[Leaping Lee]

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.

Truth, nobody is saying the 16th region one of the stronger regions in the state but to act like they are bottom feeders is simply foolish when you consider the recent success the region has enjoyed in Lexington. Granted from top to bottom it isn't in the same ballpark as the 6th, 7th, or 11th regions. But in most years the 16th stacks up will with most of the rest of the state.

As for Flemings schedule, if they are the best team and they play the toughest schedule and as you say it won't help them then what's matter who any of them play?