[kyrifle]

Come on now, Valley is better than most of the teams in Pikeville's district. I believe they are better than Paintsville this year (based on their showing against common opponents Pike Central and P-Burg), and significantly better than the rest. Are they as good as Pikeville? No, the Panthers would definitely have to be favored, but Valley would have a shot to spring the upset.

However, I do understand the reasoning why Pikeville would not want to schedule SV. As has been mentioned before, with the new alignment their district slate is very weak, with only Paintsville capable of providing much challenge. Pikeville needs to play teams that are better than them talent-wise, such as LexCath and Belfry, in order to prepare for the latter rounds of the playoffs. And neither Valley or Pike Central would qualify as a step-up in talent.

I would say, though, that it is a shame that Valley and Pikeville haven't played in such a long time. Last time I can remember was SV's first year of existence, 1990. Have they played any other times I don't remember? And have they ever played Pike Central?

SV & Pikeville would be a very good match up. SV should be at the point right now in their program to compete.
Pikeville defenately needs to stay away from teams like LexCath and Belfry year in and year out. This years Lex Cath. team is not as good as they've been in past years but they are still much better than Pikeville can play with.