13th Region Girls’ Basketball
Preseason Outlook
The road to the 13th Region championship still runs through North Laurel — and until someone proves otherwise, the Lady Jaguars remain the undisputed team to beat.
Top 10 Teams
1. North Laurel (32-3)
Until someone dethrones the three-time defending 13th Region champions, the Lady Jaguars sit comfortably atop the preseason rankings. Eddie Mahan’s program has been the region’s gold standard since the 2017-18 season.
During that stretch, North Laurel has won four regional titles — including the past three — while compiling an incredible 225-47 overall record, seven 13th Region championship game appearances, three Elite Eight trips, eight straight 49th District titles, a 104-13 mark against region opponents, and a stunning 54-game win streak over 49th District competition.
Pretty impressive.
2. South Laurel (25-6)
If any team is built to challenge North Laurel, it’s Tod Windlan’s South Laurel Lady Cardinals. Windlan transformed South Laurel into the region’s most tenacious defensive unit last season, and that identity should remain intact. With talent across the board and experience in key positions, South Laurel is poised to make noise once again.
3. Knox Central (25-5)
The Lady Panthers return the region’s top guard in Shelbie Mills, giving them a legitimate star capable of carrying them deep into March. Expect Knox Central to be firmly in contention throughout the season.
4. Clay County (16-11)
After a couple of rebuilding seasons, Clay County looks ready to make a serious charge at the 49th District crown. Behind standout young guard Maci White, the Lady Tigers have the roster to stay competitive and surprise opponents.
5. Whitley County (17-10)
The Lady Colonels would likely be one spot higher if not for the devastating season-ending injury to Khylea Ray Collins. Still, Whitley County returns enough talent — and toughness — to remain a contender both in the district and region.
6. Harlan County (9-23)
The Lady Black Bears have been steadily improving and should once again be in the mix for the 52nd District title. With a maturing roster, expect another step forward this season.
7. Bell County (19-9)
The Lady Bobcats blend veteran leadership with a crop of promising young players. They’re a team capable of climbing quickly if they find consistency early on.
8. Corbin (19-11)
The Lady Redhounds appear poised to build on last season’s success. With new faces and emerging talent on the roster, Corbin should remain squarely in the district and regional mix.
9. Middlesboro (14-13)
Sally Adams continues to elevate the Lady Yellow Jackets, who enter the season as the favorite to win the 13th Region All “A” Classic. With key talent returning, Middlesboro is trending up.
10. Harlan (20-13)
The Lady Green Dragons enjoyed a strong campaign last season and should once again be in position to push for postseason success with the experience they return in Peyshaunce Wynn.
Knocking on the door
11. Barbourville (8-21)
This could be the season the Lady Tigers make their return to the 13th Region Tournament. Barbourville is led by standouts Marleigh Martin and Layla Brock, and expectations are that this squad will take a noticeable step forward and make a run.
12. Pineville (11-18)
Rachel Howard is back to lead the Lady Mountain Lions, who return a solid core featuring Addison Arnett, Madison Johnson, Clara Strange, Hannah Abner, and Kaelyn Burnett. With experience and balance, Pineville is a team to keep an eye on.
13. Jackson County (14-15)
The Lady Generals lose four starters from last season—including standout Abby Gilbert—which leaves some sizeable voids to fill. However, the cupboard isn’t bare in McKee. Jackson County will look to regroup and make a push for a fifth consecutive trip to the 13th Region Tournament.
14. Lynn Camp (7-16)
Janet Jones takes over the Lady Wildcats and aims to guide the program back to the 13th Region Tournament. Leading scorer and rebounder Lauren Partin returns as one of the region’s top players. She’ll be joined by Madison Weymers, Lily Henzie, Jayden Petrey, Emily Gray, Aubrey Hollin, and Bella Fox, giving Jones a competitive roster to build with.
15. Williamsburg (7-19)
Coach Melissia Douglas returns four starters as the Lady Yellow Jackets chase their first 13th Region Tournament berth since 1994. Competing in the region’s toughest district presents challenges, but continued improvement suggests Williamsburg could surprise this season.
16. Oneida Baptist (3-16)
The Lady Mountaineers return Bailey Bristow, who averaged more than 17 points per game last season. With their leading scorer back, Oneida Baptist will look to improve on last year’s three-win campaign.
District Rankings
49th District
1. North Laurel
2. Clay County
3. Jackson County
4. Oneida Baptist
50th District
1. South Laurel
2. Whitley County
3. Corbin
4. Williamsburg
51st District
1. Knox Central
2. Barbourville
3. Pineville
4. Lynn Camp
52nd District
1. Harlan County
2. Bell County
3. Middlesboro
4. Harlan
Top 10 Players in the 13th Region
1. Mariella Claybrook — Jr., F, 6-2, North Laurel
Claybrook enters the year as one of the best players in Kentucky, armed with 17 college offers. The most versatile player in the region, she can handle the ball, stretch the floor, or dominate the paint.
2. Shelbie Mills — Jr., G, 5-5, Knox Central
The region’s top guard returns with elite scoring ability both from the perimeter and off the drive.
3. Maci Messer — Jr., F, 5-10, South Laurel
A knock-down shooter who lit up scoreboards last season. Expect her junior year to be even more productive.
4. Kairi Lamb — Sr., C, 6-3, Bell County
A strong and imposing post presence. Lamb alters shots, controls the boards, and anchors the Lady Bobcats defensively.
5. Haley Combs — Sr., G, 5-6, North Laurel
One of the region’s most underrated guards. Combs is a steady floor general who excels on both ends.
6. Peyton Mabe — Jr., G, 5-11, South Laurel
A true do-it-all player. Mabe’s length, versatility, and defense make her a major factor in South Laurel’s success.
7. Aubree Clemons — Jr., C, 6-3, Corbin
The Whitley County transfer gives Corbin a powerful low-post weapon capable of taking over games.
8. Madisyn Hopkins — Jr., F, 6-0, Whitley County
A natural scorer with a nose for the basket. Hopkins can create shots and finish in traffic.
9. Laurel Partin, Sr., G, 5-10, Lynn Camp
Partin averaged a double-double last season, and looks to out even better numbers up during the 2025-26 campaign.
10. Rachel Howard — Sr., C, 5-9, Pineville
A strong interior player who consistently produces and anchors the Lady Mountain Lions’ frontcourt.
