Published: April 17, 2008 12:14 pm            

Fear 'Les' Diamond Ratings

Girls Top 5

1. South Laurel Lady Cardinals (11-2)

What’s the scoop: There’s no tie this week. I’m still kind off iffy on who should be ranked No. 1, but right now, I’m going with South Laurel.

The Lady Cardinals are winners of six straight, while outscoring their opponents 73-13 in the process.

Surprise, surprise: Yes, South Laurel fell behind 6-1 to Whitley County, but let me tell you, the Lady Colonels are a nice hitting team that is better than what many believe.

The big thing in the Lady Cardinals’ district win over Whitley County Tuesday is that Kaye Smith’s squad responded from their five-run deficit by scoring 15 unanswered runs.

Ouch! Now that’s a comeback.

South Laurel will be tested again on the road Thursday against cross-town rival North Laurel.

2. North Laurel Lady Jaguars (8-5)

What’s the scoop: After starting their road trip to California with four straight wins, I was beginning to believe the Lady Jaguars could very well be the best team in the region.

But three consecutive losses — including a 2-0 loss to Lafayette — has me believing, maybe, just maybe, North Laurel isn’t the No. 3 ranked team in the state right now.

Surprise, surprise: To be honest, I was surprised North Laurel lost to Lafayette, especially since they defeated them a year before.

The best of the rest ...

3. Middlesboro Lady Yellow Jackets (8-2)

What’s the scoop: Middlesboro quietly continues to roll along, while moving one step closer to another 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic championship.

4. Corbin Lady Redhounds (5-6)

What’s the scoop: Despite riding a four-game losing streak, Chris Hart’s Lady Redhounds are still one of the top teams in the 13th Region.

5. Whitley County Lady Colonels (5-8)

What’s the scoop: The Lady Colonels have dropped seven of their last eight games, but I like this team. Williamsburg isn’t far behind.

Boys Top 5

1. Whitley County Colonels (7-5)

What’s the scoop: For the fourth consecutive week, I have a new No. 1 at the top of my rankings.

Is there any team hotter right now than John Smith’s Whitley County Colonels?

After beginning the season with a 1-4 start, the Colonels are winners of four games in a row and six of their last seven.

Surprise, surprise: Senior pitcher Jordan McCumbers continued his dominance on the mound by picking up his third win on the mound during the past week for the Colonels. He helped guide Whitley County to a 2-0 win over district foe Williamsburg Tuesday.

2. South Laurel Cardinals (11-2)

What’s the scoop: The Cardinals split a pair of games with Corbin on Tuesday, but turned in a solid showing during spring break by posting a 5-1 record.

Surprise, surprise: To be honest, there are a number of teams that you could put in this slot, but right now, I’m sticking with Wynn Harris’ team.

The best of the rest ...

3. Knox Central Panthers (7-5)

What’s the scoop: The Panthers went 2-1 in the Bell County Invitational, while handing Pineville a 16-2 loss on Tuesday.

4. Corbin Redhounds (2-2)

What’s the scoop: The Redhounds’ inconsistent play continues, but don’t be surprised to see Jeff Garmon’s squad put together a win streak in the near future.

5. Williamsburg Yellow Jackets (5-3)

What’s the scoop: After starting the season with a 5-0 record, the Yellow Jackets are losers of three straight — which includes two losses to 50th District foe Whitley County on Tuesday.

Don Stricklin’s squad gets a chance to redeem themselves next week at home during a doubleheader against South Laurel.

        

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