[MHS Parent4Life]

It's not arbitrary. It's an opinion based on what teams have returning.
They have this event every May at schools that can have a very big impact on the following season. It's called graduation.
I agree South Laurel should be No. 1. I'm not sure if Clay or Harlan County or North or Middlesboro or Knox Central should be second, but how they finished last year doesn't really have an impact on 2013. Do you get any runs for that to start the game?
Whitley lost in the first round of the girls regional tourney last March and was ranked second coming into the season. Harlan County lost in the first round of the boys regional and was ranked first coming into the season.

The statement was made that South Laurel and Harlan County will be the top dogs this year until proven otherwise. I question why Harlan County would be considered a top dog? Even if they return several players, what did the players that they have coming back accomplish last year that would warrant them top dog material?

I mean, if they won their district and got upset first round of region, I would understand. But...they didn't win their district and they didn't make it out of the first round of the regional tournament.

Additionally, HC didn't go unscathed at graduation. They lost Fields. Their starting SS and leader. If I had my choice of players from last year's HC team, it would have been him. He will not be easy to replace by any means.