[EKUAlum05]

Is it possible that Belfry's RPI could actually improve win or lose, based on JC's record and JC being up a class?

It is possible but not likely, there is a trade off though between effecting Belfry's win percentage and what they benefit from the Opponent's Win Percentage. Unfortunately, the third components is Opponent's opponents win percentage and JC doesn't help a lot there because of all their out of state teams.

Belfry, Ashland, Russell, and Bell County are all fighting for that top RPI ranking in the East.

Bell County will most likely beat Harlan County and get decent points from it, but Bell County's secondary values will all potentially decrease for OWP and OOWP. I don't see Bell going up very much after this week regardless.

Belfry has a high ceiling low floor scenario this week. If Belfry beats JC, LCA beats Paintsville, Pikeville remains undefeated, and somehow Pike Central miraculously beats Breathitt they will sprig possibly up to the top RPI in 3A overall. If Belfry wins the mot likely scenario is they ride that to the top spot in the East and probably the 2nd best RPI overall. If Belfry loses it is going to be hard to pass Bell but the gap should close a little.

Ashland is in a "must win" scenario due to how it weighs out of State teams. Spring Valley will be a .500 RPI value so a loss will be brutal and make it almost impossible to catch Belfry or Bell. With a win, they still need a Belfry loss and some help from the other teams on their schedule they already beat to catch Bell. Harlan County is a much higher RPI value win than Spring Valley in the KHSAA's eyes.

Russell has work left to do in November, but West Carter is an advantageous opponent that they should beat. Harlan County will be a better win because they are a frog hair higher as it is, plus Bell will get a bonus for playing up. Russell though has better numbers on the two secondary components and will be cheering for Raceland, Fleming, and Ashland to all win.

There is a strong chance Russell will have the best RPI in that District as long as they win.


Long story short:
- Bell is the leader in the clubhouse but don't have a lot of wind coming into their sails this week.

- Belfry has a chance to blow past them and everyone else with a win, but most likely will not pass them if they end up losing.

- Ashland is in a tough spot and have to win to have any chance of moving up.

- Russell will have a hard time overcoming Bell, but might be able to pass Belfry in the event they knock off Ashland in the playoffs.

- Fleming County will be the 4-seed in the East.