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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"WEEK EIGHT RANKINGS
1. Whitley County (28-3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Colonels just win. They\u2019ve had win streaks of nine, eight, seven (current), and four. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019re one of the best hitting teams in the state, and just take a look at their pitching: Mason Croley has 10 wins, Braydn Bargo has eight wins, and Grant Zehr has six wins. And oh yeah, each of the their ERAs are below 2.00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Corbin (19-9)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Redhounds continue to be Whitley County\u2019s main threat, but teams like North Laurel, and South Laurel aren\u2019t far behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corbin picked up a big win Friday night, and will look to continue its recent success this week against Wayne County, Pulaski County, Madison Southern, and North Laurel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. North Laurel (16-12)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Jaguars are winners of seven of their last eight games. They\u2019re a team to keep an eye on once postseason play begins. Their pitching continues to improve along with their hitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Clay County (15-10-1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Tigers suffered a 12-2 setback to Corbin, but responded like good teams do by defeating Knox Central, and Middlesboro in close battles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. South Laurel (17-14)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cardinals have been hard to figure out at times. Just when you think they\u2019re going to get on a roll, they hit a bump or two. But guess what? Here they are again, looking pretty darn good heading into the last week of regular season play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Knox Central (12-10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Panthers continue to improve, and could be a dangerous team to play, if they can reach the 13th Region Tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Harlan County (14-11)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Black Bears are another team that has been hard for us to figure out. They\u2019ve got a big win over Clay County, and two wins last week against Middlesboro. It\u2019s gonna be interesting to see how the last week of regular season play pans out with games against Whitley County, Jackson County, and Williamsburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Williamsburg (13-13)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coach Bryan Hopkins has done a fantastic job with his team. When the 2006 realignment took place, it did no favors for Williamsburg. I\u2019ll be the first to say it. The Yellow Jackets are a good team, but being in the 50th District is hard for them to find a path to regional tournament play. Hopefully, someday they\u2019ll be another realignment that moves Williamsburg in a district with more Class A teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Middlesboro (10-9)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Yellow Jackets had Clay County on the ropes before dropping a 12-11 decision to the Tigers. Don\u2019t be fooled, in a one-game elimination matchup, Middlesboro is good enough to beat anyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Jackson County (7-11)<\/p>\n\n\n\n