[Matney's Prodigey]

If you rank the top three teams it should include in some order these three:

1. Pike Central: The most consitent team in the region all year long. They have their Stud Lowe who is capable of dominating a game in this regiona any time he steps on the floor. Good supporting cast makes PCC a favorite heading into the post season run.
PCC is a team that relies mainly on one scoring threat and then a group of players to contribute evenly. If Lowe was to get in foul trouble or be boggled down PCC and David Rowe might be watching the rest of the tournament.

2. Belfry: The Pirates have the best athlete in the region in Matt Maynard and one of the streakiest shooters in the region in Case. Their guard play is enough to topple anyone in the 15th on any given night. If they can keep their heads they will be a tough task for anyone to overcome when the smoke clears.
The Pirates biggest weakness is their lack of an inside game and themselves. They depend heavily on their guards to produce points and if they struggle or get in foul trouble they could be posied to fall. They also have some internal problems, but that could be straightened out when it comes down to tournament time.

3. Paintsville: Yes thats right the Tigers that everyone expected to see all pre-season have finally showed up. Potentially the best team in the region. Slone is the real deal and possibly the best all around player in the region. Vanhoose, Pugh, Bundy, and whoever that coach is over there now (LOL) make Paintsville a serious contender to come away with the nets when it is all over.
The Tigers biggest set back is a lack of size. They depend on their athletes to rebound and a team that can control the glass can cuase them problems. They also play in the most balanced district in the region and will have to fight to make it out alive.

There are alot of other teams on the outside looking in that could topple any of these teams on any night. South Floyd, Johnson Central, Prestonsburg, Sheldon Clark, Lawrence County, Shelby Valley, and possibly even East Ridge could pose threats when it all is settled. Betsy Lane has been playing better as has Allan Central. Pikeville has put together some wins as well. So it is all up for grabs but these 3 teams have seperated from the rest of the pack as of now in my eyes, but the regional tournamnet is not being held today now is it.........