[ArJay]

The reason i say Bell is the top of the region now is they have proved they can win without the threat of an outside shot. Everyone on this site knows Bell county has 4-5 guys on the floor that can light it up from outside at all times, but have proved they can get by their guys to finish at the rim and win defensively. Corbin gave up 59 to little miami, next night bell only allows 29. They were the most physical team this past weekend at the CFIT. Physicality has been the weakness for Bell county since cameron burnett graduated, and now that it can almost be considered a strength means danger for a lot of the teams in the region. When you have 3 guys shooting over 40 percent from three in your starting lineup, one over 60%!!, and that doesn’t even include burnett who might be the most physical guard in the region and shot over 40 % last year. The recipe to beat bell county is have shooters surrounding an unbelievable inside threat, and the only team in the 13th that has that description can be North if jervis and rawlings get going from outside leaving davidson 1 on 1. South doesn’t have the shooters or guard play for anyone to be a threat outside rawlings. Shrinking the floor on mabe won’t stop him, but will make it a heck of a lot harder if it was him 1 on 1. Bell dominates harlan county physically and really any position outside of maddox huff. 5 weeks ago i thought bell needed 8 threes minimum to beat good teams, and more to beat great ones. That’s been shown to not be true, and when the threes are falling they aren’t going to lose.

Bell is probably one of 5 or 6 teams that feel like they have a shot. Them boys play hard and get after it no doubt.  And they have talent.  But looking at other scores the region has several solid contenders.

[Indiana Jones]

Just my take but if you look at percentages the top 3 players in the 13th are Mabe, Buell, and Davidson.  And no HCS no slight on Huff but those 3 are much more efficient shooters and for the most part take 10 less shots per game. Teamwise I really think Bell is the best team in the 13th right now. Unlike last year when they played cupcake city they actually have played a ok schedule so far and done well with it--their problems will come against NL and SL size. SL has underwhelmed thus far--Point Guard play is a major concern at the moment--in my opinion they will have to change to make Mabe the PG at least half the time or they will not win Region. NL has the same problem great size but mediocre guard play. HC has won some very nice games buttttt are way to dependant on shotting from the perimeter plus with the volume shotting when(yes when not if) he gets in foul trouble where is the points coming from. Clay would be in the thick but only if they learned how to shoot free throws at crunch time. Corbin in my  opinion is still developing team chemistry....I can't say anything else because I get accused of hating on them...even though they are my home school lol. But keep in mind that Knox and Pineville have picked inseason transfers and will be very dangerous come region time. No one team is above by any margin in the 13th, every team has won a couple of games they shouldn't have and lost a couple they should've won. I'm still saying the Laurels will be the 2 best just because they have talent with size and no one else 

The way I read into your thinking, HC depends on Huff more than Bell Co depends on Buell or SL depends on Mabe or NL depends on Davidson.
That’s correct, they do.
You can’t just look at stats and say someone is or isn’t the best player. You have to watch the players actual play. Huff draws some much defensive attention its almost unfair to him as a player. If any of the other players received that same attention, they wouldn’t score double figures. He hits shots no other player in the region can. 
Huff and Davidson are the top two players easily. They do things in scoring on all levels and handle/pass on another level. Buell will be there, he is just a sophomore. He will be the class of the region soon. Mabe is a good overall player. But I don’t understand your take on him being the best player in the region. Huff was the only All-State selection from the 13th region last year. And if you want efficiency, he hit over 100 3pt shots last year while shooting 45% from 3 against arguably the best schedule in the state. No one in the state did that against that level of competition. That’s a fact, not opinion. 
As for the team rankings. All teams have issues. HC hasn’t had Cottrell healthy since the WYMT. SL and NL have played good teams and are in the running as the best team. Bell is a contender, but they haven’t played a game outside of the 13th region boundary with half their games at home. Corbin will be Corbin at the end of the year. I would be fine with Bell being ranked #1 right now. But I feel they have more to prove. The schedule is misleading. If I had to pick three teams that when healthy that has the roster/experience/coaching to win 3 regional tournament games come March. That would be SL, Corbin and HC.

[HCS]

Just my take but if you look at percentages the top 3 players in the 13th are Mabe, Buell, and Davidson. And no HCS no slight on Huff but those 3 are much more efficient shooters and for the most part take 10 less shots per game. Teamwise I really think Bell is the best team in the 13th right now. Unlike last year when they played cupcake city they actually have played a ok schedule so far and done well with it--their problems will come against NL and SL size. SL has underwhelmed thus far--Point Guard play is a major concern at the moment--in my opinion they will have to change to make Mabe the PG at least half the time or they will not win Region. NL has the same problem great size but mediocre guard play. HC has won some very nice games buttttt are way to dependant on shotting from the perimeter plus with the volume shotting when(yes when not if) he gets in foul trouble where is the points coming from. Clay would be in the thick but only if they learned how to shoot free throws at crunch time. Corbin in my opinion is still developing team chemistry....I can't say anything else because I get accused of hating on them...even though they are my home school lol. But keep in mind that Knox and Pineville have picked inseason transfers and will be very dangerous come region time. No one team is above by any margin in the 13th, every team has won a couple of games they shouldn't have and lost a couple they should've won. I'm still saying the Laurels will be the 2 best just because they have talent with size and no one else does.

I will admit I haven't spent a lot of time looking at shot percentages. I always figured the guys shooting closest to the basket would be better. Seems like Todd Cox led the state back in the 90s at about 70 percent on those great Harlan teams, and he was close to automatic around the basket.
Two years ago Mabe shot about a 10 percent higher percentage than Sheppard and higher than Noah also.

[shottaker23]

Just my take but if you look at percentages the top 3 players in the 13th are Mabe, Buell, and Davidson.  And no HCS no slight on Huff but those 3 are much more efficient shooters and for the most part take 10 less shots per game. Teamwise I really think Bell is the best team in the 13th right now. Unlike last year when they played cupcake city they actually have played a ok schedule so far and done well with it--their problems will come against NL and SL size. SL has underwhelmed thus far--Point Guard play is a major concern at the moment--in my opinion they will have to change to make Mabe the PG at least half the time or they will not win Region. NL has the same problem great size but mediocre guard play. HC has won some very nice games buttttt are way to dependant on shotting from the perimeter plus with the volume shotting when(yes when not if) he gets in foul trouble where is the points coming from. Clay would be in the thick but only if they learned how to shoot free throws at crunch time. Corbin in my  opinion is still developing team chemistry....I can't say anything else because I get accused of hating on them...even though they are my home school lol. But keep in mind that Knox and Pineville have picked inseason transfers and will be very dangerous come region time. No one team is above by any margin in the 13th, every team has won a couple of games they shouldn't have and lost a couple they should've won. I'm still saying the Laurels will be the 2 best just because they have talent with size and no one else 

The way I read into your thinking, HC depends on Huff more than Bell Co depends on Buell or SL depends on Mabe or NL depends on Davidson.
That’s correct, they do.
You can’t just look at stats and say someone is or isn’t the best player. You have to watch the players actual play. Huff draws some much defensive attention its almost unfair to him as a player. If any of the other players received that same attention, they wouldn’t score double figures. He hits shots no other player in the region can. 
Huff and Davidson are the top two players easily. They do things in scoring on all levels and handle/pass on another level. Buell will be there, he is just a sophomore. He will be the class of the region soon. Mabe is a good overall player. But I don’t understand your take on him being the best player in the region. Huff was the only All-State selection from the 13th region last year. And if you want efficiency, he hit over 100 3pt shots last year while shooting 45% from 3 against arguably the best schedule in the state. No one in the state did that against that level of competition. That’s a fact, not opinion. 
As for the team rankings. All teams have issues. HC hasn’t had Cottrell healthy since the WYMT. SL and NL have played good teams and are in the running as the best team. Bell is a contender, but they haven’t played a game outside of the 13th region boundary with half their games at home. Corbin will be Corbin at the end of the year. I would be fine with Bell being ranked #1 right now. But I feel they have more to prove. The schedule is misleading. If I had to pick three teams that when healthy that has the roster/experience/coaching to win 3 regional tournament games come March. That would be SL, Corbin and HC.

As far as watching the players play I agree 100%. Stats illustrate the story but reading the book is totally different. I've watched games in this region since the 80's so I definately understand playing the games versus looking at stats.  I'm guessing you are a HC homer as I am a 50th district homer. So as to why I believe Mabe is the best player on the best team in the region. Huff is a great offensive player, Mabe is a great defensive player. Both are very good at what they do. Huff averages 8 more a game than Mabe but takes 11 more shots. Mabe guards the best player on the opposing team for SL regardless of position, However Cottrell guards the best player for HC. And if stats don't matter why are you bringing them up from last year lol. HC played a competative schedule last year and Huff benefited from playing opposite a generational player last year. However all of that is again.....last year. And I didn't say Mabe was the best player just listed the 3 best statistical in the region. However I do believe that Mabe is the best all around player while Huff is the best offensive.

[shottaker23]

Just my take but if you look at percentages the top 3 players in the 13th are Mabe, Buell, and Davidson.  And no HCS no slight on Huff but those 3 are much more efficient shooters and for the most part take 10 less shots per game. Teamwise I really think Bell is the best team in the 13th right now. Unlike last year when they played cupcake city they actually have played a ok schedule so far and done well with it--their problems will come against NL and SL size. SL has underwhelmed thus far--Point Guard play is a major concern at the moment--in my opinion they will have to change to make Mabe the PG at least half the time or they will not win Region. NL has the same problem great size but mediocre guard play. HC has won some very nice games buttttt are way to dependant on shotting from the perimeter plus with the volume shotting when(yes when not if) he gets in foul trouble where is the points coming from. Clay would be in the thick but only if they learned how to shoot free throws at crunch time. Corbin in my  opinion is still developing team chemistry....I can't say anything else because I get accused of hating on them...even though they are my home school lol. But keep in mind that Knox and Pineville have picked inseason transfers and will be very dangerous come region time. No one team is above by any margin in the 13th, every team has won a couple of games they shouldn't have and lost a couple they should've won. I'm still saying the Laurels will be the 2 best just because they have talent with size and no one else does.

I will admit I haven't spent a lot of time looking at shot percentages. I always figured the guys shooting closest to the basket would be better. Seems like Todd Cox led the state back in the 90s at about 70 percent on those great Harlan teams, and he was close to automatic around the basket.
Two years ago Mabe shot about a 10 percent higher percentage than Sheppard and higher than Noah also.

Absolutely post players should shoot a higher percentage. But I'm guessing you haven't seen SL yet this season, because Mabe is playing the majority of the time on the perimeter. The kid has played more at PG this year than in the post, some out of necessity and some because he is the definition of a mismatch(same with Davidson at NL-both are tall but both are the best decision makers for their teams). 2 years ago Mabe had 2 viable PG options and played low. Not this year. Todd was a true center, a sasquatch. Mabe plays simiiar to Spurlock from your area a couple years back than Todd. Another comparison may be Roaden from Corbin in the 90's. Tallest players by far but a whole different skillset.

[Old School Hound]

Where are we gonna rank Corbin if they go up to Ashland tomorrow and beat the Tomcats?

[shottaker23]

Where are we gonna rank Corbin if they go up to Ashland tomorrow and beat the Tomcats?

Honestly would love to see that happen......a better question would be...they have a very tough 6 game(5 actually) stretch coming up. Would they jump to 2nd or 3rd if they won  4 out of 6?

[Varsityclub2004]

Where are we gonna rank Corbin if they go up to Ashland tomorrow and beat the Tomcats?

Honestly would love to see that happen......a better question would be...they have a very tough 6 game(5 actually) stretch coming up. Would they jump to 2nd or 3rd if they won  4 out of 6?

I def think they go up to at least 3rd. Is it true they got a big transfer? I know the Ellis kid is still waiting on eligibility but I’m hearing they got another transfer. If so this may be a game changer for them, especially if the Ellis kid gets eligible too

[shottaker23]

Where are we gonna rank Corbin if they go up to Ashland tomorrow and beat the Tomcats?

Honestly would love to see that happen......a better question would be...they have a very tough 6 game(5 actually) stretch coming up. Would they jump to 2nd or 3rd if they won  4 out of 6?

I def think they go up to at least 3rd. Is it true they got a big transfer? I know the Ellis kid is still waiting on eligibility but I’m hearing they got another transfer. If so this may be a game changer for them, especially if the Ellis kid gets eligible too

I read that on FB about the transfer as well. However LD always plays cat and mouse. Wouldn't be surprised if its not a football transfer who has played bball in the past much like the much ballyhoed now fizzled Brown at Corbin. Also LD didn't mention who was the recipient of the transfer? Unless I missed it. However I don't see a transfer making much of a impact this far into the season.

[Waitaminute]

Where are we gonna rank Corbin if they go up to Ashland tomorrow and beat the Tomcats?

Honestly would love to see that happen......a better question would be...they have a very tough 6 game(5 actually) stretch coming up. Would they jump to 2nd or 3rd if they won  4 out of 6?

I def think they go up to at least 3rd. Is it true they got a big transfer? I know the Ellis kid is still waiting on eligibility but I’m hearing they got another transfer. If so this may be a game changer for them, especially if the Ellis kid gets eligible too

I read that on FB about the transfer as well. However LD always plays cat and mouse. Wouldn't be surprised if its not a football transfer who has played bball in the past much like the much ballyhoed now fizzled Brown at Corbin. Also LD didn't mention who was the recipient of the transfer? Unless I missed it. However I don't see a transfer making much of a impact this far into the season.

You know how he is. Going to hint around that he knows something that no one else does because he's so in the know. Then he's going to make a post about how he represents all the kids and everyone is mean to him so he can get his back patted on in the comments. Wash, rinse, repeat.

[4 Quarters]

Where are we gonna rank Corbin if they go up to Ashland tomorrow and beat the Tomcats?

I don't really see Corbin beating  Ashland.

[Old School Hound]

Where are we gonna rank Corbin if they go up to Ashland tomorrow and beat the Tomcats?

Honestly would love to see that happen......a better question would be...they have a very tough 6 game(5 actually) stretch coming up. Would they jump to 2nd or 3rd if they won  4 out of 6?

I def think they go up to at least 3rd. Is it true they got a big transfer? I know the Ellis kid is still waiting on eligibility but I’m hearing they got another transfer. If so this may be a game changer for them, especially if the Ellis kid gets eligible too

I read that on FB about the transfer as well. However LD always plays cat and mouse. Wouldn't be surprised if its not a football transfer who has played bball in the past much like the much ballyhoed now fizzled Brown at Corbin. Also LD didn't mention who was the recipient of the transfer? Unless I missed it. However I don't see a transfer making much of a impact this far into the season.

You know how he is. Going to hint around that he knows something that no one else does because he's so in the know. Then he's going to make a post about how he represents all the kids and everyone is mean to him so he can get his back patted on in the comments. Wash, rinse, repeat.

He is much more likely to show up on an episode of TCAP with Chris Hansen that he is to receive awards at a gathering of sports writers. Has anyone ever spent much time around him? He gives off a copious amount of creep vibes. Pretty insecure fella who longs for attention.

Also, what are the requirements for being a journalist, nowadays?  You have LD, you writes at about an eighth or ninth grade level and you have TS, who was recently chosen to take over Estep's place as publisher of the News Journal. Trevor previously has written, I mean, has tried to write, sports pieces. Trevor writes at about a sixth grade level. He might be the greatest human being in the world, and may the Universe bless him if he is, but he is not a good writer . And now he is publisher of the entire paper? We live in a watered-down society. Does excellence in anything really matter anymore?

[da_dime]

Honestly would love to see that happen......a better question would be...they have a very tough 6 game(5 actually) stretch coming up. Would they jump to 2nd or 3rd if they won  4 out of 6?

I def think they go up to at least 3rd. Is it true they got a big transfer? I know the Ellis kid is still waiting on eligibility but I’m hearing they got another transfer. If so this may be a game changer for them, especially if the Ellis kid gets eligible too

I read that on FB about the transfer as well. However LD always plays cat and mouse. Wouldn't be surprised if its not a football transfer who has played bball in the past much like the much ballyhoed now fizzled Brown at Corbin. Also LD didn't mention who was the recipient of the transfer? Unless I missed it. However I don't see a transfer making much of a impact this far into the season.

You know how he is. Going to hint around that he knows something that no one else does because he's so in the know. Then he's going to make a post about how he represents all the kids and everyone is mean to him so he can get his back patted on in the comments. Wash, rinse, repeat.

He is much more likely to show up on an episode of TCAP with Chris Hansen that he is to receive awards at a gathering of sports writers. Has anyone ever spent much time around him? He gives off a copious amount of creep vibes. Pretty insecure fella who longs for attention.

Also, what are the requirements for being a journalist, nowadays?  You have LD, you writes at about an eighth or ninth grade level and you have TS, who was recently chosen to take over Estep's place as publisher of the News Journal. Trevor previously has written, I mean, has tried to write, sports pieces. Trevor writes at about a sixth grade level. He might be the greatest human being in the world, and may the Universe bless him if he is, but he is not a good writer .  And now he is publisher of the entire paper? We live in a watered-down society. Does excellence in anything really matter anymore?

Anyone recall the last time LD was at a game actually covering it versus having the spencer guy take a few pictures? spends more time mingling with cheerleaders then taking pictures from everything i have seen.  I've been to many games at various schools this year throughout the 13th. Yet to see  LD anywhere.

[shottaker23]

Honestly would love to see that happen......a better question would be...they have a very tough 6 game(5 actually) stretch coming up. Would they jump to 2nd or 3rd if they won  4 out of 6?

I def think they go up to at least 3rd. Is it true they got a big transfer? I know the Ellis kid is still waiting on eligibility but I’m hearing they got another transfer. If so this may be a game changer for them, especially if the Ellis kid gets eligible too

I read that on FB about the transfer as well. However LD always plays cat and mouse. Wouldn't be surprised if its not a football transfer who has played bball in the past much like the much ballyhoed now fizzled Brown at Corbin. Also LD didn't mention who was the recipient of the transfer? Unless I missed it. However I don't see a transfer making much of a impact this far into the season.

You know how he is. Going to hint around that he knows something that no one else does because he's so in the know. Then he's going to make a post about how he represents all the kids and everyone is mean to him so he can get his back patted on in the comments. Wash, rinse, repeat.

He is much more likely to show up on an episode of TCAP with Chris Hansen that he is to receive awards at a gathering of sports writers. Has anyone ever spent much time around him? He gives off a copious amount of creep vibes. Pretty insecure fella who longs for attention.

Also, what are the requirements for being a journalist, nowadays?  You have LD, you writes at about an eighth or ninth grade level and you have TS, who was recently chosen to take over Estep's place as publisher of the News Journal. Trevor previously has written, I mean, has tried to write, sports pieces. Trevor writes at about a sixth grade level. He might be the greatest human being in the world, and may the Universe bless him if he is, but he is not a good writer .  And now he is publisher of the entire paper? We live in a watered-down society. Does excellence in anything really matter anymore?

Quallity is overrated my friend. Its all about how cheap are you willing to work for lol. The News Journal still in business? I knew they had went to twice a week publication but had heard they were discussing online only.

[Old School Hound]

I def think they go up to at least 3rd. Is it true they got a big transfer? I know the Ellis kid is still waiting on eligibility but I’m hearing they got another transfer. If so this may be a game changer for them, especially if the Ellis kid gets eligible too

I read that on FB about the transfer as well. However LD always plays cat and mouse. Wouldn't be surprised if its not a football transfer who has played bball in the past much like the much ballyhoed now fizzled Brown at Corbin. Also LD didn't mention who was the recipient of the transfer? Unless I missed it. However I don't see a transfer making much of a impact this far into the season.

You know how he is. Going to hint around that he knows something that no one else does because he's so in the know. Then he's going to make a post about how he represents all the kids and everyone is mean to him so he can get his back patted on in the comments. Wash, rinse, repeat.

He is much more likely to show up on an episode of TCAP with Chris Hansen that he is to receive awards at a gathering of sports writers. Has anyone ever spent much time around him? He gives off a copious amount of creep vibes. Pretty insecure fella who longs for attention.

Also, what are the requirements for being a journalist, nowadays?  You have LD, you writes at about an eighth or ninth grade level and you have TS, who was recently chosen to take over Estep's place as publisher of the News Journal. Trevor previously has written, I mean, has tried to write, sports pieces. Trevor writes at about a sixth grade level. He might be the greatest human being in the world, and may the Universe bless him if he is, but he is not a good writer .  And now he is publisher of the entire paper? We live in a watered-down society. Does excellence in anything really matter anymore?

Quallity is overrated my friend. Its all about how cheap are you willing to work for lol. The News Journal still in business? I knew they had went to twice a week publication but had heard they were discussing online only.

Estep just retired after 37 yrs as publisher. Sherman is taking his place.

[Corbin]

I’ve never seen someone as sensative as LD. If anyone dares question anything on his little 13th region Facebook page, he throws a hissy fit. He gets flat tore up if someone asks the score in a game thread. I’m sorry, you little sensitive twerp but I don’t want to sort through 100 posts of people writing ? or whatever random emojis people post in the comments just to find a score.

He got bent out of shape people people fussed about the terrible quality of the Corbin Boyle stream last year. I’m sure folks appreciate it but when it’s ground level with an iPhone from the corner of the endzone and you can’t hear anything, it’s pretty terrible.

[RichieMerchant87]

Is there a more overrated coach in the 13th region than Nate Valentine? Asking for a friend? actually no I’m not, I’m asking for me!?!? I mean this dude constantly under performs and got spanked inside Bobby Kieth gymnasium tonight! I love it. I wonder how Les Dixon is gonna spin this one for his beloved laurel county schools, we all know he has a soft spot for them. GO BIG CLAY!?

[Old School Hound]

I’ve never seen someone as sensative as LD. If anyone dares question anything on his little 13th region Facebook page, he throws a hissy fit. He gets flat tore up if someone asks the score in a game thread. I’m sorry, you little sensitive twerp but I don’t want to sort through 100 posts of people writing ? or whatever random emojis people post in the comments just to find a score.

He got bent out of shape people people fussed about the terrible quality of the Corbin Boyle stream last year. I’m sure folks appreciate it but when it’s ground level with an iPhone from the corner of the endzone and you can’t hear anything, it’s pretty terrible.

He's sensitive because he knows deep down that he's awful and he's insecure about his awfulness. Again, don't be surprised to see LD face-to-face with a guy by the name of Hansen, asking him, "What are doing here tonight , L*s? Why did you drive three hours to meet a 13 year old girl ? Why did you say you wanted to put your blank in her blank?"