Thirteenth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. South Laurel
2. Bell County
3. Jackson County
4. Pineville
5. Corbin
6. Cumberland
7. Clay County
8. Harlan
9. North Laurel
10. Barbourville
11. Cawood
12. Knox Central
13. Middlesboro
14. Oneida Baptist
15. Lynn Camp
16. Whitley County
17. Williamsburg
18. Red Bird
19. Evarts

Three Things To Watch...
--Everyone makes a huge case about how South Laurel has this region under their belt already, but I'm not quite so sure. Remember, Barbourville came within a point last year of defeating the Cardinals in the regional championship. And with Mr. Basketball Walt Allen gone, people shouldn't write in South Laurel for the Sweet 16 just quite yet. Of course, the guard combo of Ty Proffitt (heading to Notre Dame) and Jordan Hammonds will be difficult to stop, but I've seen stranger things happen.

--Two teams seem to be worthy challengers of South Laurel at the preseason stage, or, at least, don't seem to be automatic 30-point wins in the eyes of the Cardinals. Bell County, after a solid 22-8 season, will look to a pair of Whitakers, senior Ryan and freshman Josh, to challenge South Laurel for regional supremacy. Also, keep an eye on Jackson County, but not only for this season. The Generals boast five juniors who can play, led by big man Nick Brumback. If Jackson County doesn't challenge might South Laurel this season, then perhaps they will next.

--Barbourville, which came oh so close last season to upsetting South Laurel and making the state tournament, will have to regroup after losing over 50 ppg to graduation. It may be a down year for the Tigers, but expect their performance at the end of last season to only build their confidence as they gain experience this year.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--December 7th: Bell County @ Corbin
--December 8th: North Laurel @ South Laurel
--December 8th: Pineville @ Cawood
--December 12th: Cumberland @ Harlan
--December 15th: South Laurel @ Corbin

Last Year...
Regional Champion: South Laurel
Regional Runner-Up: Barbourville
Regional Semi-Finalists: North Laurel, Clay County