[TriCountySports]

Harlan County is ahead of the pack because they pass the "eye test" right now. Pineville and LCC arent the best measuring sticks, but this team played very well this summer. If im not mistaken, they beat Johnson Central and Cordia among others. You are really underestimating this team. Like I said, they have experience in the junior class. They have size with Caldwell, Lee, and Massey. Caldwell is as skilled a player at his size as there is around here. He plays inside or out, handles the ball and makes plays. Massey mans the paint, rebounds, and plays great post D. They are the best shooting team in the distrcit as well...period. Dont even try to argue that point. They have 6 guys that can shoot the three effectively. The difference tho will be guard play, and Harlan county has plenty of that. Great ball handling team!!

I agree with you on this point. They certainly pass the eye test. Also, they have a great coaching staff and kids who have had success at the JV and middle school levels. Now, I don't put as much stock into that as others, but they know how to play. They aren't the best team in the region, but they are the best in their district.

I rank Middlesboro ahead of harlan simply because Harlan's youth in the backcourt will be too much to overcome. I think they turned it over 20 plus times last night. That will not get it done. Foister at middlesboro will be a steady hand in the backcourt, and that means something on all levels. Now with that said, if Harlan's guards mature and start handling the ball with more consistency then maybe they become legit.

Middlesboro lost by 50+ points to Jackson Co and barely beat OBI. I have no confidence in them, at this point, despite having Foister and Poindexter. I think Harlan and Bell are both better than the Jackets, up to now.