HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2018-19 Supplement To The Harlan Enterprise • Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Harlan County’s Phebe McHargue
Harlan’s Payeton Charles
Harlan County’s Alex Pace
Harlan’s Kilian Ledford
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Harlan Enterprise
Lady Bears expect to stay among region’s elite By John Henson Sports Editor When you consider what they lost since they left the floor last March in the state tournament at Northern Kentucky University, it would be easy to see why few seem to be giving the Harlan County Lady Bears much of a chance to repeat as 13th Region champs. All-state guard Blair Green, the school’s all-time leading scorer, is a star freshman at the University of Kentucky. Kaylea Gross, an all-stater as a junior who missed most of last year with a knee injury, is sitting out a redshirt year at the University of the Cumberlands, where she will be joined next year by Shelby McDaniel, last year’s sixth man who returned to Hawaii for her senior year after two seasons at HCHS. Lainey Cox, who had a monster senior year at forward, is also in college, along with Morgan and Macie Napier. Even with all those losses, coach Debbie Green and the Lady Bears won’t give up their position as eastern Kentucky’s best team without a fight. Harlan County brings back a veteran team by senior guards Phebe McHargue, K.K. Johnson and Reanna Middleton and senior forward Breann Turner. “We have four girls who have been here since their eighth-grade year and have been starters since they were freshmen,” Green said. “They are very coachable and play very hard. These girls have lost only six games the last two years. They know how to win. My big thing for these girls is to not dwell on mistakes. It may not be pretty at times, but we’ll still be good. We had some girls who made things easy for us, so I don’t want them to discouraged. I’m real excited about this season.” With five players gone who were 5-10 or taller, the Lady Bears will need to depend more on quickness than length but won’t make any major changes in style. “We’re looking to do the same things.
John Henson | Daily Enterprise Team members include, from left, front row: Hannah Wood, Reanna Middleton, Phebe McHargue, K.K. Johnson, Breann Turner and Morgan Blakley; back row: Dixie Ewing, Jaylin Smith, Jacey Lewis, Kassy Owens, Haley Middleton, Kelly Beth Hoskins and Jaylin Preston. We’ll run the same stuff,” Green said. “Our girls know our system, and I like to run the same stuff.” Without that size, rebounding is Green’s biggest concern. “We still have some very capable of post players, but my biggest worry is rebounding,” Green said. “We were able to send kids back in the past because I had some kids I could count on to get rebounds. We also have to play smart and stay out of foul trouble. We’ll be fine, but we have to figure some things out because we lost some great players to graduation and we still had Shelby this summer. We have to focus on defense because we had some girls last year who could take up a lot of space, and we don’t have that anymore.” With only six experienced varsity players, including juniors Morgan Blakey and Hannah Wood, the Lady Bears won’t have the luxury of wearing
teams down as they did the past couple of seasons. “Our biggest difference will be depth. We’ve been used to playing eight or nine the last couple of years. Now, we’ll go about seven deep, but that’s what most teams do,” Green said. “We’ve had such great kids who have worked hard and would have started for most other teams. We have six back who have played on varsity.” Johnson and McHargue, both track standouts, will be counted on to provide quite a few minutes on the floor this year. “Phebe and K.K. got a lot of confidence last year,” Green said. “They very seldom get tired and are able to go long minutes.” McHargue (8.1 points per game last year), a starter at point guard since was a freshman, will have to be a more consistent scorer this year.
“Phebe has a lot of experience and gives us some leadership,” Green said. “She will have to give us a little more scoring this year. She is capable of giving us some 3-point shooting and can also score off the dribble. She has to keep everyone together. Possessions will be important to us.” Johnson (7.5 ppg, 3.3 rpsg) will also help with ball-handling and Is a top defender and 3-point threat. “K.K. brings heart and grit to the team. We want everyone to follow her lead as far as intensity,” Green said. “If all five play that hard, we may get beat but we’ll never get outworked. She is up to any challenge. She will attack the basket and she’s shooting well.” Middleton (3.9) is finally healthy after two seasons of battling through injuries. Green hopes she can reach the
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Elite From page 2 potential she showed as a freshmen when she came through with big baskets in several games as the Lady Bears made the first of three straight appearances in the 13th Region Tournament finals. “Ree is doing great. She could have been a starter the past couple of years but has had the problem with injuries,” Green said. “Her conditioning and lateral movement are getting better every day. Her confidence is growing. Her offense is fine. She is a streaky shooter who can get it off quick. I think some people have forgotten about her.” Turner (4.9, 4.2), at 5-8, has been a starter since her eight-grade season. With Gross and Cox both gone, Turner will be counted on to become more of a post scorer and rebounder this year. “Bree helps the other girls because she really knows the game,” Green said. “She is capable of scoring around the basket and we need more scoring out of her. She is also a good shooter. We need to keep her on the floor this year, so she has to be careful with fouls.” Blakley, a hard-nosed junior who can play several positions, is the early favorite to round out the lineup. “She can shoot it out on the floor and will be a hard matchup for some post players,” Green said. “Morgan plays hard and can help us at several spots if needed.” Wood will be the Lady Bears’ top
Senior guard Reanna Middleton put up a shot during last year’s 52nd District Tournament. The Lady Bears will try to extend their string of district championships to three this season. reserve if she doesn’t move into the starting lineup. “She can back up at point guard and can play on the wing and at the front of our press,” Green said. “She is long and athletic and gets a lot of deflections. She could come off the bench or start. She is just like a starter to me.” Kassy Owens, a 5-8 sophomore, could see extensive varsity action as she works back from an injured ankle. “We’re really high on her because she can jump and rebound,” Green said. “She plays hard and is a very smart, coachable player.” Sophomores guards Jacey Lewis and Kelly Beth Hoskins provide depth, along with freshmen Jaylin Smith, Jaylin Preston and Alexis
Kim Henson | Daily Enterprise Breann Turner drove to the basket against Letcher Central in action last season. Turner, a senior forward, is back for her fifth season as a starter. Branson. South Laurel is everyone’s favorite in the 13th Region this year and Green agrees. “They have just about everyone back and have a lot of weapons. They have four who could put up 25 points on any night,” Green said. “They have put in a lot of time with
travel ball.” Green isn’t conceding anything though and likes the Lady Bears’ chances of making a postseason run. “I feel good about our chances,” Green said. “I just want to get better every game. We won’t look past the district, but we want to get back to the region again.
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Lady Dragons start rebuilding process in Hamm’s second year By John Henson Sports Editor It’s season two for former Harlan star Tiffany Hamm as the coach of the Lady Dragons’ basketball program. In many ways, though, it’s like starting over again. Hamm inherited a senior-dominated team last season, including four who had played key roles on back-toback regional championship teams the previous two years. But with star guard Jordan Brock at Tennessee Tech, the Lady Dragons were unable to hold their position as a regional heavyweight last season and fell to 16-16 with a first-round exit in the 13th Region Tournament. Hamm had to start the rebuilding process again last summer with four starters graduating, including star forward Mackenzie King, who left for UVA-Wise. The Lady Dragons also lost guards Noah Canady and Taylor Simpson and center Brandi Haywood. “I was very fortunate in my first year to come in with an experienced group of girls who were used to winning,” said Hamm. Experience won’t be a strength this year with only two players back who have seen extensive time with the varsity — senior point guard Payeton Charles (7.5 points per game last season, 2.2 rebounds) and 5-11 junior forward Natalee King (7.3, 4.1). “We have two girls who have played quite a bit, but the rest of the group is very inexperienced and very, very raw,” Hamm said. “It will definitely take us some time.” Charles will run the Harlan offense, taking on an even bigger role with Canady and Simpson no longer around to help with ball-handing duties. She was one of the team’s best 3-point shooters and year ago and has no reservations about going to the basket, even though she is not one of the team’s bigger guards at 5-foot-2. “She will take it to the rack. We saw that this summer when we played 30-something games and she played with no fear,” Hamm said. “She isn’t
John Henson | Daily Enterprise Team members include, from left, front row: Ella Karst, Makayla Sizemore, Emma Owens, Savanna Smith, Payeton Charles, Madison Cole, Alli Thompson and Raegan Jones; back row: Angela Wynn, Peighton Jones, Kaylee Leslie, Natalee King, Megan Pacholewski and Ella Morton. afraid to attack, and she’s also a good shooter. She has to be a good decision-maker for our offense to succeed.” Hamm plans a more up-tempo style on offense with Mackenzie King no longer around after several years of providing the Lady Dragons with one of the region’s strongest players around the basket. “We don’t have a lot of size, so we’re going to try to speed up our offense. We’re going to try to get up and down the floor a little more,” Hamm said. “We knew last year we could always count on Mackenzie for two points when we needed them.” Kaylee Leslie, a 5-9 sophomore slowed in the preseason by a sprained ankle, is expected to take over at center and is one of the few true post players on the roster, according to Hamm. “Kaylee is getting better and will give us some size and strength around
the basket,” Hamm said. “She had shown a lot of improvement since last season before the setback.” Alli Thompson, a 5-5 sophomore, is expected to take over at forward where Hamm hopes she will continue to provide solid defense and rebounding, as she did for the junior varsity squad last year and in short stints with the varsity. “Allí has a super-high motor,” Hamm said. “She goes 100 miles per hour all the time and makes a lot of hustle plays. We’’ll need that from her again this season.” Savanna Smith, a senior who is back with the team after two years away, is expected to take over at a wing where she will be counted on to provide the 3-point threat Harlan has been known for the past several years. “She can really shoot the ball,” Hamm said. “Savanna could really help our offense.” King can play several positions,
both in the post and on the perimeter, but will likely open at a wing where Hamm hopes she can give Harlan a mid-range shooting threat. “She is a very good player who can do a lot of things well,” Hamm said. “Nat will probably be everywhere for us, depending on who we are playing and the situations.” Depth will also be a concern for the Lady Dragons, who have no else on the roster with varsity experience. Ella Karst, a seventh-grader, will back up the Harlan guards and could start while Leslie battles back from injury. Junior guard Madison Cole, sophomore guards Ella Morton and Angel Wynn and 5-5 sophomore forward Makayla Sizemore are the only other players back from last year’s squad. “I’m looking for Angel Wynn, Ella Morton and Madison Cole to step up their play as they will see some time on the wings,” Hamm said.
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Photo by Wade Holland Harlan junior forward Natalee King (left) put up a shot in action last season at Lynn Camp. King averaged 7.3 points per game last year.
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Rebuilding From page 4
Eighth-graders Raegan Jones and Emma Owens have also impressed Hamm and could see some varsity minutes in the backcourt. While inexperience is clearly the Lady Dragons’ major weakness as the season opens, Hamm likes the effort everyone is bringing to practice. “Our willingness to learn has been great,” she said. “Those girls show up every day with a good attitude and are trying to get better.” Whether that effort and attitude will help Harlan get back to the regional tournament is yet to be determined. The Lady Dragons played in four straight regional championship games before falling in last year’s first round. While defending champ Harlan County lost several key players, including first-team all-stater Blair Green, the Lady Bears remain the favorite in the 52nd District with a senior lineup returning. Middlesboro and Bell County are much like Harlan and in the middle of a rebuilding effort. “Harlan County is still the favorite, but to me it’s wide open beyond that,” Hamm said. “Bell lost its big girl and some other good players and Middlesboro also lost several. We just have to keep working and try to continue getting better and try to get to the district finals so we can make it back to the regional tournament.”
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Harlan coach Tiffany Hamm talked with her team during a timeout last season. Hamm led the Lad Dragons to a 16-16 record in his first year as coach.
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Harlan senior guard Payeton Charles worked around a Pineville defender in action last season. Charles is the only returning starter for the rebuilding Lady Dragons.
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Photo by Les Nicholson LEFT: Harlan County guard K.K. Johnson chased South Laurel’s Ally Collett during last year’s 13th Region Tournament. Collett, who has committed to Western Kentucky University, is the region’s top-rated player. South Laurel is the top-ranked team in the 13th Region. Harlan County is tied with Clay County for second place in the Cats Pause preseason poll. ABOVE: Harlan County senior guards Phebe McHargue (left) and K.K. Johnson talked during a timeout in last year’s state tournament.
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Black Bears working to stay on top in district By John Henson Sports Editor With four straight 52nd District championships to their credit, the Harlan County Black Bears have made a habit of playing their best basketball late in the season since Michael Jones took over as head coach. That wasn’t the case last February, even though the Bears kept their streak alive with down-to-the-wire wins in the district tournament over Middlesboro and Harlan. A quick exit followed in the regional tournament with a loss to South Laurel, closing a somewhat disappointing postseason one year after winning the program’s first 13th Region title. “Obviously, you want to be playing your best basketball at the end of the year, and I thought during the middle of the season we were playing as well as anyone in the region,” Jones said. “We just had some unfortunate circumstances with (Drew) Nolan getting hurt, then (Tyrese) Simmons in the district finals. We didn’t cope with it very well.” The Bears’ problems could be traced to a lack of scoring late in the season as hitting a perimeter shot became a chore. “People started playing us a zone or junk defense to make us score out on the floor,” Jones said. “We struggled after the injuries, but we think we’ll be able to put five out the floor this year who can shoot. That will make us a more dangerous team offensively.” An improved defense is also a focus for the Bears in the preseason. “We’ve got to do a better job of defending people,” he said. “We’re typically a man-to-man team, but that may be something we have to change up at times this year. We still want to be able to guard people man-to-man. We also have to do a better job of rebounding, because we will be small at times. We also have to learn to close games, which we didn’t do well at times this summer.” The Bears won’t have the experience of past seasons with senior guard Alex Pace (14.6 points per game last year, 4.9 rebounds) the only player back who
John Henson | Daily Enterprise Team members include, from left, front row: Josh Turner, Jackson Huff, Patrick Bynum, Gabe Price, Alex Pace, James Smith, Adam Boggs and Jayden Ward; back row: Alex Nantz, Tyler Cole, James Gray, Taylor Spurlock, Elisha Smallwood, Hunter Helton and Jacob Wilson. started all of last season. Pace has been rated among the region’s top 10 players by media and coaches but will need to become a more consistent scorer if the Bears are to achieve their goals. “He has to be the captain and hold the other kids acountable. He also has to do that for himself because one of his biggest problems is getting down on himself when things don’t go his way,” Jones said. “We don’t want him to be satisfied now that he’s been ranked and gets his name in the paper. The better he is the better we will be as a team. He has to work harder because the pressure will be on him.” Gabe Price (3.9, 3.1), a 6-0 senior, will move into the starting lineup at forward after an impressive summer where his hustle and defense paid off in several close scrimmages. “He can be one of the better defenders in the region if he sets his mind to it, especially on the ball,” Jones said. “Gabe plays extremely hard and is a hardnosed kid who does things that don’t show up in the stats. He rebounds well for his size, and we need him to do that
for us.” Tyler Cole, a 6-3 sophomore who led last year’s junior varsity team, will play the other forward spot and is being counted on to give the Bears another scoring threat. “Tyler has a knack for scoring and is an excellent shooter. He is coming on defensively and is working hard. He also rebounds well for his size,” Jones said. “He will be a huge key for us because he can get to the basket and score.” Taylor Spurlock (6.0, 2.6), a 6-6 junior who moved into the starting lineup last year at midseason, will be counted on to provide an outside threat in the backcourt. “I thought early in the year and through the middle part of the season we were better when Taylor was in the game. He brought some energy off the bench,” Jones said. “We have to get him playing like that in the starting lineup. He can really shoot the ball and handles it well. We’re working on his defense. He will be a matchup problem with his size and could be a big key for us.” James Smith, a 5-9 sophomore who
left the squad early last season, made the Bears a much better team when he returned in the summer and took over at point guard. “The best analogy I have for James is that every piece of a car is valuable but you have to have the engine to make it work. James makes us better on the offensive end,” Jones said. “He sees the floor as well as anyone we’ve had, other than (Cameron) Carmical, and he’s a great passer.” Patrick Bynum (2.1, 2.0), a senior who recently completed an impressive football campaign, will also play a key role in basketball. “What impressed me about Patrick in football was that it made him tougher, which was what I was hoping when he went out,” Jones said. “He can change the game when he comes in with his athleticism. He rebounds, he can get to the hole and can defend any position.” Josh Turner, a sophomore who can play several positions, will also provide a boost off the bench.
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Harlan County senior guard Patrick Bynum raced down the court in a game last season against Jackson County.
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Gabe Price, a senior guard for Harlan County, worked inside for a shot against Clay County. The Black Bears open their season on Nov. 27 against Letcher Central.
Mark Hoskins | Manchester Enterprise
Chris Jones | Daily Enterprise
Bears From page 8 “Josh is a kid we felt was the most consistent for us during the summer,” Jones said. “He’s not a flashy player who will score 25 or 30, but he always does everything right. He defends well, passes well and can shoot out on the floor. He has improved his game a lot and it showed this summer.” Jacob Wilson (10.0), a 6-3 junior who started for two years at Harlan, was expected to play a key role at HCHS this year but suffered a knee injury during football and will likely miss at least half the season.
“He’s ahead of schedule and could be back in late January. He will give us another excellent shooter who works real hard. When he gets back, he will get thrown out there, and I think he will help us,” Jones said. Elisha Smallwood, a 6-3 junior who recently rejoined the program, could give the Bears a post presence they lacked in the summer. Smallwood, a football standout, should be able to hold his own physically with anyone in the region. “Elisha is a big, physical presence,” Jones said. “There is no doubt that he will make us a better team if he puts his mind to it and takes care of business. He can score in the post and can rebound with anybody. He does a great
job defensively and can step out and hit shots or score around the basket.” Junior forward Alex Nantz and sophomore forwards Hunter Helton and James Gray also provide depth, along with freshmen guards Jackson Huff, Adam Boggs and Jayden Ward. Jones knows the Bears face a tough test to defend their district title with Middlesboro, Bell County and Harlan all featuring senior-dominated squads. HCHS will have the youngest team in the district for the first time in several years. “This will be the most competitive district we’ve had since I’ve been the coach. It will be a tough battle every district game we play,” Jones said. “I think this district is the best in the
region from top to bottom. Any of the four could win the district and there will be two great teams going home after the district tournament.” After their strong summer performance, the Bears were ranked fourth in the 13th Region in the Cats Pause preseason poll, but Jones knows just getting to the regional will be a challenge this season. “I feel this group will get better as the year goes along,” Jones said. “We feel by the end of the year, if we keep improving and can fight our way through the district, we can be right there among the top teams in the region. We want to be in that position every year, among the top three or four in the region.”
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Akal trying to mesh present, future into one By John Henson Sports Editor With a six-man senior class that he hopes can make.a final run at All “A” Classic and 52nd District titles, Harlan coach Derrick Akal knows the future is now. With a seven-man freshman class, Akal also can’t help looking ahead to a group that fits his style and gives him a chance to turn the Harlan boys into perennial contenders like he did with the Harlan girls a few years earlier. Mixing the two groups into one team will be the challenge this year for Akal, who enters his third season as coach. “We do have six seniors, but we also have seven freshmen who have to learn my system, which is different than what they did in middle school,” Akal said. “We’re more athletic than we’ve been in three years, so we can do some different things defensively, and even offensively.” Akal plans a more aggressive approach on the defensive end with a more athletic team. “Our basketball IQ has to get stronger. I think that will cut down on our turnovers and improve our offense. I think we can get more transition buckets off our defense because we are more athletic and can pressure people,” Akal said. Avoiding last year’s slow start, which included 10 straight losses to start the season and led to a 6-20 record, is another goal for the Dragons. “Obviously, we want to get off to a better start. We had a tough schedule last year and I started an eighth-grade point guard,” Akal said. Freshman Jordan Akal (8.0 points per game last year) the coach’s son, is back for his second season running the offense. “He got an opportunity last year to play against most of the top teams and players in our region and understands what it takes,” said Akal. “I
John Henson | Daily Enterprise Team members include, from left, front row: Trey Barnes, Caleb Adkins, Jaeden Gist, Cade Barnes, Kaleb McLendon, Charles David Morton and Adam Lewis; back row: Jordan Akal, Carl Pachelowski, Carter Barnes, Jon Eldridge, Kilian Ledford, Jared Hawkins and John Mark Bryson; not pictured: Tate Bryson and Johann Gist. think he gained a lot of confidence from last year, plus all the AAU games he played in the spring and summer. He is also bigger and stronger, and some of that lack of confidence came from being weaker. Cade Barnes (8.0), a senior who was the Dragons’ top offensive threat at times last year, returns at a wing. “He’s a tough kid and great defender. I expect Cade to step up and be more of a vocal leader on this team. He is one of the pit bulls on this team,” Akal said. “He’s a good shooter and an even better slasher. He can get to the bucket with the best of them.” Jared Hawkins, a senior best known for his 3-point shooting, will move into the starting lineup at a guard. “Jared is a good 3-point shooter and has one of the higher basketball IQs on the team,” Akal said. “He is like a
coach on the floor. He gets guys where they are supposed to be. We look for him to get better on the boards and on defense this season.” Senior wing Kilian Ledford (13.0) is the Dragons’ leader as a fouryear starter who, at 6-2, can defend guards or post players due to his size, strength and athleticism. “He’s one of the best players in the region and one of the best shooters I’ve coached,” Akal said. “Kilian is a hard-nosed kid who will give you everything he’s got. I look for Kilian to have his best year yet.” Jon Eldridge (6.0), a 6-4 junior, will give Harlan an athletic post player who showed signs of improvement in the summer. “He’s athletic and a great rebounder and shot blocker. He does all the things we need from a guy inside,”
Akal said. “He is also very capable of hitting the outside shot. He’s a non-traditional post guy who fits in with what we are trying to get accomplished.” Akal could turn to a pair of freshmen guards, Jaeden Gist and Kaleb McLendon, as top reserves. “They are enthusiastic, energetic and athletic,” Akal said. “They bring energy into the gym in games and practices that we’ve not had here in a while. We’re looking for a lot from those two.” Caleb Adkins, a guard, and Carter Barnes, a forward, are back for their senior seasons and could also play key roles, as could senior forward Tate Bryson, who suffered a knee injury in football and will be out the first couple of weeks of the season. See AKAL | 11
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Chris Jones | Daily Enterprise Harlan guard Jordan Akal drove to the basket in action last season against Middlesboro. Akal, a freshman, is back for his second season at point guard.
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Akal From page 10
“Caleb is a tough kid who is a good defender. He brings the same intensity he had in football to the basketball team,” Akal said. “Carter is a good defender and very athletic. He’s an unselfish kid who could be an anchor down low. Tate will give us everything he’s got and is very physical and smart. He can guard the three or four and could play a little at the five.” Junior guard Charles David Morton and sophomore guard Trey Barnes provide depth, along with freshmen Johann Gist, John Mark Bryson, Carl Pachelowski and Adam Lewis. While the 52nd District looks to be as balanced as it’s been in at least a decade, Akal insists Harlan County is still the favorite after four straight championships. “Until I walk in the gym and see or read in the paper that someone has defeated Harlan County, they are still the team to beat,” he said. “Middlesboro and Bell County both have quite a few seniors and some transfers, so I know a lot of people have them ranked in the region also “We have our work cut out for us. Our goal is to have a better record, compete in the All “A” and be ready when the district tournament rolls around. Our young guys have to grow up quickly. If we have patience with them, including our freshman point guard, I think we’ll get better throughout the season.”
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South picked to sweep 13th Region titles By John Henson Sports Editor Corbin went from regional runner-up in 2017 to champion in 2018. South Laurel hopes to follow the same path to success in 2019 after falling in overtime to Corbin in last year’s 13th Region Tournament championship game. South Laurel edged Knox Central for the top spot in this year’s 13th Region Harlan Daily Enterprise/Cats Pause poll with 71 points and 11 first-place votes from regional coaches, just ahead of Knox Central’s 54 points and three first-place votes. Corbin was third with 41 points, followed by Harlan County with 24 points and Clay County with 18 points. Middlesboro, Bell County, North Laurel, Whitley County and Harlan rounded out the top 10. South Laurel (22-9) — A heartbreaking loss to Corbin in last year’s regional finals could provide just enough incentive to propel the Cardinals back to the state tournament. Senior J.J. Ramey (19.3, 5.6) and junior Matt Cromer (13.1, 4.2) lead what may be the region’s best backcourt tandem. Junior guards Alex Hostetler (4.0) and Brett Norvell (2.5) and 6-4 senior forward Matt Dalton could round out a deep and talented lineup. Senior guard Peyton Parker, sophomore guard Micah Anders and juniors Zach Allen, Ford Breeding and Fischer Proffitt should also see extensive action. Knox Central (27-6) — Losing star guard Markelle Turner to graduation is a blow, but the Panthers bring back all their other starters from a squad that was considered the region’s best for much of last season before a tournament letdown. Guards Jaylen Adams (14.4, 5.1) and Dane Imel (11.7, 2.8) and 6-6 forward Nick Martin (13.3, 7.4) are back for their senior seasons, and 6-1 junior Kevionte Turner (9.2, 6.2) returns at forward. Junior guard Zach Patterson (4.7) could round out the lineup, but seniors Dalton Elliott (2.7) and Jacob Lindsey, junior Zach Moser and sophomore Jevonte Turner are
also in the picture. Corbin (26-8) — You can never count out the Redhounds and coach Tony Pietrowski, even though star guard Matthew Taylor has moved on, along with several other key players. Senior guard Chase Sanders (12.6, 3.5) will have to take on a bigger role this year, along with 6-3 junior Matty Taylor (7.7, 4.3) and senior guards Cameron Maguet (2.5) and Brody Barton (2.1). Candidates in the post include 6-4 senior Jacob Unthank (2.0) and 6-3 juniors Ethan Wine and Alex Bryley (2.7, 2.3). Harlan County (20-9) — Another district district title would give the Bears five straight and set a district record, but it won’t be easy with the loss of three starters who averaged in double figures, along with what could be the most balanced district field this century. The Bears will be led by senior guard Alex Pace (14.6, 4.9) and 6-6 junior wing Taylor Spurlock (6.0, 2.6). Jacob Wilson (10.0), a junior guard from Harlan, will add some much needed shooting prowess, and senior guards Gabe Price (3.9, 3.1) and Patrick Bynum (2.7, 2.0) should also help with Price providing grit and hustle and Bynum giving the Bears good defense and athleticism. Several sophomores will also play key roles with James Smith at point guard, Tyler Cole on a wing and Josh Turner playing several spots. Clay County (14-15) — A rare losing season in Manchester probably won’t be repeated with four starters returning, led by junior guard Jacob Curry (12.4 points per game last year, 2.5 rebounds) and standout sophomores Connor Robinson (14.3, 3.9) and Connor Farmer (9.2, 2.5). Evan Langdon (4.0, 3.2), a 6-4 junior, will likely take over at center. Jakob Begley (4.7, 3.1) is back for his junior season at guard. Sophomores Tate Farmer, Raven Abner and Wayne Estep are also expected to see extensive action. ——— Once the center of the basketball universe in Kentucky girls basketball when Roy Bowling was leading Laurel
County High School to multiple state titles in the 1970s, South Laurel has watched other schools dominate the 13th Region in recent years. But after three straight losses in the semifinals, including an epic showdown last year against eventual champ Harlan County, the Lady Cardinals find themselves as the solid favorite with four starters returning. South Laurel received 11 of 12 firstplace votes in the annual 13th Region Harlan Daily Enterprise/Cats Pause poll and finished with 55 points. Harlan County and Clay County finished tied for second with 36 points each. North Laurel was fourth with 33 points and an improving Knox Central finished fifth with eight points. Williamsburg, Whitley County, Jackson County, Lynn Camp and Corbin rounded out the top 10. South Laurel (26-6) — With four of the region’s top 10 players in its starting lineup, South Laurel is a clear-cut favorite. Junior guards Ally Collett (19.6 points per game last year, 2.6 rebounds) and Amerah Steele (15.4, 4.0) gave the Lady Cards the region’s best backcourt last year, and the addition of Sydni Hall from Perry Central makes the group one of the state’s best. Dianna Morgan (11.0, 8.6), a 5-11 senior, is the region’s strongest player and a force around the basket. Senior forward Mariah Anders (4.2, 4.6) will round out the lineup, with 5-10 junior center Zoe Williams and sophomores Brianna Howard and Briar Cook providing what should be improved depth over the last couple of years. Clay County (21-9) — With basically the same lineup for the third straight year, the Lady Tigers are confident they can make a deep run in the postseason this year after missing the regional a year ago for the first time in school history. Junior guard Kaylee Mathis (18.3, 4.3) is a Division I recruit and five-year starter, leading a lineup that also features sophomore point guard Taylor Asher (8.8), senior guards Shelby Phillips (10.6, 3.5) and Kimberlyn Mills (4.0, 3.5) and 5-9 senior forward
Summer Parker (9.2, 5.8). Sophomore center Alexis Lewis (2.2) and sophomore guards Edwina Hacker (2.4) and Allie Rose Phillips provide depth. Harlan County (28-3) — Blair Green is now at the University of Kentucky after leading Harlan County to its first regional title. The Lady Bears also lost standout forward Lainey Cox, but HCHS should remain strong with a four-girl senior class that has played a big role in three straight trips to the 13th Region finals. Phebe McHargue (8.1) is back at point guard, with K.K Johnson (7.5, 3.3) and Reanna Middleton (3.9) on the wings and Breann Turner (4.9, 4.2) inside. Shelby McDaniel (6.6, 2.3) returned to Hawaii, which means Hannah Wood and Morgan Blakley will be In the mix for the final starting job. North Laurel (27-8) — A run to last year’s regional finals has pushed the Lady Jaguars’ confidence to a new level. Three starters are back, including junior guards Gracie Jervis (11.2, 3.2) and Isabel Gray (7.6, 5.6) and senior guard Courtney Carroll (4.2). The return of 6-4 senior center Raegan Hubbard, almost 100 pounds lighter than when she played as a sophomore, should be a big boost on defense and in post scoring. Junior forward Taylor Combs (4.4, 2.6) and freshmen Emily Sizemore (5.9, 4.3), Hailee Valentine (3.5, 2.2) and Katie Bruner (2.4) will also see extensive action. Knox Central (12-15) — With the emergence of sophomore guard Presley Partin (17.3, 2.3) as one of the top young players in eastern Kentucky, the Lady Panthers were the region’s most pleasant surprise in Jamie Sowders’ first year as coach. Senior forward Emily Davis (12.2, 9.3) and 5-10 junior center Ryleigh Swafford (5.7, 4.7) return in the frontcourt. Junior guard Morgan Warren (3.3) and freshmen Calyn Mills (10.8, 2.9), Zoey Liford and Katie Broughton are also in the picture for starting spots.
(The full story can be viewed online at harlanenterprise.net)