1. North Laurel (3-0 overall, 0-0 vs. 13th Region competition)
The Jaguars are off and running.
The addition of Gavin Chadwell has been huge. North Laurel is now a dominant force rebounding the ball, and is even better on defense.
Reed Sheppard continues to shine, and scored his 3,000th point last Saturday while Ryan Davidson continues to dominate.
2. Harlan County (2-0, 0-0)
The Black Bears are averaging 84 points per game thanks to an offense that consists of Trent Noah, Maddox Huff, Jordan Swanner, and Daniel Carmical.
This team is going to be a tough out the entire season.
3. Corbin (0-0, 0-0)
The Redhounds haven’t played a game yet due to most of their players participating in the football team.
Look for Corbin to get off to a slow start but by season’s end, be one of the best teams in the region.
4. Harlan (2-0, 1-0)
The Green Dragons handed South Laurel a loss to begin the season, and followed with an 81-79 victory over West Jessamine.
Everyone needs to keep an eye on Harlan, this team is better than what most people thought.
5. South Laurel (1-1, 0-1)
The Cardinals suffered their first ever loss to Harlan in more than 20 years to Harlan to begin the season before cruising past McCreary Central on Saturday.
South Laurel will be another team that will get better as the season progresses.
Best of the rest
6. Whitley County (1-1, 0-0)
The Colonels started the season off with an 81-61 win over Campbell County, Tennessee before falling to Hazard.
7. Bell County (0-1, 0-0)
The Bobcats are going to experience some growing pains but look for Brad Sizemore to be much-improved as the season progresses.
8. Barbourville (0-1)
The Tigers took one on the chin against Hazard, but I still expect to see big things out of Barbourville.
9. Clay County (1-1)
Keep an eye on the Tigers. I really like this team. Glenn Gray’s squad will surprise this season.
10. Williamsburg (1-0, 1-0)
The Yellow Jackets got a big win during coach Anthony Hibbard’s first game leading Williamsburg.
This team will be fun to watch this season.
