[Truth]

To your two regions, I would add the 11th Region, the 9th Region (most years), and probably a few more. The 16th Region is not considered a strong region by most unbiased observers.

The Ashland tournament, like most others, pairs in an effort to assist the local school. They also don't play any other local team in the first round. They play the weakest of the out of area schools. There is nothing wrong with that because it helps insure a crowd and everyone knows it is done that way. Russell appears to have a good bit stronger opponent in the first round than does Ashland.

Fleming County plays a stronger overall schedule than does Russell or Ashland. That will help them at tournament time. Still, it is highly unlikely that any of them will be ready for the better teams in the state.