Corbin (19-9) With seven players returning from last season’s squad, first-year coach Krystal Jones is ready to lead the Lady Redhounds back to their first 13th Region championship since 2021. The experienced nucleus of seniors Caroline Combs, Ava Maguet, and senior Chloe Carter along with juniors Aden Nipper, and Brooke Mills, and sophomores Laura Newcomb and Reese Curry make Corbin a tough team to beat.
North Laurel (17-15) The Lady Jaguars played one of the toughest schedules in the state but that didn’t keep James Hendrix’s squad from winning another 49th District crown while going 14-3 against regional teams in the process. North Laurel lost four players to graduation but return Maria Yount, Taylor Hoskins, Reagan Isaac, Sofia Ramirez, Liberty Reyngoudt, Tessa Monhollen, Hannah Daniels, Addison Metcalf, and Baylee Asher.
Whitley County (35-3) The Lady Colonels are coming off one of, if not the best season, a 13th Region team has had. They posted a 20-0 mark against region teams and have now won 26 straight games against regional opponents. Whitley County has also won two straight 13th Region championships and have turned in two series consecutive appearance in the state tournament’s Elite Eight. Can the Lady Colonels win a third consecutive regional title? They sure can, but they’ll need to gain some experience throughout the season after graduating nine seniors, that’s right, nine seniors from last year’s squad. Addison Siler returns as Whitley County’s lone senior while numerous members of last season’s junior varsity squad that only lost one game, returns as well.
Jackson County (13-17) The Lady Generals are a team that couldn’t be overlooked last season, and it looks to be the same this fall. Despite graduating six seniors from last season’s squad, Jackson County will be looked upon to be even better this season. Seniors Jenna Creech and Abby Gilbert returns as a solid one-two punch for the Lady Generals.
South Laurel (5-12) With three starters returning to the mix, South Laurel could be the most surprising team of the region. South Laurel plays a tough schedule that will prepare the Lady Cardinals for postseason play.
Harlan County (19-10) The Lady Black Bears graduated two players from last season’s squad and look to be even better this season with the return of Kalista Dunn, Ashton Evans, Kyler Hoiska, and Savannah Hill. Look for Harlan County to be the frontrunner to win the 52nd District.
Pineville (18-11) Coach Samantha North has done a fantastic job in building the Lady Mountain Lions into a region contender. With only two seniors graduated from last season’s squad while players such as Ava Arnett, Addison Slone, Kaydence McQueen and Kamryn Biliter returning, Pineville should be frontrunners to win the 51st District again this season.
Bell County (32-7) The Lady Bobcats are coming off one of their best seasons in program history but will have to replace a big hole left by the graduation of Gracie Jo Wilder. Bell County graduated six seniors from last season, but return Nevaeh Allen, Kairi Lamb, Abbi Middleton, Emily Rose, Alexis Brown and Emma Winkler.
Williamsburg (19-16) Coach Dirk Berta does a fantastic job with his team, and expect to see the Lady Yellow Jackets in the thick of things once again. They’re the defending 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic champions and will look to repeat while returning Hannah Creekmore, Heidi Wiles, and Lorelei Coleman. They also have a couple of Juniors that they also expect to contribute, Kylee and Karina Nantz.
Knox Central (18-10) The Lady Panthers graduated some key players off last season’s squad but look to compete for the 51st District title once again this fall. Mekyah Booker, Isabella Frost, Nadia Smith, and Jaylynn Fain return to help lead Knox Central.
