The Scribe
11-25-2007, 08:55 PM
BGP 13th Region Boys' Preview
BY LES DIXON
The Corbin Times-Tribune
For the third consecutive year, a 50th District team finds itself atop the 13th Region rankings, but it's not the defending region champion South Laurel Cardinals.
After graduating a combined 60 points with the departure of Ty Proffitt, Jordan Hammonds and Trey Smith, the Cardinals will be hard-pressed to repeat the feats they have accomplished the past three years - a state championship, and two Elite Eight finishes.
This season, Tony Pietrowski's Corbin Redhounds are tagged as the region's top team, and deservedly so.
Corbin returns the region's top player in junior Josh Crawford, along with a solid supporting cast in Deke Barley, Aaron Manns, Josh Smith, Madison Johnson and Isaac Wilson.
Corbin found itself one game away from reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005.
This time around, the Redhounds might have just enough arsenal to make a return trip to the state tournament.
"We have set district champions and region champions as some of our major goals," Pietrowski said. "We have a long way to go before we can do that, but our kids are hungry and feel like with hard work they can reach those goals."
Despite seeing his team be rated No. 1 by many publications, Pietrwoski was quick to point out that they're other teams in the region that has the ability to the region title this season.
"South Laurel will be much better than most give them credit for," he said. "They were extremely deep and even with the lose of the Hammonds, Proffit, and Smith, they are very good.
"Cumberland has a lot of talent, and seems to be very hungry with this being their schools last year," Pietrowski added. "Teams like Pineville, Jackson, Knox Central are all very well coached and extremely talented. The region is very open in my opinion."
The big question for the Redhounds will be when Crawford will return to the team after having surgery close to the end of summer.
It is expected that the junior forward will be back in action after Christmas.
"We are unsure at this time when we will have Josh Crawford, so we will have to adjust somewhat to playing without him," Pietrowski said. "Right now, we are focusing on doing things the right way, playing hard and getting better each time we walk on the floor. If we can accomplish that, then we will have a good chance to be where we want come seasons end."
Another team to look out for is the Cumberland Redskins, who posted a 21-11 record last season.
The Redskins took eventual region champion South Laurel to the final buzzer in the region semifinals, while capturing the All-A 13th Region crown.
Desmond Johnson (12.6 points per game) is the Redskins main player, but you can't forget about guard Brock Leisge (12.2 ppg) and Brooks Hogue (9.6 ppg).
Another key player for Cumberland will be North Carolina transfer Garfield Wilson, who will start at center for the Redskins.
He will provide Cumberland another solid player in the post area, along with some more size.
"We're really happy to get the recognition," Cumberland coach Jerry Edwards said. "But, we still have to prove it on the court.
"You can say all you want to about a team and just how good they are, but we still have to win games," he added. "The big thing is that we still have to prove we belong as one of the top teams."
Edwards said he expects a handful of teams to compete for the regional crown.
"I see Corbin, Pineville, Jackson County, South Laurel and Knox Central as teams that can win it," he said. "You can't overlook South Laurel, that's for sure."
Another team you can't overlook is Brandon Elam's Knox Central Panthers could turn out to be the surprise team in the region.
After posting a 14-14 record last year, the Panthers are ready to make a run at a district and regional crown.
Returning for Elam's squad is one of the best players in the region in Cody Miller (19.8 ppg). He's a versatile player that has the ability to take over games, while Cory Williamson (11.0 ppg) and Jacob Scalf (10.2 ppg) provide a solid one-two punch, as well.
The Panthers will also have another solid scorer in Derek Vanover, who averaged 12 points a contest for Barbourville last season.
Pineville returns four starters from last season's 51st District championhip squad, and also has enough firepower to make a a run at a region championship.
The Mountain Lions return the top center in the region with 6-foot-6 Daniel Day patrolling things in the post.
Day (20.0 ppg) is the region's top returning center and will be joined by James David Strange (16.4 ppg) and Dustin Warren (10.1 ppg).
Many believe Steve Wright's Cardinals will be in a rebuilding mode this season, but with players such as Matt St. John (5.7) returning, along with Matthew Gilbert (3.9 ppg), Jordan Bortnem (3.9) and Billy Jones (set out last season with an injury) the Cardinals might just have a say on who will be reaching Rupp Arena in March.
"We expect to compete for the region, just like we do every season," Wright said. "Hopefully, we can have a good season and be in position to do that by the time postseason arrives. We will have to dissect the season piece by piece and try to be a good enough team in January to play with the best of our region."
South Laurel won't enter the season with a lofty state preseason ranking, but Wright likes what his team returns.
"Over the last three years, we have graduated 16 players," Wright said. "We have some kids returning with some experience, but we have a lot of kids that have been around winning teams and have been around our program and you have to love that.
"When you graduate the kids we have in the past three years and in a lot of aspects, if you really had a down year, you would understand, but I don't think we're going to do that," he added. "Every team in the country graduates good players every season and we are no different, so we have to deal with it just like they do."
Following South Laurel will be JIm Conway's North Laurel Jaguars.
The Jaguars went through some trying times last season, but with Josh Seidel (17.4 ppg) returning along with fellow guard Nick Shannon (15.9 ppg), North Laurel looks to contend as well.
Newcomer Rasheed Houston will also be a big help for the Jaguars this season.
"We definitely aren't picked to be a favorite," Conway said. "I guess time will tell the story though and I hope for our student-athletes, our fans, our school, and all of the North Laurel Boy's basketball supporters that the story has a happy ending.
"My team has taken a "Family" motto this year and is ready to show what they are made of night in and night out," he added. "If they can continue to hold onto this all year long, then they will do great things this season.
The saying is "blood is thicker than water." I have no doubt in my mind that they will prove this saying is true. We want to show London, the 13th Region, and the state, that we have a team that will play your tail off."
Following North Laurel will be another 49th District team in the Clay County Tigers.
The Tigers posted a 20-9 record last season under then-first year coach Kevin Spurlock.
Look for the Tigers to be much-improved this season with sharpshooter Justin Hobbs (12.6 ppg) returning, along with Zach Lewis (11.7 ppg) and D.J. Wilson (6.6 ppg).
Just how tough will the 49th District be this season?
The region's No. 8 rated team could has enough talent to win the regional tournament come March.
Despite putting together an up-and-down campaign last year, the Generals still managed to go 15-13.
With senior Nick Brumback returning along with his 15.5 points per game average, Jackson County is a team you can't overlook.
Middlesboro could be the surprise team in the region.
The Yellow Jackets can score with the best of them, but they are coming off a dismal 11-18 campaign.
Returning for Middlesboro is Daniel Griffin (14.1 ppg) along with Nick Smith (12.7 ppg).
Red Bird rounds out the top 10 after making a surprise trip to the 13th Region Tournament last season.
The Cardinals could play a spoiler role again with one of the region's top shooters returning in Derek Davis (20.3 ppg).
13th Region Preseason Rankings
1. Corbin Redhounds (24-8) - The Redhounds were a Ty Proffitt missed shot away from maybe reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005.
This season, Corbin has the talent to reach Rupp Arena.
The Redhounds might start off slow with Josh Crawford until Christmas, but by the time March rolls around, Corbin will be hard to beat.
"We are extremely hungry," Corbin coach Tony Pietrowski said. "Our team feels they have a lot of unfinished business. We had a great year last year, but didn't get a lot of things done we would have like to have got done.
"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves," he added. "We have set a variety of goals that will lead us to seasons end. We hope that by that time we are playing our best basketball. I think most people expect us to be a regional contender."
With players such as Madison Johnson, Aaron Manns, Deke Barley, Josh Smith and Isaac Wilson returning, the sky is the limit for Corbin.
2. Cumberland Redskins (21-11) - Cumberland is another team you have to watch out for. The Redskins already possess one of the top post players in the region in Desmond Johnson and now add transfer Garfield Wilson to the mix, and it's quite possible that Cumberland will be representing the 13th Region at Rupp Arena in March.
"Garfield will be a great addition to our team," Cumberland coach Jerry Edwards said. "He's a big, inside player that gives us more muscle and will allow us to be very strong in the post.
"Now, I believe we have good size with him and Desmond, and I believe they'll both be forces to deal with," he added. "It's going to be very big for us to have a one-two punch like that. They give us a big scoring threat, and that's a big plus."
You can't forget about Brock Leisge or Brooks Hogue either. Those two combined averaged 21.8 points last season. Zach Blanton, Logan Early and Paul Creech will also provide depth for Edwards' squad.
3. Knox Central Panthers (14-14) - The Panthers might only have went 14-14 last season, but Brandon Elam's squad has enough talent to win the region.
With Cody Miller returning, along with Jacob Scalf and Cory Williamson, Knox Central is a dangerous team. You can't forget about Seth Bingham, Cory Smith, Josh Brown, Chad Messer or Tony Mills, either.
The big factor in the Panthers' season could be transfer Derek Vanover. The big question is if and when he will be eligible to play.
"We are not a young team this year," Elam said. "A couple of years ago, I made the decision to throw a bunch of freshmen and eighth-graders to the fire and let them play. That was two years ago, when I done that. Last year we came back and finished 14-14 and very easily could have had 20 or 22 wins on that season.
"We gave a couple of games away and our immaturity showed," he added. "We are not an immature basketball team anymore. We are a veteran strong basketball team and that don't mean seniors. These guys have as much experience as anybody. There are no excuses for us this year. It is time for us to step up and play."
4. Pineville Mountain Lions (16-12) - The Mountain Lions got off to a 5-9 start, but turned things around late in the season by going 11-3.
The key to Pineville's success will be Daniel Day and guard James Strange.
The Mountain Lions will also look for Dustin Warren, Jared Leffey and Will Lambin to help out.
5. South Laurel Cardinals (29-6) - The South Laurel Cardinals have won two consecutive 13th Region crowns, while posting an impressive 31-0 record against 13th Region teams in the process.
Steve Wright's squad will be hard-presses to repeat the feat this season with Ty Proffitt, Trey Smith and Jordan Hammonds graduation from last season's Elite Eight squad.
The cupboard isn't bare, though.
Matt St. John returns, along with Billy Jones and Matt Gilbert.
The Cardinals might start the season off slow, but will be dangerous as the season progresses.
6. North Laurel Jaguars (11-17) - It looks as if the Jaguars have put last season's fiasco behind them, and North Laurel looks to be a team that can compete for a region crown.
The Jaguars return one of the most underrated players in the region in Josh Seidel, and look for him to put together another solid campaign, along with Nick Shannon.
North Laurel coach Jim Conway believes returning six seniors and three starters will be a big plus for this year's version of the Jaguars.
"I have my entire team back from last year plus an addition of a few by the way of new kids who has moved in," he said. "I will have six seniors on this year's team of which three who were starters last season. I think my players have a lot to prove and they use that as motivation everyday. I'm really excited about this year's team and am looking forward to a great year.
7. Clay County Tigers (20-9) - This is a guarantee. The Tigers will improve on last season's 20-9 record. The key for Clay County to be successful will be the play of Justin Hobbs, Zach Lewis and D.J. Wilson.
8. Jackson County Generals (15-13) - The Generals could move way up this list by the end of the season. But then again, if they continue to struggle like they did last season, Jackson County could underachieve again.
If Nick Brumback can get some help, then the Generals could be another dangerous team.
9. Middlesboro Yellow Jackets (11-18) - The Yellow Jackets have a shot to make some noise this season.
The Yellow Jackets ranked sixth in the region in scoring (65.6 ppg) last season, and with Daniel griffin and Nick Smith returning, along with Blaine Green's 10.9 points per game average, Middlesboro can shock some teams.
The Yellow Jackets have size in 6-5 center Will Harrison, while Antwan Brown, Eddie Gilbert and Chad Cowan are expected to contribute.
10. Red Bird (15-13) - The Cardinals don't have enough depth to win the region, but they can pull off an upset here or there ... just ask North Laurel.
The Cardinals return sharpshooter Derek Davis, and don't be surprised to see the senior lead the region in scoring this season.
11. Bell County Bobcats (25-6) - The Bobcats are in a rebuilding mode with Lewis Morris taking over for former coach Eddie Whitaker, but Bell County will still be a team to reckon with.
Shawnta Zachery returns along with his seven points per game scoring average, while Kyle Nelson, Spencer Greer, Chase Ely, George Wilson and Tyler Harbin also expecting to contribute.
If the Bobcats continue to advance in football, then look for Bell County to get off to a rough start.
12. Cawood Trojans (10-19) - Look for the Trojans to bounce back from the school's first losing season in over a decade. Adam Ryhmer (16.0 ppg) returns along with Josh Caldwell (11.6 ppg).
Brad Howard (2.8 ppg) is also expected to help out.
13. Lynn Camp Wildcats (13-13) - The region's leading scorer Craig Bargo is gone, but the cupboard isn't bare for Anthony Pennington's squad.
Jonah Mitchell (14.5 ppg) and Darick Knuckles (12.4 ppg) return, along with David Sizemore (10.5 ppg).
"My expectations are always high and the biggest things is that we've got to do things the right way," Pennington said. "This is my fifth year and we've came a long way since then, and I believe we've finally gained some respect along the way. We might not be the best team right now, but I can promise our fans that we're in better shape, we work harder and we've got tremendous character and I promise that. We'll just have to see how much we improve as the season goes progresses."
14. Barbourville Tigers (17-10) - Dinky Phipps' Tigers took a blow when Derek Vanover transferred, but with Cody Messer (16.6 ppg) and Garrett Clark (5.6 ppg) returning, Barbourville will still contend for a 51st District title.
"We lost Jerry Smith, Joe Napier, and then Derek Vanover transferred to Knox Central," Phipps said. "It is like starting over. We have Kevin Williamson, Cody Messer, Garrett Clark and some young kids coming back.
"Anytime you have a small school you are not going to have a big variety to choose from," he added. "We are just going to have the philosophy as we did every year. We are just going to work hard and see what comes at the end."
15. Whitley County Colonels (8-19) - Gone is Mike Deaton, and now Chris Baker takes over as head coach of the Colonels.
The Colonels return a solid core of players, and don't be surprised to see Whitley County move up in the rankings with players such as Jordan McCumbers (13.1 ppg), Jamie Lebanion (11.3 ppg) and Michael Crawford (11.0 ppg) returning.
"We would love to have a winning record, of course," Baker said. "We would like to compete night in and night out with the teams on our schedule. We have a tough schedule. For a team with a lack of experience our schedule gives us no breaks whatsoever. We are going to have to be prepared every night to play.
"The biggest thing is if we can teach these kids to compete through four quarters every night then the winning and losing will take care of itself," he added. "I expect us to play really hard and I expect us to be competitive at all times."
16. Williamsburg Yellow Jackets (5-22) - The Yellow Jackets have talent and will improve on last season's 5-22 season.
Aaron Cunningham (10.0 ppg) returns along with Jacob Teague (9.0 ppg) and Steven Taylor (7.6 ppg).
17. OBI Mountaineers (11-7) - The Mountaineers is a mysterious team in the region. They possess freshman Shawn Arthur (11.5 ppg) and 6-7 Mackey Moss (8.6 ppg).
You can't forget about newcomer 6-5 center Ben Early and then add 6-4 senior John Hensley (4.8 ppg) and you have a pretty nice-sized team.
18. Harlan Green Dragons (12-14) - With John Smith gone, the Green Dragons will be hard-placed to repeat last season's 12-win season.
Travis Harrison (7.8 ppg) is the team's top returning scorer.
19. Evarts Wildcats (3-21) - The Wildcats' lone starter returning is senior Travis Helton (7.2 ppg). Look for Evarts to struggle again.
13th Region Players to Watch
1. Josh Crawford, Corbin - Expect Crawford to dominate once he returns to the Redhound line-up after Christmas. He's a physical specimen.
2. Desmond Johnson, Cumberland - Johnson is a top-notch player and with the edition of Garfield Wilson, he's only going to be even better.
3. Josh Seidel, North Laurel - One of the most underrated players in region. Seidel is a solid scorer and he's a good defensive player.
4. Dustin Day, Pineville - Day's size will cause a lot of problems for opposing teams.
5. Cody Miller, Knox Central - Miller has the ability to take over games.
6. Nick Brumback, Jackson County - Brumback is another solid, low post player.
7. Madison Johnson, Corbin - Johnson's reputation as a clutch shooter grew after his shot against Bell County last season.
8. Garfield Wilson, Cumberland - He's an unknown, but look for him to dominate defensively.
9. Justin Hobbs, Clay County - Great shooter, who has the ability to take over games.
10. Matt St. John, South Laurel - Needs to step up if the Cardinals hope to contend in the region.
BY LES DIXON
The Corbin Times-Tribune
For the third consecutive year, a 50th District team finds itself atop the 13th Region rankings, but it's not the defending region champion South Laurel Cardinals.
After graduating a combined 60 points with the departure of Ty Proffitt, Jordan Hammonds and Trey Smith, the Cardinals will be hard-pressed to repeat the feats they have accomplished the past three years - a state championship, and two Elite Eight finishes.
This season, Tony Pietrowski's Corbin Redhounds are tagged as the region's top team, and deservedly so.
Corbin returns the region's top player in junior Josh Crawford, along with a solid supporting cast in Deke Barley, Aaron Manns, Josh Smith, Madison Johnson and Isaac Wilson.
Corbin found itself one game away from reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005.
This time around, the Redhounds might have just enough arsenal to make a return trip to the state tournament.
"We have set district champions and region champions as some of our major goals," Pietrowski said. "We have a long way to go before we can do that, but our kids are hungry and feel like with hard work they can reach those goals."
Despite seeing his team be rated No. 1 by many publications, Pietrwoski was quick to point out that they're other teams in the region that has the ability to the region title this season.
"South Laurel will be much better than most give them credit for," he said. "They were extremely deep and even with the lose of the Hammonds, Proffit, and Smith, they are very good.
"Cumberland has a lot of talent, and seems to be very hungry with this being their schools last year," Pietrowski added. "Teams like Pineville, Jackson, Knox Central are all very well coached and extremely talented. The region is very open in my opinion."
The big question for the Redhounds will be when Crawford will return to the team after having surgery close to the end of summer.
It is expected that the junior forward will be back in action after Christmas.
"We are unsure at this time when we will have Josh Crawford, so we will have to adjust somewhat to playing without him," Pietrowski said. "Right now, we are focusing on doing things the right way, playing hard and getting better each time we walk on the floor. If we can accomplish that, then we will have a good chance to be where we want come seasons end."
Another team to look out for is the Cumberland Redskins, who posted a 21-11 record last season.
The Redskins took eventual region champion South Laurel to the final buzzer in the region semifinals, while capturing the All-A 13th Region crown.
Desmond Johnson (12.6 points per game) is the Redskins main player, but you can't forget about guard Brock Leisge (12.2 ppg) and Brooks Hogue (9.6 ppg).
Another key player for Cumberland will be North Carolina transfer Garfield Wilson, who will start at center for the Redskins.
He will provide Cumberland another solid player in the post area, along with some more size.
"We're really happy to get the recognition," Cumberland coach Jerry Edwards said. "But, we still have to prove it on the court.
"You can say all you want to about a team and just how good they are, but we still have to win games," he added. "The big thing is that we still have to prove we belong as one of the top teams."
Edwards said he expects a handful of teams to compete for the regional crown.
"I see Corbin, Pineville, Jackson County, South Laurel and Knox Central as teams that can win it," he said. "You can't overlook South Laurel, that's for sure."
Another team you can't overlook is Brandon Elam's Knox Central Panthers could turn out to be the surprise team in the region.
After posting a 14-14 record last year, the Panthers are ready to make a run at a district and regional crown.
Returning for Elam's squad is one of the best players in the region in Cody Miller (19.8 ppg). He's a versatile player that has the ability to take over games, while Cory Williamson (11.0 ppg) and Jacob Scalf (10.2 ppg) provide a solid one-two punch, as well.
The Panthers will also have another solid scorer in Derek Vanover, who averaged 12 points a contest for Barbourville last season.
Pineville returns four starters from last season's 51st District championhip squad, and also has enough firepower to make a a run at a region championship.
The Mountain Lions return the top center in the region with 6-foot-6 Daniel Day patrolling things in the post.
Day (20.0 ppg) is the region's top returning center and will be joined by James David Strange (16.4 ppg) and Dustin Warren (10.1 ppg).
Many believe Steve Wright's Cardinals will be in a rebuilding mode this season, but with players such as Matt St. John (5.7) returning, along with Matthew Gilbert (3.9 ppg), Jordan Bortnem (3.9) and Billy Jones (set out last season with an injury) the Cardinals might just have a say on who will be reaching Rupp Arena in March.
"We expect to compete for the region, just like we do every season," Wright said. "Hopefully, we can have a good season and be in position to do that by the time postseason arrives. We will have to dissect the season piece by piece and try to be a good enough team in January to play with the best of our region."
South Laurel won't enter the season with a lofty state preseason ranking, but Wright likes what his team returns.
"Over the last three years, we have graduated 16 players," Wright said. "We have some kids returning with some experience, but we have a lot of kids that have been around winning teams and have been around our program and you have to love that.
"When you graduate the kids we have in the past three years and in a lot of aspects, if you really had a down year, you would understand, but I don't think we're going to do that," he added. "Every team in the country graduates good players every season and we are no different, so we have to deal with it just like they do."
Following South Laurel will be JIm Conway's North Laurel Jaguars.
The Jaguars went through some trying times last season, but with Josh Seidel (17.4 ppg) returning along with fellow guard Nick Shannon (15.9 ppg), North Laurel looks to contend as well.
Newcomer Rasheed Houston will also be a big help for the Jaguars this season.
"We definitely aren't picked to be a favorite," Conway said. "I guess time will tell the story though and I hope for our student-athletes, our fans, our school, and all of the North Laurel Boy's basketball supporters that the story has a happy ending.
"My team has taken a "Family" motto this year and is ready to show what they are made of night in and night out," he added. "If they can continue to hold onto this all year long, then they will do great things this season.
The saying is "blood is thicker than water." I have no doubt in my mind that they will prove this saying is true. We want to show London, the 13th Region, and the state, that we have a team that will play your tail off."
Following North Laurel will be another 49th District team in the Clay County Tigers.
The Tigers posted a 20-9 record last season under then-first year coach Kevin Spurlock.
Look for the Tigers to be much-improved this season with sharpshooter Justin Hobbs (12.6 ppg) returning, along with Zach Lewis (11.7 ppg) and D.J. Wilson (6.6 ppg).
Just how tough will the 49th District be this season?
The region's No. 8 rated team could has enough talent to win the regional tournament come March.
Despite putting together an up-and-down campaign last year, the Generals still managed to go 15-13.
With senior Nick Brumback returning along with his 15.5 points per game average, Jackson County is a team you can't overlook.
Middlesboro could be the surprise team in the region.
The Yellow Jackets can score with the best of them, but they are coming off a dismal 11-18 campaign.
Returning for Middlesboro is Daniel Griffin (14.1 ppg) along with Nick Smith (12.7 ppg).
Red Bird rounds out the top 10 after making a surprise trip to the 13th Region Tournament last season.
The Cardinals could play a spoiler role again with one of the region's top shooters returning in Derek Davis (20.3 ppg).
13th Region Preseason Rankings
1. Corbin Redhounds (24-8) - The Redhounds were a Ty Proffitt missed shot away from maybe reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005.
This season, Corbin has the talent to reach Rupp Arena.
The Redhounds might start off slow with Josh Crawford until Christmas, but by the time March rolls around, Corbin will be hard to beat.
"We are extremely hungry," Corbin coach Tony Pietrowski said. "Our team feels they have a lot of unfinished business. We had a great year last year, but didn't get a lot of things done we would have like to have got done.
"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves," he added. "We have set a variety of goals that will lead us to seasons end. We hope that by that time we are playing our best basketball. I think most people expect us to be a regional contender."
With players such as Madison Johnson, Aaron Manns, Deke Barley, Josh Smith and Isaac Wilson returning, the sky is the limit for Corbin.
2. Cumberland Redskins (21-11) - Cumberland is another team you have to watch out for. The Redskins already possess one of the top post players in the region in Desmond Johnson and now add transfer Garfield Wilson to the mix, and it's quite possible that Cumberland will be representing the 13th Region at Rupp Arena in March.
"Garfield will be a great addition to our team," Cumberland coach Jerry Edwards said. "He's a big, inside player that gives us more muscle and will allow us to be very strong in the post.
"Now, I believe we have good size with him and Desmond, and I believe they'll both be forces to deal with," he added. "It's going to be very big for us to have a one-two punch like that. They give us a big scoring threat, and that's a big plus."
You can't forget about Brock Leisge or Brooks Hogue either. Those two combined averaged 21.8 points last season. Zach Blanton, Logan Early and Paul Creech will also provide depth for Edwards' squad.
3. Knox Central Panthers (14-14) - The Panthers might only have went 14-14 last season, but Brandon Elam's squad has enough talent to win the region.
With Cody Miller returning, along with Jacob Scalf and Cory Williamson, Knox Central is a dangerous team. You can't forget about Seth Bingham, Cory Smith, Josh Brown, Chad Messer or Tony Mills, either.
The big factor in the Panthers' season could be transfer Derek Vanover. The big question is if and when he will be eligible to play.
"We are not a young team this year," Elam said. "A couple of years ago, I made the decision to throw a bunch of freshmen and eighth-graders to the fire and let them play. That was two years ago, when I done that. Last year we came back and finished 14-14 and very easily could have had 20 or 22 wins on that season.
"We gave a couple of games away and our immaturity showed," he added. "We are not an immature basketball team anymore. We are a veteran strong basketball team and that don't mean seniors. These guys have as much experience as anybody. There are no excuses for us this year. It is time for us to step up and play."
4. Pineville Mountain Lions (16-12) - The Mountain Lions got off to a 5-9 start, but turned things around late in the season by going 11-3.
The key to Pineville's success will be Daniel Day and guard James Strange.
The Mountain Lions will also look for Dustin Warren, Jared Leffey and Will Lambin to help out.
5. South Laurel Cardinals (29-6) - The South Laurel Cardinals have won two consecutive 13th Region crowns, while posting an impressive 31-0 record against 13th Region teams in the process.
Steve Wright's squad will be hard-presses to repeat the feat this season with Ty Proffitt, Trey Smith and Jordan Hammonds graduation from last season's Elite Eight squad.
The cupboard isn't bare, though.
Matt St. John returns, along with Billy Jones and Matt Gilbert.
The Cardinals might start the season off slow, but will be dangerous as the season progresses.
6. North Laurel Jaguars (11-17) - It looks as if the Jaguars have put last season's fiasco behind them, and North Laurel looks to be a team that can compete for a region crown.
The Jaguars return one of the most underrated players in the region in Josh Seidel, and look for him to put together another solid campaign, along with Nick Shannon.
North Laurel coach Jim Conway believes returning six seniors and three starters will be a big plus for this year's version of the Jaguars.
"I have my entire team back from last year plus an addition of a few by the way of new kids who has moved in," he said. "I will have six seniors on this year's team of which three who were starters last season. I think my players have a lot to prove and they use that as motivation everyday. I'm really excited about this year's team and am looking forward to a great year.
7. Clay County Tigers (20-9) - This is a guarantee. The Tigers will improve on last season's 20-9 record. The key for Clay County to be successful will be the play of Justin Hobbs, Zach Lewis and D.J. Wilson.
8. Jackson County Generals (15-13) - The Generals could move way up this list by the end of the season. But then again, if they continue to struggle like they did last season, Jackson County could underachieve again.
If Nick Brumback can get some help, then the Generals could be another dangerous team.
9. Middlesboro Yellow Jackets (11-18) - The Yellow Jackets have a shot to make some noise this season.
The Yellow Jackets ranked sixth in the region in scoring (65.6 ppg) last season, and with Daniel griffin and Nick Smith returning, along with Blaine Green's 10.9 points per game average, Middlesboro can shock some teams.
The Yellow Jackets have size in 6-5 center Will Harrison, while Antwan Brown, Eddie Gilbert and Chad Cowan are expected to contribute.
10. Red Bird (15-13) - The Cardinals don't have enough depth to win the region, but they can pull off an upset here or there ... just ask North Laurel.
The Cardinals return sharpshooter Derek Davis, and don't be surprised to see the senior lead the region in scoring this season.
11. Bell County Bobcats (25-6) - The Bobcats are in a rebuilding mode with Lewis Morris taking over for former coach Eddie Whitaker, but Bell County will still be a team to reckon with.
Shawnta Zachery returns along with his seven points per game scoring average, while Kyle Nelson, Spencer Greer, Chase Ely, George Wilson and Tyler Harbin also expecting to contribute.
If the Bobcats continue to advance in football, then look for Bell County to get off to a rough start.
12. Cawood Trojans (10-19) - Look for the Trojans to bounce back from the school's first losing season in over a decade. Adam Ryhmer (16.0 ppg) returns along with Josh Caldwell (11.6 ppg).
Brad Howard (2.8 ppg) is also expected to help out.
13. Lynn Camp Wildcats (13-13) - The region's leading scorer Craig Bargo is gone, but the cupboard isn't bare for Anthony Pennington's squad.
Jonah Mitchell (14.5 ppg) and Darick Knuckles (12.4 ppg) return, along with David Sizemore (10.5 ppg).
"My expectations are always high and the biggest things is that we've got to do things the right way," Pennington said. "This is my fifth year and we've came a long way since then, and I believe we've finally gained some respect along the way. We might not be the best team right now, but I can promise our fans that we're in better shape, we work harder and we've got tremendous character and I promise that. We'll just have to see how much we improve as the season goes progresses."
14. Barbourville Tigers (17-10) - Dinky Phipps' Tigers took a blow when Derek Vanover transferred, but with Cody Messer (16.6 ppg) and Garrett Clark (5.6 ppg) returning, Barbourville will still contend for a 51st District title.
"We lost Jerry Smith, Joe Napier, and then Derek Vanover transferred to Knox Central," Phipps said. "It is like starting over. We have Kevin Williamson, Cody Messer, Garrett Clark and some young kids coming back.
"Anytime you have a small school you are not going to have a big variety to choose from," he added. "We are just going to have the philosophy as we did every year. We are just going to work hard and see what comes at the end."
15. Whitley County Colonels (8-19) - Gone is Mike Deaton, and now Chris Baker takes over as head coach of the Colonels.
The Colonels return a solid core of players, and don't be surprised to see Whitley County move up in the rankings with players such as Jordan McCumbers (13.1 ppg), Jamie Lebanion (11.3 ppg) and Michael Crawford (11.0 ppg) returning.
"We would love to have a winning record, of course," Baker said. "We would like to compete night in and night out with the teams on our schedule. We have a tough schedule. For a team with a lack of experience our schedule gives us no breaks whatsoever. We are going to have to be prepared every night to play.
"The biggest thing is if we can teach these kids to compete through four quarters every night then the winning and losing will take care of itself," he added. "I expect us to play really hard and I expect us to be competitive at all times."
16. Williamsburg Yellow Jackets (5-22) - The Yellow Jackets have talent and will improve on last season's 5-22 season.
Aaron Cunningham (10.0 ppg) returns along with Jacob Teague (9.0 ppg) and Steven Taylor (7.6 ppg).
17. OBI Mountaineers (11-7) - The Mountaineers is a mysterious team in the region. They possess freshman Shawn Arthur (11.5 ppg) and 6-7 Mackey Moss (8.6 ppg).
You can't forget about newcomer 6-5 center Ben Early and then add 6-4 senior John Hensley (4.8 ppg) and you have a pretty nice-sized team.
18. Harlan Green Dragons (12-14) - With John Smith gone, the Green Dragons will be hard-placed to repeat last season's 12-win season.
Travis Harrison (7.8 ppg) is the team's top returning scorer.
19. Evarts Wildcats (3-21) - The Wildcats' lone starter returning is senior Travis Helton (7.2 ppg). Look for Evarts to struggle again.
13th Region Players to Watch
1. Josh Crawford, Corbin - Expect Crawford to dominate once he returns to the Redhound line-up after Christmas. He's a physical specimen.
2. Desmond Johnson, Cumberland - Johnson is a top-notch player and with the edition of Garfield Wilson, he's only going to be even better.
3. Josh Seidel, North Laurel - One of the most underrated players in region. Seidel is a solid scorer and he's a good defensive player.
4. Dustin Day, Pineville - Day's size will cause a lot of problems for opposing teams.
5. Cody Miller, Knox Central - Miller has the ability to take over games.
6. Nick Brumback, Jackson County - Brumback is another solid, low post player.
7. Madison Johnson, Corbin - Johnson's reputation as a clutch shooter grew after his shot against Bell County last season.
8. Garfield Wilson, Cumberland - He's an unknown, but look for him to dominate defensively.
9. Justin Hobbs, Clay County - Great shooter, who has the ability to take over games.
10. Matt St. John, South Laurel - Needs to step up if the Cardinals hope to contend in the region.