And finally...

First, some of last night's action...

--Apollo d. University Heights 67-54
--Leslie County d. Pikeville 56-55
--Shelby Valley d. Pineville 70-63

Now, here's a look at what's happening in regions 13-16...

13th Region
The obvious pick is South Laurel, but by the numbers, several other teams have played well to start the season. Most impressive has been Bell County, which has raced out to a 10-1 mark with four district wins under its belt already. Jackson County also carries an undefeated region mark at 6-0 despite having an losing record in an overall sense. Cumberland, Corbin and Clay County also figure to be a part of the puzzle as the season rolls along. But the Cardinals, the 2005 state champions, remain the overwhelming favorite.

14th Region
Early this season, many figured this region to be a three-horse race between Hazard, Perry County Central and surging June Buchanan. Silly of me to outrule Breathitt County, which is only a two-point loss to Hazard away from an undefeated record. Hazard, meanwhile, has played very well against tough competition; a win over Madison Central might make this team the favorite by default. But both Perry Central and June Buchanan sit in good shape, and Powell County may have what it takes to make a run as well.

15th Region
Simply put, Johnson Central has been disappointing, as the Golden Eagles sit at 5-9 with a 3-3 record in regional play. Meanwhile, rival Paintsville has held serve, but several other teams threaten to take the Tigers down. Shelby Valley owns a gaudy 13-1 record, which includes a win over Bell County. Belfry looks like their football team with a nice 11-4 mark. Allen Central and Phelps could both surprise. And never discount Pikeville, which has only played three regional games to this point, winning two.

16th Region
The rise of Rose Hill Christian from the ashes serves as the top story from this region. The Royals are 11-2 with five wins in region play, and look to only improve as the season progresses. But Russell and Ashland Blazer, who are a combined 12-2 in 16th region games, might still be the favorites in this region. Elliott County, my pick to win the 16th, has disappointed but also hasn't played an out-of-region team. Three other country schools (Rowan, Boyd, Greenup) may be teams to watch in postseason play as well.

And now, at last, let us look ahead...tonight...

Louisville Invitational Tournament
--Ballard vs. Fairdale
--Bryan Station vs. Eastern
--Doss vs. Jeffersontown
--Male vs. Warren Central

WYMT Invitational Tournament
--Hazard vs. June Buchanan
--Perry County Central vs. Bell County

Also...
--Covington Catholic @ Boone County
The top two teams in the 9th region, by record at least, square off tonight.

--Hopkinsville @ Christian County
The Tigers are surging, but the Colonels remain a favorite in the 12th district.

--Bowling Green @ Greenwood
The Gators look to recover from a tough loss to Russell County on Tuesday night.

--Lafayette @ Lexington Catholic
Nothing is predictable in Lexington basketball, so expect a great game tonight here.

--Henry County @ Owen County
Two sleepers in the 8th region battle it out tonight in Owenton.

--Mason County @ Scott County
I don't think I'm the only one interested in this result.

--McCreary Central @ Southwestern
In the wild and wacky 12th region, this one will go a long way in determining who the real favorite may be.