[EKY Sportster]

I don't think that Paintsville played down to Pikeville. It is just that sometimes Paintsville plays down period. That may very well be their weakness. And there isn't this big divide between the Paintsville Tigers and the rest of the 15th as some would think. Paintsville with their A game is the best in the 15th IMO. But for whatever reason, and it happened many times last year, the Tigers play their B and C game a lot. If anyone knows why, you tell me? But the Tigers do have the best top to bottom talent of any other 15th team and they are Region favorites. But as has been said, that won't get them to Rupp. Any of the top 15th teams can give them a game if they aren't mentally prepared or motivated or if they are just having an off night. They definately don't have the dominance that the 96 team had nor the talent. That was dominance and even that team didn't win every game. So expect some good games this season, whether its the Tigers or some other 15th teams. Only the tourney in March will tell us if the Tigers can shake the inconsistency. But they have the talent and deserve the preseason ranking.