Week 1 Poll Recap

1. Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville, KY) -

The defending Sweet 16 Champions were voted No. 1 after beginning their season unbeaten through five games. The Valkyries have started their season with notable victories over No. 17 Bardstown, No. 18 DuPont Manual, and defending 12th Region champions Southwestern. They are led by a young nucleus including Fr. ZaKiyah Johnson (17.4 PPG), So. Reagan Bender (14.2 PPG), So. Angelina Pelayo (12.4 PPG).

2. Bullitt East (Mount Washington, KY) -

The defending 6th Region champs have also begun their season 5-0. Bellarmine signee, Gracie Merkle (16.5 PPG), and LaSalle signee, Emma Egan (13 PPG), have led the Chargers to early season wins over (RV) Owensboro Catholic, Southwestern, and region foe Butler.

3. Anderson County (Lawrenceburg, KY) -

Clay Birdwhistell’s stars are shining bright early this season. Kentucky signee, Amiya Jenkins (19.8 PPG), and unsigned senior, Jacie Chesser (18.3 PPG), have the Bearcats thriving at 4-0 with an average margin of victory at 49.5 points.

4. Ryle (Union, KY) -

The Lady Raiders are another team that has not been challenged yet. All of their wins have been by double-digits with the closest being 11 points. So. Quinn Eubank (17.8 PPG) and Jr. Abby Holtman (17 PPG) lead the team in scoring. Jr. Austin Johnson (13.2) and Jr. Sarah Baker (11.2) also contribute double-digit scoring each night.

5. Bowling Green (Bowling Green, KY) -

Coach Calvin Head’s well-rounded Lady Purples are off to a 2-1 start with their only loss coming to last year’s Class 3A State Champion in Indiana. Bowling Green sports a notable win over (RV) Bethlehem. Juniors Tanaya Bailey (10 PPG), Meadow Tisdale (9 PPG), and Saniyah Shelton (9 PPG) lead the experienced Lady Purples.

Week 2 Preview

There are several intriguing games on the schedule this week including three match-ups between teams that are currently ranked in the Top 20.

Tuesday, 12/14 - #4 Ryle @ #12 Cooper
Thursday, 12/16 - #2 Bullitt East @ Mercer County
Thursday, 12/16 - #3 Anderson County vs (RV) Spencer County
Thursday, 12/16 - (RV) South Laurel @ (RV) Knox Central
Friday, 12/17 - #4 Ryle vs #20 Russell
Friday, 12/17 - #7 McCracken County @ #10 Marshall County

No. 4 Ryle has a pair of Top 20 match-ups this week as they attempt to solidify their ranking against No. 12 Cooper and No. 20 Russell. This week also features a top ten match-up as No. 10 Marshall County will host No. 7 McCracken County. No. 2 Bullitt East travels to Mercer County to face one of the 12th Region favorites in what could be a hostile environment. No. 3 Anderson County will face their toughest challenge yet as they host (RV) Spencer County in a 10th Region battle. (RV) Knox Central will host (RV) South Laurel as both teams attempt to crack into the Hoops Mafia Top 20 for the first time.

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