I’ve waited and waited and waited, so it’s time to go ahead and give my thoughts on the upcoming boys’ basketball season, even though, I’m almost certain they’ll be plenty of more moves in the 13th Region before the 2026-27 basketball season tips-off.
Let’s cut straight to the chase, and give my picks, and yes, I’m claiming a waiver, haha, because honestly this could be def. changed by November.
1. Corbin Redhounds
The Redhounds have a new coach in Kevin Burton along with a new player, who I have down as the No. 1 ranked player in the region now in Grayson Burton.
Corbin already possesses a talented roster, and could be even better come November.
2. South Laurel Cardinals
It’s like the early days of the 13th Region realignment in 2007, 08, and 09. It looks as if Corbin and South Laurel will be the frontrunners.
The Cardinals have a new coach in Brad Sizemore, who helped Bell County last season reach the 13th Region title game.
Joining Sizemore is former Bell County Bobcat Braxton Ferguson, who left Log Mountain to become a Cardinal.
South Laurel also possesses a strong nucleus of players, too, and could be ranked even higher by the time the season tips-off. You never know.
3. North Laurel Jaguars
The two-time defending 13th Region champions returns a cupboard that is far from empty. Coach Nate Valentine will have North Laurel right in the thick of things this upcoming season, but will have to find some players to step up to help replace the hole Reece Davidson left after graduating.
4. Whitley County Colonels
Coach Eric Swords has the Colonels heading in the right direction after guiding them to the 13th Region Tournament last season.
I fully expected Whitley County to be the team to beat in the 50th District once the season ended in March, but not the Colonels find themselves in a district that has to be considered as one of the toughest in the state.
5. Clay County
Coach Mike Jones’ Tigers possess the talent to make noise in the 13th Region as Clay County looks to reach the state tournament for the first time since 2014.
Rounding out the top 10
6. Knox Central
7. Harlan
8. Harlan County
9. Bell County (come see me once school starts back, and the Bobcats could be moved as high as No. 5 or No. 6)
10. Pineville
Best of the Rest
11. Jackson County
12. Barbourville
13. Oneida Baptist
14. Middlesboro
15. Lynn Camp
16. Williamsburg
17. Red Bird
