WEEK EIGHT RANKINGS
1. Whitley County (28-3)
The Colonels just win. They’ve had win streaks of nine, eight, seven (current), and four.
They’re one of the best hitting teams in the state, and just take a look at their pitching: Mason Croley has 10 wins, Braydn Bargo has eight wins, and Grant Zehr has six wins. And oh yeah, each of the their ERAs are below 2.00.
2. Corbin (19-9)
The Redhounds continue to be Whitley County’s main threat, but teams like North Laurel, and South Laurel aren’t far behind.
Corbin picked up a big win Friday night, and will look to continue its recent success this week against Wayne County, Pulaski County, Madison Southern, and North Laurel.
3. North Laurel (16-12)
The Jaguars are winners of seven of their last eight games. They’re a team to keep an eye on once postseason play begins. Their pitching continues to improve along with their hitting.
4. Clay County (15-10-1)
The Tigers suffered a 12-2 setback to Corbin, but responded like good teams do by defeating Knox Central, and Middlesboro in close battles.
5. South Laurel (17-14)
The Cardinals have been hard to figure out at times. Just when you think they’re going to get on a roll, they hit a bump or two. But guess what? Here they are again, looking pretty darn good heading into the last week of regular season play.
6. Knox Central (12-10)
The Panthers continue to improve, and could be a dangerous team to play, if they can reach the 13th Region Tournament.
7. Harlan County (14-11)
The Black Bears are another team that has been hard for us to figure out. They’ve got a big win over Clay County, and two wins last week against Middlesboro. It’s gonna be interesting to see how the last week of regular season play pans out with games against Whitley County, Jackson County, and Williamsburg.
8. Williamsburg (13-13)
Coach Bryan Hopkins has done a fantastic job with his team. When the 2006 realignment took place, it did no favors for Williamsburg. I’ll be the first to say it. The Yellow Jackets are a good team, but being in the 50th District is hard for them to find a path to regional tournament play. Hopefully, someday they’ll be another realignment that moves Williamsburg in a district with more Class A teams.
9. Middlesboro (10-9)
The Yellow Jackets had Clay County on the ropes before dropping a 12-11 decision to the Tigers. Don’t be fooled, in a one-game elimination matchup, Middlesboro is good enough to beat anyone.
10. Jackson County (7-11)
The only team the Generals have beaten since April 24 is Berea, and they’ve beaten the Pirates twice. They have a chance to make some noice this week with games against South Laurel, Harlan County, and Whitley County.
