My Region D Boys Top 5 on January 1, 2012

1: Gate City: The Blue Devils put a stamp on their position on the top of the list after a double digit victory over Hurley on a neutral floor at the Arby's Classic. The Arnold boys and Ervin continue to be dominate forces while Coach Vermillion can go deep onto the bench as usual.

2: Twin Springs: The Titans move up to number two this week due to Hurley's losses at the Arby's Classic. The Titans are the favorites in the Cumberland District and could end up the top seed in the Region D Division I Tournament.

3: Hurley: Coach Cooper's Rebels have lost two in a row but they are still a force to be reckon with in the Division I ranks. The Rebels were missing some players against Gate City but, Hurley's loss to Gate City could end up hurting them in a tiebreaker situation for seeding later in the year.

4: John I. Burton: I caught some grief for having Burton on my list last time but the Raiders are still undefeated. Coach Williams' club won the Greenwave Classic and did so over Lebanon and Honaker, two teams that are contenders for the top five. The Raiders play Twin Springs early in the new year in what could be a preview of a semi-final or final in February's regional tournament.

5: Virginia High: Somebody has to be number five and I still have the 'Cats here. Potential is oozing out of this team but they will have to beat the teams they are supposed to beat to remain in the top five. Virginia High's match ups against Gate City will be crucial for Virginia High to get a high seed in February; the 'Cats could fall victim to a poorer seed due to Honaker or Union finishing higher in a weaker league.

Totally agree with this, and I've seen all teams involved.

Gate City would easily crush the number two Titans though. They continue to impress me.

I agree with this. Also big congrats to Austen Arnold from GC on being selected to the All-Classic Team in the Arbys Classic a very elite group. In GC's 3 games in the classic Austen scored 27, 24, and 16 points.

I wasn't sure how GC would replace Paul Arnold this year, but IMO they have a better team this year, even without him. Austen is a huge part of that. He is killing it in his increased role. He's obviously worked his butt off all offseason. Glad to see him doing well, and love watching him play.

your pick about JIB is a good one IMO. I had them picked as the best LPD team back a few months ago. I feel like JIB is the most solid team in the LPD. Union is up and down and that is just aint gonna cut it for me, Central is middle of the pack (which is less than where they thought they would be) and Clintwood is much like Union up and down. IMO JIB will be the team to beat on the court in the LPD

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Originally Posted by UnIoNfAn

your pick about JIB is a good one IMO. I had them picked as the best LPD team back a few months ago. I feel like JIB is the most solid team in the LPD. Union is up and down and that is just aint gonna cut it for me, Central is middle of the pack (which is less than where they thought they would be) and Clintwood is much like Union up and down. IMO JIB will be the team to beat on the court in the LPD

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I believe you are right on with your assessment.

Top 5 for Region D

1. GATE CITY
2. VIRGINIA HIGH
3. HURLEY
4. TWIN SPRINGS
5. J.I. BURTON

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Originally Posted by PVVikings2006

Top 5 for Region D

1. GATE CITY
2. VIRGINIA HIGH
3. HURLEY
4. TWIN SPRINGS
5. J.I. BURTON

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VHS> Hurley despite Hurley beating VHS in Bristol?

Im gonna give my top 3, I dont think anyone is worth a flip buyt these

1. GC
2. Hurley
3. VHS

Twin Springs defeated CW 64-59 on their homecourt. Castlewood by the end of the year will be in your top five I believe, they have too much talent not to be. Great win by TS, these boys can play.