1. Harlan (11-2, 2-0)
The Green Dragons are red-hot, and can flat out play. They’ve proven they can beat the best after defeating last season’s 14th Region, 15th Region, and 16th Region champions.
Harlan will be favored to bring home another 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic championship once the tournament tips off Saturday at Barbourville.
2. Harlan County (10-3, 1-0)
We expected the Black Bears to be in this position, and here they are. Harlan County’s three losses have come against quality teams.
They’ve got two good tests coming up against South Laurel, and St. Henry.
3. North Laurel (8-6, 2-0)
The defending 13th Region champions have played the toughest skate in the region, and could very well be the toughest skate in the state so far.
It hasn’t helped that the Jaguars have been without Gavin Chadwell for the past three weeks combined with injuries to Ryan Davidson, and Colton Rawlings, who is now in the starting lineup again.
North Laurel is 3-6 during its last nine games, and ranks fifth in the region of you go by the latest RPI.
After a road game against Clay County on Friday, the Jaguars will face off against Lyon County, and then Maryland’s Mount St. Joseph.
4. South Laurel (10-3, 2-2)
The Cardinals are red-hot, and winners of eight straight after winning two holiday tournaments this past week.
They’ve shown they’re the best defensive team in the region, and now they’ll be tested once again on the road this week against No. 2 Harlan County. South Laurel is 0-2 (losses to Harlan, and North Laurel) against some of the top teams in the region.
5. Corbin (7-2, 3-0)
Just how good are the teams in the 13th Region? Well, considering the fact the Redhounds are rolling, and win the Cumberland Falls Invitational but yet are ranked No. 5.
Corbin is easily the most dangerous team in the region. They haven’t even played/practices together for a month, and they’ve beaten a team the caliber of Knoxville Catholic.
The Redhounds will be tested the next three games with Danville Christian, Louisville Trinity, and South Laurel on the slate.
6. Whitley County (8-4, 3-0)
Coach Eric Swords has worked hard to turn the Colonels into district, and regional contenders, and he’s done a fantastic job.
Whitley County is 2-3 during its past five games but is heading in the right direction.
7. Barbourville (8-5, 5-0)
Coach Chris Taylor is another coach that’s done a fantastic job this season. What’s really impressive with the Tigers is their unblemished 5-0 record against regional teams.
Keep an eye on Barbourville during the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament beginning this Saturday. Harlan is the favorite but the Tigers could surprise.
8. Williamsburg (7-5, 4-3)
Coach Anthony Hibbard has turned the Yellow Jackets into one of the funnest teams to watch with their run and gun style of play.
Jerrod Roark has displayed his talents throughout the season, and has to be considered one of the top players in the region.
9. (Tie) Clay County (6-3, 3-1)
The Tigers have quietly put together a four-game win streak. They have some big games coming up against Barbourville, North Laurel, and Harlan County.
9. (Tie) Pineville (8-3, 1-1)
Brad Levy and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job in turning the Mountain Lions into a contender. We know we mentioned Harlan, Barbourville, and Williamsburg as front runners for the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament but you can’t leave out Pineville or even Jackson County.
