The Chase is ON!!!!!!
While the picture in the Boys Region Title Chase is a bit cloudy, it is far from that in the Girls Region as the cream continues to rise to the top in the 5th Region. 
As of this writing three teams have posted 15-wins or more in the 5th and with Elizabethtown, the reigning Region Champion and participants in the last three KHSAA State Tournaments firing the first shot across the John Hardin Lady Bulldogs ship it looks like nothing has changed. At least as of yet. The Lady Panthers 44-30 win last night at John Hardin was proof that no matter who’s coaching or how much the cast of characters changes one thing is usually certain. Elizabethtown is STILL GOOD!!!! After losing McDonald’s All American Erin Boley and Rachel Warden, many were ready to write them off and after a mysterious loss to Nelson County back in December it looked like the belief could have merit, but they have went on a winning streak losing only once since then and with a big game at home against John Hardin in late January the District seeding could be at stake as it appears that Lady Bulldogs coach Caleb Smith’s team isn’t likely to go away. 
Don’t be surprised if these two teams meet four times this season. Still, there are the Nelson County Lady Cardinals sitting atop the Region standings at 17-2 and despite the sudden coaching change of Longtime mainstay Kelly Wood stepping down, the Lady Cardinals look to be the next best bet to challenge for the Championship game in March at Marion County. Green County looks like the next best bet to reach the final four if they can continue their excellent play.
The picture isn’t as clear in the 3rd Region as there are five teams log jammed at the top.
In a Region which Breckinridge County appeared to be the clear cut favorite, things got muddy REAL QUICK. Edmonson County currently has the top spot with 14-6 record and are led by a junior guard Caitlin Simon and right behind them is the reigning Region Champion Owensboro Catholic who has kept pace despite losing a huge senior class from last year’s team. Grayson County looked to be the next best team to challenge Breckinridge County and after a slow start have looked good including a big road win over the Lady Tigers in which senior guard Allie Horton came up with several huge baskets and a couple of buzzer beaters in the win. Senior Grace White is starting to look like a possible POY candidate. Muhlenberg County has put up 13-wins even without talented guard Baylee Harney, who is now at Simon Kenton. Head coach Mike Harper has done an excellent job with the Lady Mustangs. Meade County under new coach Dina Hackett has surprised some people of late with an 11-4 record and then there is Breckinridge County at 13-7.
Head coach Jonathan Bennett scheduled a grueling line of tough games and next month doesn’t look any easier with Elizabethtown, John Hardin and Grayson County in a return match on the road. It’s never easy being the favorite and this season has been proof of that, but the Lady Tigers have Lily Grimes and Sarah Strewsberry and are use to the pressure of the Region race.
One thing is for sure, whoever gets out of the 3rd and 5th there is no guarantee of first round success. Looking around in the 13th Harlan County looks to be a strong favorite to unseat Harlan and with junior Blair Green (a UK commit) they could go all the way to the final day if they are lucky. Simon Kenton looks very strong in the 8th and Harney simply added to an already finished product. And then there is Butler. The reigning state champion looks even better than last season getting balanced scoring from five players and should make another appearance to the Final Day in March.
So Ladies!!! Start your engines. It’s about to get real exciting come March.
