High school girls’ soccer season begins in a week, and it’s going to be interesting to see if anyone can unseat the South Laurel Lady Cardinals as the 13th Region’s top team.
The Lady Cardinals reached the Elite Eight last season after posting a 14-7 record from last season.
Jeremy Howard returns as coach of South Laurel after former coach Lora Rison stepped down.
Howard will return a solid nucleus of talent but will also have to replace five key players from last season, including Josie Gill and Ella Rison, who combined to score 42 of South Laurel’s 79 goals while finishing with a combined 32 of the Lady Cardinals’ 50 assists.
Despite the graduating of key players, Howard is excited for the season to begin.
“We expect to have a very competitive and energetic team,” he said. “As of right now, our team is working hard to continue to develop so that we can make a deep run in the post season.
“We also have some new excited things happening at our home field,” Howard added. “So I would love to encourage everyone to come out and watch at least one game. I think fans will be surprised with the atmosphere and environment of our games.”
13th Region Girls’ Soccer
Preseason Rankings
1. South Laurel (14-7)
The Lady Cardinals will have to replace some key scoring after graduating both Josie Gill and Ella Rison, but do return junior Gracie Hoskins, who finished with 18 goals and nine assists last season. Senior Morgan Taylor (four goals, one assist), and sophomore Trinity Rogers (six goals, one assist) return along with junior keeper Shelby Gambrel, who had 101 saves and four shut outs last season.
2. Whitley County (12-5)
Is this the season the Lady Colonels break through and reach the region tournament?
It could be.
Whitley County returns senior Autumn Sawyers, who set a 13th Region record last season with 61 goals and 34 assists.
The Lady Colonels do have some spots to fill after graduating their second and third leading goals scorers — Deserae Haynes (31 goals, 28 assists), and Kimberlee White (nine goals and 10 assists).
3. North Laurel (11-5)
The Lady Jaguars will begin the season with their third head coach in three years with former Lady Jaguar star Kayla Bargo Carson replacing Courtney Miller.
North Laurel graduated its top two players in goals scored and assists — Makayla Mastin (30 goals, 11 assists), and Mikaela Barnett (17 goals, seven assists), but returns a solid roster, led by Haley Combs (10 goals, two assists).
Senior keeper Brooklyn Mullins also returns. She had 179 saves last season.
4. Middlesboro (13-6)
The Lady Yellow Jackets return two of the best players in the region in junior Kolbi Mason and senior Keevi Betts.
Mason scored 40 goals last season and finished with eight assists while Betts added 17 goals and eight assists. This could be the season, Middlesboro surprises and makes a deep postseason run.
5. Corbin (3-13)
Last season the Lady Redhounds were in rebuild mode, but look to be much better with a talented roster returning.
Corbin won only one game against regional opponents last season, and posted an 0-4 mark against district foes, but expect coach Hannah Goins squad to be much-improved this fall.
The Lady Redhounds graduated three players from last season, including Caroline Steely, who led the team with 12 goals, but they return senior Emely Colchado (seven goals, four assists), junior Mary Simons (five goals, four assists), and sophomore Jersey Roberson (two goals).
