13th Region Boys’ Basketball
Preseason Rankings
Top 10
1. North Laurel (23-11)
The Jaguars return an experienced group aiming to repeat as 13th Region champions for the second time in a five-year span. Bringing back the region’s top player, Reece Davidson, is a massive boost.
2. Bell County (26-7)
Coach Brad Sizemore and his Bobcats have worked tirelessly since he arrived in Pineville, and this could be the year that work pays off in a big way.
3. Clay County (21-8)
Don’t overlook Mike Jones’ Tigers. Clay County has quietly flown under the radar entering the season but has enough talent to make a legitimate run at the region crown.
4. South Laurel (25-9)
No team lost more firepower from last season than South Laurel. Still, by season’s end, the Cardinals will once again be a tough out. Their roster is loaded with talent eager to prove the naysayers wrong.
5. Harlan County (25-9)
The Black Bears have graduated the region’s top players in each of the past two seasons, but they’ll reload again with hopes of returning to the top of the 13th Region.
6. Whitley County (19-11)
Eric Swords has his Colonels poised for a breakthrough. They’re talented, experienced, and ready to compete for both the 50th District and 13th Region championships.
7. Corbin (19-11)
The Redhounds took some hits to their roster due to transfers, but don’t count Tony Pietrowski’s squad out. They have enough pieces to surprise by the time March rolls around.
8. Knox Central (22-8)
The Panthers suffered a major loss with Grayson Burton transferring to Madison Central. Still, they enter the season as the team to beat in the 51st District—though Barbourville isn’t far behind.
9. Barbourville (17-13)
The Tigers are a team on the rise and could easily be knocking on the Top 5 door before long.
10. Harlan (5-25)
The Green Dragons return enough talent to challenge both Bell County and Harlan County for the 52nd District title.
Knocking on the door
11. Pineville (22-10)
Coach Brad Levy lost a lot of talent from last season’s squad, but the Mountain Lions’ cupboard is far from empty. He returns a talented young group that will look to defend its 51st District crown.
12. Jackson County (11-18)
I’m anxious to see what first-year coach Parker Stewart will bring to the Generals. Jackson County has the potential to be a sleeper team this season, so keep an eye on this group.
13. Lynn Camp (7-22)
Marcus McKeehan takes over the Wildcats’ program and has worked hard to elevate Lynn Camp into contention. With Caleb Woods and Conner Mabe returning, the Wildcats could surprise. Don’t be shocked if Mabe delivers a breakthrough season.
14. Williamsburg (17-10)
Brandon Bargo steps in as head coach of the Yellow Jackets. Despite graduating five players from last year’s team, look for Bargo to have Williamsburg competitive from the start.
15. Middlesboro (8-21)
The Yellow Jackets never found their rhythm last season, but could take a step forward under first-year coach Eddie Gilbert. This squad has the potential to surprise.
16. Oneida Baptist (15-14)
The Mountaineers lost leading scorer Jacob Rogers, but return Skyler Roberts, who averaged 13.5 points per game a season ago. Roberts will anchor a team looking to remain competitive.
17. Red Bird (0-23)
Austin Napier takes over at Red Bird and looks to guide the Cardinals toward a successful and improved campaign this winter.
District Rankings
49th District Boys’ Rankings
1. North Laurel
2. Clay County
3. Jackson County
4. Oneida Baptist
5. Red Bird
50th District Boys’ Rankings
1. South Laurel
2. Whitley County
3. Corbin
4. Williamsburg
51st District Boys’ Rankings
1. Knox Central
2. Barbourville
3. Pineville
4. Lynn Camp
52nd District Boys’ Rankings
1. Bell County
2. Harlan County
3. Harlan
4. Middlesboro
13th Region Boys’ Player Rankings
1. Reece Davidson — Senior, F, 6-8, North Laurel
This season’s Mr. Basketball frontrunner has every tool needed to lead the Jaguars on a deep postseason run.
2. Blake Burnett — Senior, G, 6-2, Bell County
There’s no way around it—Burnett is a winner in everything he does. A top-notch player who is essentially a coach on the floor.
3. Ethan Buell — Junior, F, 6-5, Bell County
Buell gives Bell County the perfect one-two punch alongside Burnett. He’s one of the most underrated players in Kentucky.
4. Adon Grubb — Junior, F, 6-4, Clay County
No one outworks Grubb. He’s a force on the boards and a reliable scorer who can dominate games physically.
5. Reggie Cottrell — Senior, G, 6-3, Harlan County
Though listed as a guard, Cottrell is one of the best rebounders in the region. An elite defender who has been instrumental in Harlan County’s success over the past two seasons.
6. Evan Ellis — Junior, G, 6-2, Corbin
Expected to be Corbin’s go-to scorer when a basket is needed. He’ll be more than ready for the challenge.
7. Bryson Mahan — Sophomore, G, 5-9, Whitley County
Coming off a terrific freshman season, Mahan looks primed for an even bigger sophomore campaign. One of the most athletic and versatile players in the region.
8. Eli Pietrowski — Senior, F, 6-3, Corbin
A relentless worker who can score and rebound at a high level.
9. Aiden Wagers — Senior, C, 6-1, Clay County
A physical interior presence who can impact games with his scoring and rebounding ability.
10. Jordan Rawlings — Senior, G, 6-4, North Laurel
One of the region’s top shooters. Opponents can’t afford to lose track of him on the perimeter.
