[WILDCAT NATION]

Ashland has established themselves as the clear frontrunners in this region. They have impressive double digit wins over Lewis, Raceland, Capital (WV), and Greenup. The show they put on at times against Capital (WV) and Greenup makes me think they may need to be ranked in the top 20 statewide. They are the real deal this year.

Boyd is the other team that can contend for the region. Their leading scorer is Gunner Short, a senior transfer from Fairland (OH) who might be capable of leading them to the title. They were a good team already, but now that they got the new guy, it might put them over the top. The Boyd-Ashland games this year will definitely be ones to watch as both teams have the talent to put some real fire back into this longtime rivalry.

I'd say the top player in this region is either Chase Villers from Ashland or Short from Boyd.

The rest of the region is mostly a jumble of teams that beat each other on any given night. Lewis, Morgan, Menifee, Greenup, Raceland, Rowan, Bath, Elliott, and East are all fairly even. I understand what you are saying about Menifee and Barnett. They have looked good so far. They just don't play Ashland or Boyd at all this season so I won't know for sure how they stack up until they play them.

TIER 1 - Ashland

TIER 2 - Boyd

TIER 3 - Lewis, Morgan, Menifee, Greenup, Raceland, Rowan, Bath, Elliott, East

TIER 4 - West, Fairview, Russell, Fleming

TIER 5 - Rose Hill

I like the breakdown and agree but may just go with 3 tiers: Ashland and Boyd in #1, Tier #3 is #2, and all the rest in #3.

Your tier #3 is divided equally 3 teams per district that I agree are all a toss up. Who doesn't make the region?

61st - Bath, Menifee, Rowan, Fleming (Fleming hosts)
62nd - Morgan, Elliott, East, West (Morgan hosts)
63rd - Greenup, Lewis, Raceland, Russell (Russell hosts)

Greenup is #1 right now and handled Russell without their leading scorer at Russell already this season.
Morgan looks to be #1 right now and hosts. They are TOUGH to beat in West Liberty.
Menifee is 3-0 in district and would be #1 right now but may have to face the host Fleming. Menifee won 74-72 last week in Flemingsburg and Barnett had 30. That one could be an interesting 1-4 matchup.