Girls basketball season is over, and with that said, it’s never too early to roll out a “Way Too Early Outlook” for the 2026-27 13th Region Girls’ Basketball season.
After picking against North Laurel for what seemed like the past few years, I finally went with the Lady Jaguars this past season — and they delivered, capturing their fourth straight 13th Region championship.
But I’ll say this — I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Ill have to change these picks two or three times before the season tips off.
Would I be surprised to see some coaching changes?
No.
Would I be surprised to more players transfer?
No.
But with that said, I gotta put out some rankings, so how are things shaping up heading into 2026-27?
Let’s take a look.
2026-27 13th Region Girls’ Rankings
1. North Laurel (25-7)
As the great Ric Flair has said many times — to be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.
Right now, North Laurel is still the team to beat.
Until someone knocks off the Lady Jaguars in March, they deserve that top spot — and with four starters returning along with the region’s best player, they may be on track to make it five straight.
If they do, it would mark the first time a 13th Region girls program has won five consecutive titles since Clay County’s historic run of seven straight from 1988-94.
North Laurel’s success starts with 6-2 senior Mariella Claybrook (18.2 ppg, 11.7 rpg), who enters the season as the region’s top-ranked player. She’ll be joined by Laylee Phillips (10.9, 4.7), one of the top returning players in the region, along with Bella Lewis (7.9, 7.1) and Bella Mahan (5.1).
Also back are Emma Carl (2.0), Paisley Robinson (2.6) and Eden Begley (2.1), giving the Lady Jaguars both depth and experience.
2. South Laurel (25-7)
The Lady Cardinals have the best shot to unseat North Laurel — but to do so, they’ll have to find a way to get past them in March.
South Laurel returns one of the most balanced cores in the region, led by seniors Maci Messer (13.5, 4.9) and Skeeter Mabe (9.8, 4.6).
Sophomores Callie Jones (10.6, 3.1) and Ryleigh Bretz (5.7, 6.4) return to the starting lineup, while freshman McKenzie Fannin (6.8, 2.3) is a player to watch after a strong debut season.
Also expect Shelby Smith (2.5), Emma Adams (2.4) and Mia Hubbard (2.1) to play key roles.
3. Knox Central (24-6)
If there’s a team capable of breaking the Laurel County stranglehold on the region, it’s Knox Central.
North and South have combined to win six of the last seven region titles, but the Lady Panthers have the firepower to challenge that run.
Senior Shelbie Mills (22.3 ppg) is one of the best players in the region — and the state — and she’ll lead a deep and experienced group that includes McKenzie Hensley (11.7, 5.0), Kailynn Smith (10.7, 10.3), Kylie Smith (5.7, 4.5), Maggie Gibson (5.0, 6.2), Shelbi Smith (4.5, 3.2), Kaylei Gambrel Garrison (4.1), and Charis Frederick (2.5, 2.9).
4. Whitley County (15-15)
The Lady Colonels came on strong late last season and look poised to be a serious threat in 2026-27.
Senior Maddie Hopkins (19.8, 8.9) returns as one of the region’s top players, while Khlyea Collier is back from injury — a major boost.
Also returning are Jonna Rice (11.6, 8.0) and Jaylee Cox (5.2, 3.5), along with Aubrey Fore (3.8, 2.0) and Cristen Siler (2.4, 4.1).
Whitley County has the pieces to make a deep postseason run — and possibly chase its first region title since 1985.
5. Corbin (15-11)
There’s plenty of excitement surrounding the Corbin Lady Redhounds.
Tony Pietrowski takes over the program after winning four region titles as Corbin’s boys coach, and he inherits a roster loaded with talent.
Leading the way is 6-3 Aubree Clemens (11.1, 8.2), along with Lydia King (12.0, 3.0), Kalley Stewart (5.5, 4.5), Lynlee Pietrowski (5.9, 3.9), Brylee Frederick (3.3) and Braylen Frederick (2.5).
6. Clay County (16-17)
The Lady Tigers are coming off a return to the 13th Region Tournament and will look to take the next step.
Key returners include Maci White (13.7, 5.1), Carly Fultz (12.2, 7.7), Kenzie Grubb (12.0, 4.1), Madison Pendland (6.1, 2.8) and Harper Rive (8.1, 6.5).
7. Harlan County (13-14)
The Lady Black Bears could be a sleeper team.
Sophomore Jaycee Simpson (11.3) returns along with Taylynn Napier (8.5), Jaylee Cochran (8.5), and Reagan Clem (7.8).
Also back are Kylee Runions (5.2) and Raegan Landa (2.3, 4.3).
8. Bell County (23-8)
The Lady Bobcats lose Kairi Lamb and Nevaeh Allen to graduation, but the addition of transfer Emily Lambert helps offset those losses.
Senior forward Gracie Barton (7.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg) returns after being limited to just 13 games due to injury, giving Bell County a major boost.
She’ll be joined by Lyla Scearse (2.0, 2.0), Aubree Miracle (4.0, 3.7), Bristal Jordan (3.5), and Brylee Redmond (2.6, 3.2), all of whom played key roles last season.
9. Barbourville (11-15)
Barbourville looks to build on a strong season and could make a push for its first region tournament appearance since 2022.
Marleigh Martin (14.8, 6.0), Breanna Engle (13.9, 5.4), and Sadie Hoffman (6.7, 3.1) headline the returning group.
10. Pineville (13-16)
The Lady Mountain Lions get a big boost with the addition of transfer Peyshaunce Wynn (10.8, 4.6).
Madison Johnson (7.6, 7.2), Clara Starnge (6.4, 4.5), and Kaelyn Burnett (3.9, 2.3) also return, giving Pineville a solid core.
Best of the Rest
11. Middlesboro (14-13)
Coach Sally Adams led a strong turnaround, and the Lady Yellow Jackets look to build on that success.
Millie Roberts (12.6) returns, though the loss of Lambert to Bell County is significant.
12. Jackson County (8-18)
The Lady Generals return a solid nucleus, including Baylee Berry (9.0), Sophia Martinez (7.8), and Kyler Martin (5.5).
13. Williamsburg (10-17)
The Lady Yellow Jackets continue to improve under Melissa Douglas.
Abby Moses (11.0, 7.0) and Brylee Evans (10.9) lead the way.
14. Harlan (8-20)
The Lady Dragons enter a rebuild after key departures.
Addison Campbell (9.7) will lead a young group.
15. Lynn Camp (6-18)
Replacing Lauren Partin will be key, but Destiney Chancellor (7.6, 6.9) and Aubrey Hollin (6.3, 4.2)
return.
16. Oneida Baptist (2-17)
The Lady Mountaineers return Sophia Silvia (11.6, 5.0) and a young group looking to take the next step.
Top 15 13th Region Players
1. Mariella Claybrook, North Laurel
2. Shelbie Mills , Knox Central
3. Maci Messer, South Laurel
4. Skeeter Mabe, South Laurel
5. Maddie Hopkins, Whitley County
6. Emily Lambert, Bell County
7. Laylee Phillips, North Laurel
8. Kaylynn Smith, Knox Central
9. McKenzie Hensley, Knox Central
10. Aubree Clemens, Corbin
11. Callie Jones, South Laurel
12. Maci White, Clay County
13. Jaycee Simpson, Harlan County
14. Carly Fultz, Clay County
15. Jonna Rice, Whitley County
