[MHS Parent4Life]

As far as the debate between Knox Central and Middlesboro, why does it even exist? As far as I know, coaches from both teams are good friends and many of the players from both teams played together on a summer ball team. Neither team comes in as the favorite but both could be labeled contenders.

Knox returns a lot of young kids and Middlesboro returns everyone but Hale. I'm sure Knox has had kids grow and develop and probably has some newcomers. Middlesboro's kids have gotten bigger and stronger as well and will have two varsity starters that weren't even on the team last year (Jonathon Partin and Cole Frazier).

There is no reason to debate the two teams. They are pretty even and both should be pulling for each other.

All of that said, I think there are two teams that are head and shoulders above the rest, South Laurel and North Laurel. Both have deep pitching staffs and several high profile performers.

After these two, MHS, KC, HC, CC make up the next tier. HC faithful love to throw Leisge's name out there and rightfully so, he is a solid pitcher. MHS fans will counter with Crawford, who is a seasoned senior this year with two career wins against HC already under his belt.

The next tier in my mind would be Corbin and Whitley.

After them, there are no true contenders. That being said, while Jackson County might be terrible, no one will enjoy facing them when Fox is on the mound.