[RunItUpTheGut]

I would slightly disagree with that statement simply because the 13th Region Tournament draw has so much to do with how the tournament plays out. It's very possible even if Whitley and Clay win their district that they'll get paired on the same side of the bracket. Then, of course, I guess you could argue that "everyone would be playing for 2nd" in that scenario.

Furthermore, I would go as far as saying guarantee neither Clay nor Whitley would want to draw the 52nd District runner-up in Round 1 regardless if it's Harlan Co., Harlan, or Bell Co.

I've sung the praises of Whitley Co. and Coach Anderson all year but I have to bring this up simply because it's factual. Whitley Co. has defeated Harlan soundly, Harlan Co. soundly, and played Clay Co. within four. I agree that they are sensational, and again, don't take this personal because, with the right draw, I could easily see them winning the 13th Region Tournament. However, I have to say that all three of those games were at home. Out of the top 4 in the region, Whitley has played the other three zero times on the road. That worries me a little bit moving forward. Who's to say that Harlan Co. may not beat Whitley by 13 at home just as Whitley did last Friday? Whitley did play Clay to a four point game, but Harlan Co. played them to a four point game AT Clay.

Now, I'm certainly not bringing this up to debate, my only point is that I still don't think you can ride off Harlan Co. and Harlan just because you defeated them at home. I still think that when it's all said and done, it will be Harlan vs. Clay Co. in one semifinal with Harlan Co. and Whitley Co. in the other. The difference is, unlike years previous, I wouldn't be surprised in that scenario for any four teams to win two in a row and head to Bowling Green!

Very valid points.
Good post.