LONDON — As we close the chapter on the 2024-25 high school basketball season, one thing is clear — it was an incredible season filled with surprises.
Notably, North Laurel, originally ranked No. 4 in my preseason predictions, stunned top-ranked South Laurel by securing a win in the 13th Region title game.
The win marked the Jaguars’ third championship in four years, while Harlan County’s Maddox Huff was named Player of the Year and Bell County’s Brad Sizemore received Coach of the Year honors.
So, what can we expect for the 2025-26 season? If you’re a Jaguar fan, prepare to have plenty to cheer about next winter.
North Laurel has established itself as the team to beat, aiming for its fourth region crown in five years. The Jaguars will also feature the region’s best player, Reece Davidson, who is emerging as a frontrunner for the 2026 Mr. Basketball award.
However, the road ahead won’t be easy. Sizemore’s Bobcats are close on their heels, along with solid competition from Corbin, Knox Central, and Whitley County.
Next season promises to be thrilling, to say the least.
With that in mind, it’s time to reveal the projected rankings in the first of many predictions for the 13th Region.
2025-26 Top 10
1. North Laurel (23-11)
It all starts with the Jaguars next season.
Coach Nate Valentine has done a fantastic job turning North Laurel’s basketball program into one of the best in the state.
North Laurel has a good chance to capture its fourth 13th Region crown in five years with four starters returning along with numerous talented underclassmen,
It’s always nice to have someone like Reece Davidson returning.
The soon to be senior put on a show at the state tournament, which included turning in a 41-point scoring effort in the quarterfinals against Montgomery County.
Davidson is one of, if not the best, player in the state, and some Division I school is going to pick up a great player in Davidson.
The Jaguars will also return Cooper Elza, who stepped up big time once postseason play began along with sharpshooter Jordan Rawlings, RJ Noble, Cam Anderson and Corey Cunagin, who I expect big things from next season.
2. Bell County (26-7)
I really thought the Bobcats had a good chance of making a run at the region crown this past season, but they stumbled against South Laurel in the 13th Region Tournament.
Coach Brad Sizemore continues to show he’s one of the best coaches in the state, and will have one of the best rosters in his possession next winter.
The region’s top duo in Blake Burnett and Ethan Buell return along with Cayden Hiff, Jaxon Hiff, and freshman guard Braxton Furguson.
Bell County will be a tough team to knock off,
3. Corbin (19-11)
You can always count on Tony Pietrowski’s Redhounds to be at the top of the rankings, and it will be no different during the 2025-26 season.
With Ryder Akins, Evan Ellis, Eli Pietrowski, Dawson Farmer, and Lucas Brittain returning along with a solid nucleus of young talent, expect Corbin to make a push at the 13th Region crown.
4. Knox Central (22-8)
The Panthers possess numerous talented players and it begins with Grayson Burton. Burton, who will be a sophomore has established himself as one of the best players, not only in the region but state. He will be joined by Hayden Melton, Nathan Dunn, Evan Taylor, Christian Bargo, and Evan Hubbard.
Knox Central could very well surprise everyone next season, and cut down the nets at the Corbin Arena.
5. Whitley County (19-11)
Eric Swords did a fantastic job this past season, and has will have his Colonels right in the thick of things during the 2025-26 campaign.
Whitley County will possess one of the best rosters in the 13th Region with Bryson Mahan, Riley Fuson, Dee Parker, Henry Bowling, Tucker Hale, Garrett Sharp and Jase Meadors returning.
The Colonels have a good shot at reaching the 13th Region Tournament for the first time since 2011 along with winning their first district championship in more than 40 years.
6. Clay County (21-8)
The Tigers never could seem to get on track last season, but will continue to be a threat during the 2025-26 campaign.
Clay County graduate three key players of last season’s 21-win squad but do return Adon Grubb, Aiden Wagers, Brody Hooker, Jay Nicholson, and Isaiah Bundy.
7. Harlan County (25-9)
The Black Bears will show the affect of graduating some of the best players the 13th Region has seen the past two years, but will still be compete with an outside shot of being a 13th Region front runner during the 2025-26 campaign.
Reggie Cottrell returns along with Tent Cole, Brady Smith, Brennan Blevins, Cole Cornett, Landon Brock, Brady Freeman, and Bryson Bryant returning along with Hayden Grace, Tucker Curtis, and Kaden Jones.
8. South Laurel (25-9)
The Cardinals will graduate a lot of key players off last season’s 25-win squad, and will have to reload to have a chance of winning the 50th District while continuing to be a 13th Region contender as well.
South Laurel possesses along of young talent that includes Kaden Taylor, Landon Howard, Blaine Baker, Garrison Brown and Kaiden McQueen. The Cardinals should also get boost from North Laurel transfer Joe Smith.
9. Oneida Baptist (15-14)
The Mountaineers are hoping n to make a run at the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic championship, and an appearance in the 13th Region Tournament, which they will host, next winner.
Coach Larry Gritton has to be excited with the talent he is returning in Jacob Rogers, Skyler Roberts, Dennis Emmuede, Tommy Branstutter, Aden Gregory, Ryder Salmons and Mason Lockhart returning.
10. Jackson County (11-18)
The Generals lose a lot of talent but I expect new coach Parker Stewart to have the Generals ready tomorrow next winter.
Braxton Coyle, Tansen Truett, Wyatt Gray, Braylon Combs, and Tyler Sandlin all return which will help the Generals to make a push next season
Best of the Rest
11. Barbourville (17-13)
12. Harlan (5-15)
13. Pineville (22-10)
14. Lynn Camp (7-22)
15. Williamsburg (17-10)
16. Middlesboro (8-21)
17. Red Bird 0-23
Top 10 Players
1. Reece Davidson, North Laurel
2. Grayson Burton, Knox Central
3. Blake Burnett, Bell County
4. Ryder Akins, Corbin
5. Ethan Buell, Bell County
6. Bryson Mahan, Whitley County
7. Evan Ellis, Corbin
8. Adon Grubb, Clay County
9. Reggie Cottrell, Harlan County
10. Cooper Elza, North Laurel
