[Big Red Machine]

A very solid grade for each team Black Bear. It's still a little while till Districts but you are right on. Clay could move up but their best pitcher is a Freshman and you never know how Freshmen will react in big moments. Clay also has their 1st home game today, so the wear and tear of the bus rides are over for them. Hopefully some improvements will be coming.

As far as grading what I have seen and read, here is my thoughts:

1. South Laurel - (A) they consistently play excellent defense and seem to get timely hits along with solid pitching. Look like the team to beat in the postseason right now.
2/3 North Laurel - (B+) solid pitching but have probably not been as consistent as they would prefer in other areas. Will be tough in the postseason
2/3 Harlan County - (B+) excellent pitching along with improved hitting but not as consistent defensively as would expect. Also inconsistent/poor at times baserunning has hurt the Bears offense. I believe will clean up these issues and be ready to make a strong postseason run.
4. Corbin - (B) excellent pitching and defense, hitting slow to come around but improving weekly it seems. Will be a tough out come postseason
5. Middlesboro (B-) struggled somewhat defensively, pitching has not been as good as last year and hitting has had its highs and lows. always competitive in the postseason.
6. Clay Co - (C+) started slow, but prob due to a very tough schedule. Clay has several solid pitchers and some dangerous bats, seem to be getting things together as of late and will be a tough out come postseason
7. Knox Central - (C+) Still very young but improving weekly, pitching and defense has been solid but hitting has not been what they would like it to be. They will be very competitive come postseason.
8. Whitley Co. - Haven't seen them, dont know anything about them, but seem to have a very competitive club and could make some noise in their district in the postseason.