[Olred]

I think this ranking is very good and well thought out. Here is a few of my opinions...

1. Harlan is very good but I never see them change or adapt in a game. I watched three of the bell and Harlan games and not muched changed in what they tried to do. Brock is my favorite player to watch. Pure joy to see her with her ability and skill. North Laurel did beat Harlan without Norths PG but Harlan beat which north couldn't do. That is why I will go harlan 1.

2. North Laurel much improved, well coached, but consistency was an issue. They start two FR and that could have been a reason why but I think it comes down to no real leader on the team. Bruner, Lawson, and Sheppard is a very athletic bunch and they have some special young kids who may challenge even those three for playing time. They will be very deep next year and I could see them winning it all, but the lack of a leader scares me. They are my pick for next year but will start at the two spot.

3. Whitley this could depend on what I was hearing today though. I heard some kids might be leaving or just focusing on other sports next season. If not and estes comes back from her knee injury I could see them being very competitive still. Whitley was good defensively this year but struggled to score and now you take Dingess and jones out and that could cause even more offensive struggles. I have them 3 but they could fall quickly.

4. Corbin and yes I'm biased. I know what we lose but I still think our guard play and jmac will keep us very competitive. Rebounding will be a concern. Especially for a team that likes to run we will really need to improve our rebounding next season.

5 Harlan county WOW, they should have been in the top three all of this year but it never came together. I believe the same problems that kept them from success this year will continue next. If they can come together with that young talent and play as a TEAM, they could win the region.

6. Clay will be interesting. I think talent wise they may even be below this but EVERY time I have counted them out they have surprised me. Burchell is the best system guy I have seen in some year around here and if he can get the pieces to fit they will still compete.

7. South Laurel at seven is probably my biggest "going out on a limb" pick but let me explain. I think they over scheduled for this years team and to be honest I think coach Snyder would not bench some of her older kids for the better young ones. I think some speed and athleticism will be playing next year and they will be improved. However, I will say that just some of what I'm hearing on the outside is many are losing interest in playing and if they don't turn some things around this coming year south may not turn it around for awhile as many kids will just focus on other sports or could leave. It's been 4 straight years not getting out of the district and finishing under .500. Neither corbin or Whitley will be much more talented than them so they can't be an excuse.

8 Bell county will not fall off the face of the earth but it will take some time to adjust to basketball after Morris. Sanders was also one of the headiest players in the region and could flat out shoot to. May move up through the year but it will take some time.

9. Knox Central was improved this year and Wendi messer did a great job. She dummied down the schedule and built confidence which was a big first step with a young team. She will need to keep it together which has been an issue with Knox in the past. Keep this core together and they could be competing very soon.

10 OBI kehler has been pretty good but the improvement of booher has been the difference maker. Decker who was a renta player as she only played half of the season after transferring was VERY good and graduates but she has a sister who is in 8th grade this year and as a FR next year will be able to contribute.

Very few differences from your list Van Hager.