwell (11.9) returns at center and 6-6 Harlan Independent transfer Tyler Miller (14.5) returns to his former team. Junior Cody Brewer and sophomore David Turner will provide depth along with freshmen Paul Stapleton, Drew Nolan, Lamar Burkhart, Andrew Creech, Austin Adams and Tyrese Simmons. 9. Pineville (10-19) — The Mountain Lions could be the surprise team of the 51st District after a couple of additions to the squad. Seniors guards Cody Collett and Isaac Longworth return along with 6-6 senior Scotty Hoskins. Will Adams, Tucker Woolum, Jalen Bryd and John Sproles are also in line for playing time. 10. Jackson County (21-11) — The Generals lost a lot from last year’s 21-win team with leading scorer Jordan Fox graduating. And now add Isaiah Collier’s transfer to North Laurel, you can see why Jackson County is picked to finish third in the 13th Region. 11. Bell County (21-11) — The Bobcats are in a rebuilding mode, but still look to be a threat to win the 52nd District. 12. Barbourville (18-13) — The Tigers could very well be the sleeper in the 13th Region. Senior guard Brandon Gray returns after missing most of last season along with junior Brentley Perry, sophomore Wade Liford and senior Collin Grubb. Freshman guard Markelle Turner and 6-3 center Cody Diamond provide depth for Dinky Phipps, who will be entering his 33rd year as head coach. 13. Harlan (15-13) — The Green Dragons are looking to build on their winning ways, and could very well do so with juniors Drew Parks and Caleb Hogue coming back while sophomore Noah Busroe returns at the point guard position. 6-5 senior Jordan Dupar will be a key for Harlan along with Brandon Osborne, Austin Wilson and Tanner Parks. 14. OBI (7-24) — The Mountaineers will be a much-improved team, but the fact that they play in the same district as both North Laurel and Clay County really hurts their chances of reaching the 13th Region Tournament. With that said, Oneida Baptist does return 6-4 senior Dekia Kiawa (16.0, 8.2), 6-3 forward Daniel Decker (4.0) and 6-5 senior center A.J. Shackleford. 15. Lynn Camp (8-22) — The Wildcats return top-notch scorer Skylar McFarland along with starters Bruce Hopkins, Austin Allen and Austin Withrow, which will make them a team to keep an eye on in the 51st District. 16. Middlesboro (10-21) - The Yellow Jackets are in rebuilding mode after losing five of their top seven players along with coach Russell Thompson. Middlesboro has made the 13th Region Tournament the past three seasons, but will be hard pressed to repeat the feat this year. Seniors Brandon Hale and Major Edwards are the lone starters returning for the Yellow Jackets. 17. Red Bird (3-14) — The Cardinals will have their second coach in as many years after seeing John D. Wilson coach 20-plus years at Red Bird. The Cardinals are returning only one starter (Thomas Wilder) and look to be rebuilding this season. Top 10 players 1. Blake Smith, Clay County — Smith has all of the tools, and is one of the most athletic players in the region. 2. Peyton Broughton, North Laurel — Sophomore guard is being heavily recruited by many Division I schools, and has improved his outside which has made him even more deadly. 3. Trey Farmer, Clay County — Look for Farmer to have an outstanding junior campaign while becoming one of the scorers in the region. 4. Matt Barger, Knox Central — Barger is one of the most versatile players in the region. 5. Isaiah Collier, North Laurel — If he is ruled eligible, Collier gives North Laurel one of the best three-point threats around. 6. Chad Marsee, Knox Central — The 6’5 center has lost 20-plus pounds and looks to be in the best shape of his varsity career. 7. Skylar Griffith, Williamsburg — The crafty guard can do it all. He is very athletic. 8. Kenny Hopper, Corbin — Single-handedly kept Corbin in the 13th Region title game last season. 9. Tyler Miller, Harlan County — Gives the Black Bears a legitimate scoring threat again. 10. Andrew Taylor, Corbin — One of the best freshmen in the state.

Corbin plays at Campbell Field, not Jewell Field. Just a heads up.

An mission by the coaches because it was done by a vote.

I'd say Corbin will be the favorite with Williamsburg a close second. Then Whitley and then South.

Tell what you guys think.

It's going to be who everyone thinks it is. Right 4CHS.

No, Allen missed hthe first lay-up attempt.

All this is is :deadhorse: Every year the same thread.

Actually he missed the lay-up and got the rebound, and P.R.P. raced back down, and Warren Gross tipped the ball out of Spillman's hands into Ty Proffitt's hands.

Here we go with the enrollment again.....:deadhorse:

Very boring game.

Plenty of beards? In region title game, I counted one ... Trey Farmer.

I've already got my credentials. Be covering it the entire week. Already here in Lexington.

I've watched Clay County numerous times this season, and have been impressed every time I have watched them play. Everyone talks about Chip McDaniel, Trey Farmer and Jake Allen, but the play of Wes Wolfe, Blake Smith and Ryan House will be key as well. Both Wolfe and Smith are athletic as can be. If the Tigers play team ball, they can win this game, but they've also gotta play defense, too. Something they have struggled with. Look for it to be close for three quarters, but CovCath will win by 12.

1- Hopkinsville 1- Trinity 1- Scott County 1- Campbell County 1- Wayne County 1- Knott County Central 1- Pleasure Ridge Park 1- Covington Catholic 2- Hopkinsville 2- Scott County 2- Wayne County 2- Covington Catholic 3- Hopkinsville 3- Covington Catholic 5- Hopkinsville TB- 137

Easily the 2005 semifinals between PRP and South Laurel. Most exciting game by far.

Corbin wins.

Bump

Many are tagging the “Big Three” teams of Clay County, Knox Central and Jackson County as the teams to beat in this week’s 13th Region Boys Tournament at The Arena, but if you ask the coaches of those respective schools, they believe it’s wide open. “Oh no, no, we’re not the team to beat,” defending 13th Region champion Clay County coach Robert Marcum said while smiling. “You can’t overlook a single team in this tournament. If there is one thing I’ve learned since being coach here at Clay County is it’s when you get to this point of the season any one can win. “Knox Central and Jackson County are very good teams,” he added. “Our Achilles’ heel is our defense. We’ve got to figure that out. If we do, then I like our chances.” So if the Tigers (20-8 overall, 12-3 versus 13th Region competition) aren’t the team to beat, it’s got to be Knox Central, right? The Panthers (19-9) do possess the best record against regional opponents (13-1) and have defeated both Clay County and Jackson County on the road. “I think if you look at it overall, we have done well against teams in the 13th Region,” Knox Central coach Brian Evans said. “Yes, we have beaten some very good teams this season, but on the other side of that, we’ve seen in the past that teams that beat teams during the regular season most of the time lose when they play in the postseason. “I believe teams get that extra motivation after they lose to you,” he added. “Nothing is a guarantee at this point of the season. Everyone is going to have to come ready to play.” So if Knox Central isn’t the team to beat, is it Greg Parrott’s Generals, who are coming off a 93-92 heartbreaking loss to Clay County in the 49th District title game after leading by four points with less than a minute remaining in the game? “There are eight teams here that have a great chance to win,” Parrott said. “It’s going to be great games for the fans, and tight games for each team involved. They might say it’s the big three with us, Knox central and Clay County and I wouldn’t disagree, but I honestly believe they’re eight teams that can win this. “Knox Central, Clay County and Corbin are my top three,” he added. “We don’t have a lot of experience, and hopefully we can get over the shock factor quick from playing in an arena-type setting and settle down and be ready to play.” What about Corbin? After getting off to a 4-4 start while overcoming a five-game losing streak in late January, the Redhounds are winners of nine straight games and 20-10 overall. “From top to bottom I feel like there are a lot of teams that can pull it out and win the whole thing,” Corbin coach Tony Pietrowski said. “The thing that I’m impressed with is how well the teams in our 50th District Tournament played. “I looked back and watched film on the tournament and the level of play overall was just really high,” he added. “That’s encouraging as a coach because I feel like we had some tough tests as we progressed toward the postseason and I feel like those tough tournament games will help our kids as we move on.” Other teams that are dangerous are Bell County, Williamsburg, Barbourville and Middlesboro. The Bobcats (20-10, 18-5) won the tournament three years ago, and possess one of the region’s top scorers in Tyler Potter. “We’ve played just about everybody in this tournament and they’ve all been close games,” Bell County coach Lewis Morris said. “These teams are all here for a reason and that reason is because they have played good enough basketball to get to this point.” “You’ve got some teams that benefitted from the offseason more than others and they have a little more size and depth, so they may have a small advantage,” he added. “Now, you may have a few teams that think they have an advantage over some of the other teams, but you still have to come in and play the game if you want to win.” The one team many don’t know much about is Williamsburg, who stands at 15-16 on the season while making its first appearance in since 1998. The Yellow Jackets now have Skylar Griffith back in the line-up, and it makes them a dangerous team. They knocked off No. 1 seed South Laurel in the 50th District semifinals, and took Corbin to double overtime on the road before losing in the district title game. “I think that there are obviously a few teams that can be considered favorites, teams like Clay County, Jackson County and Knox Central,” Williamsburg coach Patrick Robinson said. “If you look at how three of the four district championships finished, you can see just how balanced the region is and just how competitive this tournament has the potential to be. “As far as our team, I feel like we can compete with anybody in this thing, but we have to play well if we want to make it tough on Knox Central,” he added. “We have the ability to be there in the end, but we have to play well.” Dinky Phipps’ Barbourville Tigers showed they could spoil some teams’ chances of winning the region tourney, too. Knox Central needed to hit a shot with eight seconds remaining to defeat the Tigers (18-12) during the finals of the 51st District Tournament. “I have to give credit to my seniors,” Phipps said. “They have really picked things up and kept us going. I believe any team in the region can win this, though. Clay County, Knox Central and Jackson County are the teams everyone is talking about, and they are very good. Bell County, Williamsburg and Middlesboro are good, too. “I think if we continue to play like we have, we have a chance to surprise,” he added. “We’re happy to be here and we’ll see it what happens.” Another team to keep an eye on is Middlesboro. Granted, the Yellow Jackets (10-20) have been up and down all season, while coming off a 102-64 loss to Clay County just last week. “Clay County is one of the better teams in this thing and they come in as the defending champions, so I feel like they have to be the favorite,” Middlesboro coach Russell Thompson said. “Clay County knocked us out of the tournament last season and they beat us pretty handily earlier in the year, so hopefully we can put something together and learn from those experiences. “You have to bring everything you’ve got to these things and hope for the best in the fact that your kids perform well for you,” he added. “There are several teams in this that can put together a good little run and win it and that’s what I think will happen. One team will come in here and just play really good basketball and surprise somebody and pull away. Hopefully that team is us.” 13th Region Player of the Year Jordan Fox, Knox Central 13th Region All Region Team Jordan Fox, Jackson County Chip McDaniel, Clay County Chad Marsee, Knox Central Matt Barger, Knox Central Zac Baxter, South Laurel Coach of the Year Brian Evans, Knox Central Rankings 1. Knox Central 2. Clay County 3. Jackson County 4. Corbin 5. Williamsburg 6. Bell County 7. Barbourville 8. Middlesboro Upset Special Corbin over Jackson County Upsets that could happen Williamsburg over Knox Central Barbourville over Bell County My Predictions First Round Clay County 82, Middlesboro 66 Knox Central 57, Williamsburg 55 Bell County 62, Barbourville 57 Corbin 67, Jackson County 63 Semifinals Clay County 71, Knox Central 67 Corbin 61, Bell County 57 Finals Clay County 82, Corbin 61