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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"WEEK NINE RANKINGS
1. Whitley County (31-3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Colonels finish the last poll of the season in a familiar position \u2014 ranked No. 1. Whitley County ranks first in the region in wins (31), fewest losses (3), most runs scored (317), and least runs allowed (107), and let\u2019s not forget, against one of the toughest slates around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Corbin (22-9)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Redhounds are rolling at a good time. Corbin will face-off against No. 3 South Laurel in an elimination game in this week\u2019s 50th District semifinal. Corbin hasn\u2019t lost to the Cardinals dating back to April 20, 2017. The Redhounds own an 11-game win streak against South Laurel while capturing 15 of the last 16 games the two teams have played head-to-head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. South Laurel (20-14)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cardinals are playing as good as they have been the entire season. Trey Smith\u2019s squad will play No. 2 Corbin in an elimination game in this week\u2019s 50th District semifinal. South Laurel is looking to reach the 13th Region Tournament for the first time since 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. North Laurel (16-15)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Jaguars caught fire, winning eight of nine before finishing regular season play with a three-game losing skid along with losing four of their last six games. The good news? North Laurel is the only regional team that has clinched a berth into the regional tournament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Clay County (17-11-1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Tigers are a dangerous team, especially when Brandin Crawford, and Ethan Jackson are swinging a hot bat. Keep an eye on Jason Smith\u2019s team, they have the talent to make a deep postseason run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Knox Central (14-12)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Panthers are another team to keep an eye on. Knox Central shouldn\u2019t have a problem winning the 51st District Tournament. They\u2019ve won seven district titles in a row. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Harlan County (16-11)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Black Bears are dangerous. They have just enough hitting, and pitching to make a deep postseason run as well. They\u2019re winners of three straight, and five of their last seven games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Middlesboro (14-10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Yellow Jackets are another team peaking at the right time. They\u2019ve won four of their past six games, and look to be a major threat to win the 52nd District title <\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Williamsburg (13-16)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Yellow Jackets looked to be on a roll just two weeks ago, but finished regular season play with three straight losses. Now Williamsburg faces the task of trying to unseat No. 1 Whitley County in this week\u2019s 50th District Tournament semifinal matchup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Harlan (13-13)<\/p>\n\n\n\n