[Rollo14]

North has to be the favorite because of their history and they return a number of key players including Gregory. I don’t think they are unbeatable though. Clay probably has the most dominating pitcher in Owens. South will be good also. Harlan County returns a very experienced lineup and a pitcher starting her fourth year as the teams ace. I really think it is a four team race and because no one has a dominating pitcher and by that I mean someone who will strike out 15 a game, it could be a great regional tournament. Harlan independent has a very good pitcher who could beat anyone on a given night. I wonder about Middlesboro after losing shields and now coach Powers. It could be a rebuilding year for the jackets. Whitley is getting a lot of attention on this post but I will have to see it to believe it. I think Corbin might be the best hitting team in the region and could be a dark horse to unseat North.
My early season rankings:

1. North Laurel
2. Clay Co
3. South
Corbin
Harlan Co
6. Whitley Co
7. Harlan
8. Lynn Camp
9. Williamsburg
10. Middlesboro