CORBIN — Boys Top 5

1. Harlan County (15-2 overall, 7-0 vs. 13th Region foes)

What’s the scoop: OK folks, I’m finally moving the Black Bears into the top spot. They deserve it. Let’s see, Barbourville has been ranked No. 1 this season along with Clay County and Bell County, so why not move Harlan County into the top spot. They are the only remaining unbeaten team in the 13th Region at 7-0.

Surprise, surprise: The Black Bears asserted themselves as the region’s top team by picking up consecutive wins over Clay County (74-72 in double overtime) and Bell County (59-46 on the road) this past week.

What’s ahead: Harlan County will get another test with the defending 13th Region champion Bell County Bobcats Friday at home before traveling to play Leslie County Saturday and Knox Central Tuesday.

2. Clay County Tigers (14-7, 6-1)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers showed this past week that they have just as good of a chance to win their first 13th Region title since 2001 than any other team in the region after only losing by two points in double overtime to Harlan County.

Surprise, surprise: I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again — Clay County’s schedule will have the Tigers ready by the time postseason play begins.

What’s ahead: The Tigers will be tested twice this week with a home game Friday against North Laurel and then a road contest against Bell County on Tuesday.

3. Bell County (14-5, 6-1)

What’s the scoop: The Bobcats’ stay at the No. 1 spot lasted only a week after picking up wins over both North and South Laurel.

Surprise, surprise: Bell County finally lost its first game against a 13th Region team in 13 tries, as Harlan County snapped the Bobcats’ 12-game region win streak.

What’s ahead: The Bobcats will get another crack at Harlan County Friday on the road before hosting Scott, Tenn. Saturday. Clay County will pay a visit to Log Mountain on Tuesday.

4. North Laurel (12-7, 3-3)

What’s the scoop: This is where my rankings get a bit tricky. I’ve got the Jaguars in the No. 4 spot because I think at the present time they are playing well.

Surprise, surprise: I was disappointed in the Jaguars’ loss to Bell County last week, but they responded with a 61-54 win over Corbin. If North Laurel can find some consistency they’ll be dangerous.

What’s ahead: North Laurel will travel to play Clay County Friday before playing in the Al Prewitt Classic against Shelby County Saturday. The Jaguars will be back at home Tuesday against Somerset.

5. Barbourville (15-2, 10-2)

What’s the scoop: The Tigers remain in the top five and keep rolling along, but something keeps me from moving them up any spots. They did beat North Laurel on the road by 17 points, but I believe the Jaguars are playing better at the present time.

Surprise, surprise: To say I was surprised is an understatement when I found out Barbourville fell to Knox Central last week.

What’s ahead: Barbourville will be in action today in semifinal action of the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament against Middlesboro and if the Tigers win, they will play in the championship game Friday. The Tigers are scheduled to travel to play Harlan on the road Monday.

The Best of the rest

No. 6 South Laurel (6-14, 4-5)

What’s the scoop: Raise your hand if you thought the Cardinals would beat Knox Central with four starters out.

No. 7 Knox Central (12-5, 4-2)

What’s the scoop: If the Panthers continue to play like they did against South Laurel, then they will not win the 13th Region title.

No. 8 (tie) Williamsburg (10-9, 7-5)

What’s the scoop: You can’t drop the Yellow Jackets at all. They have been playing very good lately.

No. 8 (tie) Corbin (9-7, 4-3)

What’s the scoop: After starting the season with a 6-1 record, the Redhounds are 3-6. Ouch.

No. 10 Middlesboro (9-8, 5-7)

What’s the scoop: The Yellow Jackets can move up even more with a win over Barbourville.

Girls Top 5

1. Clay County (17-2, 5-0)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Tigers just keep winning. I don’t know what else to say.

Surprise, surprise: Until they lose, I’m going to keep writing this — the Lady Tigers have won 50 straight games against regional opponents and improved to 94-2 versus 13th Region competition dating back to the 2005-06 season.

What’s ahead: Clay County will play Boone County Friday and Scott County Tuesday before hosting Bell County Monday.

2. Whitley County (11-6, 8-1)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Colonels had a pretty good week — only losing to 12th Region favorite Lincoln County on the road by two points before defeating Corbin at home by 24 points.

Surprise, surprise: Whitley County has outscored its district opponents 114-65 during its past two games.

What’s ahead: The Lady Colonels will host East Jessamine today before hosting 50th District rival Williamsburg Tuesday.

3. Harlan County (14-4, 7-2)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Black Bears rebounded from losing two straight games by winning two straight games over solid competition.

Surprise, surprise: Harlan County picked up a much-needed 46-41 win over 52nd District rival Bell County this past week.

What’s ahead: The Lady Black Bears will host Bell County Friday before traveling to play Barbourville Monday.

No. 4 Harlan (13-6, 8-3)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Green Dragons might be peaking at the right time, as their win streak now stands at five games.

Surprise, surprise: Harlan added three more impressive wins to its resume this past week by defeating Barbourville, Middlesboro and Lynn Camp. Oh yeah, their win over the Lady Tigers came in the finals of the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament finals.

What’s ahead: The Lady Green Dragons will travel to play Barbourville Friday and host Middlesboro Saturday.

5. Bell County (10-8, 5-2)

What’s the scoop: I said this last week and I’ll say it again — Bell County is a dangerous team, but the Lady Bobcats just can’t find any consistency right now. Their longest win streak matches their longest losing streak — three games.

Surprise, surprise: Bell County has the talent to put a scare into any team in the region, but do the Lady Bobcats have enough talent to put together a string of wins when things count in March?

What’s ahead: The Lady Bobcats will travel to play Harlan County Friday before traveling to Clay County Monday.

The Best of the rest

No. 6. Corbin (10-7, 5-2)

What’s the scoop: Look for the Lady Redhounds to get back on track this week.

No. 7 Knox Central (11-6, 6-1)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Panthers are peaking at the right time. Their win over 51st District rival Barbourville this past week was huge.

No. 8 South Laurel (6-11, 4-6)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Cardinals are another team that can’t find any consistency at the present time.

No. 9 Barbourville (9-11, 7-6)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Tigers turned in a solid showing during this past week’s 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament.

No. 10 Pineville (7-10, 5-5)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Mountain Lions make their first appearance in the Fear ‘Les’ 13th Region Rankings.