High school basketball is right around the corner, and that lean’s it’s time for the L4 Security 13th Region Media Network’s “Very Early” 13th Region Girls’ Preseason Rankings.
For the past few years, the 13th Region landscape has been dominated by Laurel County schools, North Laurel, and South Laurel, but things changed last season.
Insert Isaac Wilson’s Corbin Lady Redhounds.
Corbin ran through a difficult state, lost to South Laurel for the 50th District crown before rolling past Knox Central, North Laurel, and South Laurel in the 13th Region Tournament.
So can the Lady Redhounds repeat?
We believe so.
With the abundance of talent returning, Corbin hands down is the top ranked team entering the 2022-23 season.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at our “Very Early” rankings.
1. Corbin (25-7)
The Lady Redhounds return maybe the deepest team in the region.
Kallie Housley, Darcie Anderson, Bailey Stewart, Raegan Walker, and Kylie Clem make Corbin a dangerous team.
2. North Laurel (24-6)
The Lady Jaguars didn’t have the finish they wanted last season, and don’t be surprised to see them and Corbin battle things out in March.
North Laurel graduated Hailee Valentine, the program’s career leading scorer, but returns senior Emily Sizemore, who will more than likely break Valentine’s scoring record this winter.
Brooke Nicholson, Bella Sizemore, Jaelyn Black and Chloe McKnight will also expect to contribute along with Gracie McKnight.
3. Bell County (24-8)
The loss of Nadine Johnson will hurt but the Lady Bobcats possess one of the best players in the region in Gracie Jo Wilder.
Joining Wilder will be Mataya Ausmus and Lauren McGeorge.
4. South Laurel
The Lady Cardinals aren’t used to being ranked this low but this could totally change by season’s end.
South Laurel is stacked with young talent which includes Skeeter Mabe, and Shelbie Mills. Emily Cox and Gracie Turner returns which will be huge pluses for the Lady Cardinals after Clara Collins’ injury she suffered during the summer will keep her from playing this season.
5. Jackson County (22-10)
The Lady Generals are a team to keep an eye on. Many of us believe Jackson County can make a run at North Laurel this season with 6-4 senior center Kenady Ward returning along with sophomore Abby Gilbert, and juniors Madison Curry and Kylee Shannon.
6. Knox Central (20-9)
The Lady Panthers graduated a ton of talent from last year’s team but will be led by sophomore Halle Collins, who is considered one of the best players in the region. Also returning are seniors Reagan Jones, and Emily Mills. Junior Timberly Frederick will also provide Knox Central with some very good shooting from long-range distance.
7. Harlan County (20-12)
The Lady Black Bears are another team to keep an eye on with all five starters returning which includes junior Ella Karst, and senior Jaylin Smith.
Seniors Taylor Lunsford, Hailey Austin, and Taytum Griffin also return.
8. Harlan (9-18)
Count on the Lady Green Dragons to be much-improved this season with Aymanni Wynn and Kylie Noe returning. Wynn and Now could be the best duo in the region. Also returning for Harlan are Emma Owens, Peighton Jones, and Leah Davis.
9. Whitley County (14-11)
The Lady Colonels return a lot of experience in Marissa Douglass, Ahamada Xirgo, and Kylee Brown. Caylan Collier, Aubree Clemens and Jonna Rice return, too.
10. Pineville (8-19)
We were very close in moving Pineville up a spot or two. The Lady Mountain Lions return a strong nucleus of talent that just got stronger with Nadine Johnson transferring in from Bell County
Johnson will improve Pineville.
Abigale Jackson, Talyah McQueen, Ava Arnett, and Lamryn Biliter return as well.
Best of the rest
11. Clay County
12. Middlesboro
13. Barbourville
14. Williamsburg
15. Lynn Canp
16. OBI
Note: Red Bird is playing JV schedule
only.
Very Early District Rankings
49th District
1. North Laurel
2. Jackson County
3. Clay County
4. OBI
50th District
1. Corbin
2. South Laurel
3. Whitley County
4. Williamsburg
51st District
1. Knox Central
2. Pineville
3. Barbourville
4. Lynn Camp
52nd District
1. Bell County
2. Harlan County
3. Harlan
4. Middlesboro
