As the 2024-25 season approaches, the competition in the 13th Region boys’ basketball is heating up.
Last season, Harlan County captured its second region championship, and advanced to the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen state title game before bowing out to Lyon County.
Can the Black Bears do it again?
Or are teams such as South Laurel, North Laurel, Clay County, Bell County, and Knox Central ready to make a run?
Here are the preseason rankings and insights on the top teams:
1. South Laurel (19-11)
This season, South Laurel boasts the region’s top-ranked player, Jordan Mabe, alongside Josh and Jordan Steele and Colton Rawlings.
The Cardinals will look to capture their first region title since 2016 with hopes of making a run at its first state championship since legendary coach Steve Wright, who led the basketball program to to a school record seven region titles, guided South Laurel to the state crown in 2005.
2. Harlan County (34-5)
After coming within one win of their first state championship, the Black Bears aim to repeat as 13th Region champions. Coach Kyle Jones has the talent to achieve this with the return of Maddox Huff, Reggie Cottrell, Jaycee Carter, and Brody Napier. Cottrell and Carter are two of the most underrated players in the region.
3. North Laurel (17-16)
Nate Valentine’s Jaguars experienced a rollercoaster season last year, dealing with the loss of 97 percent of their scoring, injuries, and transfers.
Despite these challenges, Nate Valentine continues to work his magic, leading North Laurel to 17 wins against one of the hardest schedules in the 13th Region.
With the return of Reece Davidson, Kole Jervis, Jordan Rawlings, Joe Smith, Cooper Elza, and R.J. Noble, the Jaguars will look to make a run at the 13th Region crown.
4. Clay County (24-9)
The Tigers return a solid core of talent, including one of the region’s top players, Adon Grubb, along with Jerrod Roark, Ethan Jackson, Aiden Wagers, and Grayson Hooker. Coach Michael Jones aims to have his team contending once again for the region championship this season.
5. Bell County (25-8)
Under Coach Brad Sizemore, Bell County has become a regional contender, ready to challenge for the 52nd District and 13th Region titles. Blake Burnett leads a talented group that includes Cameron Hall, Ethan Buel, Cayden Huff, and Jaxon Thomas.
6. Knox Central (22-10)
Coach Mitchell Madden had an impressive first year at the helm of the Panthers, being named 13th Region Coach of the Year.
With freshman Grayson Burton returning, expect Knox Central to continue building toward becoming a region title contender.
7. Pineville (20-11)
The Mountain Lions feature one of the best one-two punches in the state with Sawyer Thompson and Ashton Moser leading the charge.
This could be the season Pineville makes a run at the 13th Region championship.
8. Corbin (23-9)
Keep an eye on Tony Pietrowski’s squad.
After guiding Corbin to last season’s 50th District championship, and an appearance in the 13th Region title game, Pietrowski’s squad is looking to advance even further this season.
The Redhounds return key players Eli Pietrowski and Ryder Akins, while Zach Reynolds, Connor Middleton, Connor Blackburn, and Lucas Brittain aim to lead Corbin back to another 50th District crown.
9. Whitley County (20-10)
Coach Eric Swords has made significant progress with the Colonels, leading them to consecutive 20-plus win seasons.
While he will need to replace four seniors, returning Dee Parker, Bryson Mahan, and Aaron Rowe will put Whitley County right in the thick of the 13th Region contenders.
10. Williamsburg (17-14)
The defending 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic champions have the talent to rise in the rankings, with key players like Andrew Smith, Conner Saylor, and Cooper Prewitt returning.
Best of the Rest
11. Oneida Baptist (17-15)
12. Jackson County (12-17)
13. Middlesboro (10-20)
14. Harlan (6-21)
15. Barbourville (7-24)
16. Lynn Camp (8-20)
17. Red Bird (5-17)
