[More Cowbell]

Pikeville fell 4 baskets short of winning the region last season with some very young kids. Something tells me that the Pikeville coaching staff will find a way to get those 4 baskets this season.

Actually, Pikeville had a more experienced team than Valley last year, who started 3 freshman and no seniors. So even though their team will have gained valuable experience, so will Valley's.

Valley was just a little better than Pikeville last year, and since they return their top 6 players intact, I see no reason not to think that Valley will start the year still being a little bit better. Not saying the Panthers can't beat the Wildcats, and I certainly don't see Valley sweeping 4 games from Pikeville like they did last year. But I still say they have to get a slight edge.