[PHSForever]

I don’t have a problem with Pikeville at all but shouldn’t Paintsville be pre-season #1 at least until they’re dethroned they’ll be the defending state champs, right?

I've never understood that logic. What does last season have to do with how good any team is next season?
If you believe that, shouldn't the No. 2 team be No. 2 next year and on down the line.
It's a new season with new rosters...

There is a reason for the words “defending state champs”. Until they get beat by another 1A team, they should be ranked #1. Projections are dandy, but having those words after your team name means projections start first and foremost with that team. Pikeville lost a TON from 2019 team and still most people (me included) said they should start at 1 until a 1A team beats them, or they just are too obviously over ranked. I’ll stand on that hill, no matter how much it pains me that Paintsville will start #1. Not a hard concept to grasp.