For the past three seasons, Eddie Mahan’s North Laurel Lady Jaguars have dominated the 13th Region, winning three consecutive regional titles— the first school to achieve this feat since Clay County’s four-year streak from 2009 to 2012. North Laurel also made history as the first girls’ basketball team from Laurel County to accomplish a three-peat as regional champions, mirroring the Laurel County High School Lady Cardinals’ four straight titles in the 12th Region from 1982 to 1985.
During their remarkable three-year reign, the Lady Jaguars have won 16 consecutive postseason games and posted an impressive overall record of 91-16, including a stellar 47-4 mark against regional opponents.
However, it’s time to introduce a crucial word—but.
Despite all this success, the graduation of standout players Brooke Nichelson and Bella Sizemore leaves the playing field more level for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
This is where Tod Winland’s South Laurel Lady Cardinals come into play.
They were the only regional team to defeat North Laurel last season, and with nearly everyone returning — except for the graduation of Jamie Buenaventura — the Lady Cardinals are poised to be the team to beat in my early predictions.
North Laurel fans need not worry.
The Lady Jaguars have a knack for proving me wrong.
Last season, I had Knox Central ranked No. 1 and North Laurel at No. 2, and we all saw how that turned out.
With that said, it’s time to unveil the projected standings in the first of many 13th Region predictions.Top 10
1. South Laurel (25-6)
What a first season for Tod Winland as head coach of the Lady Cardinals.
With Maci Messer, Skeeter Mabe, Aubrey Bundy, Callie Jones, Rhyleigh Bretz, and Shelby Smith returning, you can see why South Laurel comes in at the top spot.
2. North Laurel (32-3)
The cupboard is far from bare at North Laurel. The key to the Lady Jaguars’ success will be finding some players to replace the scoring and rebounding that is now gone with the loss of Brooke Nichelson. Losing Bella Sizemore hurts as well. She provided solid scoring and shooting from long range.
Mariella Claybrook will return as one of the top players in the region and state while Haley Combs, Emma Carl, Bella Lewis, Paisley Kilburn, and Bella Mahan also provide a lot of strengths to the Lady Jaguar roster.
3. Knox Central (25-5)
It’s not going to be easy replacing Halle Collins’ double-double average for the upcoming season.
Knox Central returns one of the best players in the region in Shelbie Mills along with one of the most underrated players in the region in McKenzie Hensley. Don’t forget about Kaylynn Smith, Maggie Gibson, Shelbi Smith and Kylee Smith.
4. Whitley County (17-10)
The Lady Colonels are looking to capture their first regional crown since 1985. They return a ton of talent in Aubree Clemens, Maddy Hopkins, Khylea Ray Collier, Jonna Rice, Cambree Price, Jaylee Cox and Lydia Hale.
5. Clay County (16-11)
Don’t look now, but the Lady Tigers are bag in the regional title conversation.
After struggling the past few years, Clay County’s young talent continues to impress while gaining tons of experience. Last season’s 16 wins was just a sign of things to come.
The Lady Tigers will be led by Maci White while Carly Fultz and Madison Pendland returns as well. Anna and Daisy Samples return along with Holly Hacker, and Harper Rice.
6. Harlan County (9-23)
The Lady Black Bears are ready to make a move up the rankings, too. They’ll be led by numerous talented players that gained tons of valuable experience last season.
Harlan County will be led by Kylee Runions, Jaylee Cochran, Reagan Clem, Jaycee Simpson, Raegan Landa, Lacey Robinson, and Taylynn Napier.
7. Corbin (19-11)
The Lady Redhounds have been a top tier team for a long while but after graduating Kylie Clem and Raegan Walker, things get a bit tougher for Corbin.
Returning for Isaac Wilson’s squad Addy Wilson, Lydia King, Izzy Walker, Kalley Stewart, Sayde Mobley and Paityn Creech.
8. Middlesboro (14-13)
Losing star guard Keevi Betts will be big but I like what the Lady Yellow Jackets are returning.
Emily Lambert returns along with Millie Roberts, and Morgan Martin. Trinity Derossett, and Addison Lucas return as well.
9. Bell County (18-14)
The Lady Bobcats, like most teams in the region, will have to find some players step up after graduating key players.
Good news is players like Kairi Lamb returns along with Neveah Allen, Lyla Scearse, Gracie Barton, Rachel Redmond, Aubree Miracle, and Bristol Jordan.
10. Harlan (20-13)
The Lady Green Dragons graduate a lot of talent but return Peyshaunce Wynn, who returns as one of the best players in the region. Joining Wynn will be Cheyenne Rhymer, Addison Campbell, Raegan Goodman, Shelby Doan, and Gracie Hensley.
Round Out The Region …
11. Pineville (11-18)
12. Jackson County (14-15)
13. Lynn Camp (7-16)
14. Barbourville (8-21)
15. Williamsburg (7-19)
16. Oneida Baptist (3-16)
Preseason Top 10 Players
1. Mariella Claybrook, North Laurel
2. Maci Messer, South Laurel
3. Shelbie Mills, Knox Central
4. Kairi Lamb, Bell County
5. Skeeter Mabe, South Laurel
6. Haley Combs, North Laurel
7. Peyshaunce Wynn, Harlan
8. Rachel Howard, Pineville
9. Aubree Clemens, Whitley County
10. Lauren Partin, Lynn Camp
