It’s almost May, so that means it’s time to put out some very early 13th Region boys’ and girls’ rankings and predictions out.
We’ve waited as long as we can just to see if there will be any movement from some student-athletes moving form one school to another, so bare with us if we put a player at their respective school now and they end up somewhere else in the near future.
We know of a few changes that will need to be made, and they’ll definitely change the landscape of the 13th Region landscape but until then, let’s go with what we know at the present.
13th Region 2024-25 Very Early Girls’ Team Rankings
1. Knox Central (23-10)
The Lady Panthers return the region’s best player in Halle Collins, and looks to be even stronger this upcoming season.
The return Hannah Melton, Timberly Fredrick, Zoey Hamilton, McKenzie Hensley and Sydnee Hurst makes us think, this could be the year the Lady Panthers head to Rupp.
Could be some interesting times for Knox Central.
2. North Laurel (29-6)
The two-time defending 13th Region champions will remain talented and could very well three-peat as region champs, but will need to find a someone to step in with the hole that has been created after the graduation Chloe McKnight.
Brooke Nichelson returns which will be a huge boost along with Haley Combs and Mariella Claybrook.
3. South Laurel (20-14)
The Lady Cardinals possess a lot of talent with Shelbie Mills, Skeeter Mabe and Maci Messer. But you can’t for get about Aubrey Bundy and Janie Buenaventura either. This is a team to keep an eye on.
4. Corbin (22-9)
Some prognosticators believe the Lady Redhounds will take a step back after graduating the likes of Kallie Housley, Darcie Anderson, and Bailey Stewart, but we believe Corbin will still contend for the 50th District and 13th Region crowns.
The return Kylie Clem, one of the top players in the region, along with Raegan and Izzy Walker and Maekayla Williams are good enough reasons for us to out the Lady Redhounds at the No. 4 spot.
5. Harlan (18-14)
The Lady Green Dragons possess one of the best one-two punches in the region in Aymanni Wynn and Kylie Noe. Add Addison Jackson, Peyshaunce Wynn and Addison Campbell to the mix, and Harlan is a team to watch out for.
Best of the Rest
6. Jackson County (19-12)
Abby Gilbert returns which makes the Lady Generals one of the top teams in the region.
7. Whitley County (16-14)
The Lady Colonels return a strong young nucleus of talent (Maddie Hopkins, Aubree Clemens, Jonna Rice, and Autumn Sawyers) that could very well surprise this season.
8. Bell County (18-14)
The Lady Bobcats will graduate a big piece from this past season’s 18 wins in Gracie Jo Wilder, but don’t count out Bell County.
Coach David Teague will return Kairi Lamb and Kylee Greer-Gan along with Lauren McGeorge and Neveah Allen, which in turn, tells us the Lady Bobcats are going to be competitive and compete for the 52nd District crown.
9. Clay County (11-20)
It’s been a rough few seasons for the Lady Tigers, but we believe they’re going to surprise a bit this season with two of their top leading scorers returning in Madison Pendland and Anna Samples.
10. Pineville (20-10)
The graduation of Nadine Johnson will hurt but the return of the duo of Ava Arnett and Rachel Howard will have the Lady Mountain Lions in the thick of things when it comes to the 51st District title.
Teams ready to surprise
11. Middlesboro (9-19)
12. Harlan County (16-14)
13. Barbourville (15-15)
14. Williamsburg (6-23)
15. Lynn Camp (4-24)
16. Oneida Baptist (4-17)
17. Red Bird (0-2)
13th Region 2024-25 Very Early Girls’ Individual Rankings
1. Halle Collins, Knox Central
2. Brooke Nichelson, North Laurel
3. Abby Gilbert, Jackson County
4. Kylie Clem, Corbin
5. Shelbie Mills, South Laurel
6. Skeeter Mabe, South Laurel
7. Kylie Noe, Harlan
8. Aymanni Wynn, Harlan
9. Mariella Claybrook, North Laurel
10. Aubree Clemens, Whitley County
11. Keevi Betts, Middlesboro
12. Kairi Lamb, Bell County
13. Haley Combs, North Laurel
14. Maddie Hopkins, Whitley County
15. Ava Arnett, Pineville
