With back-to-back regional titles to their credit and three since Eddie Mahan took over as coach 13 years ago, the North Laurel Lady Jaguars have become the 13th Region’s dominant program. North will have a chance for a third straight title next March in what should be at least a three-team race also involving Knox Central and South Laurel, and could include several more depending on how quickly other teams can rebuild.
It’s time for my annual look back at the best of the season that just ended and a look ahead to what you can expect next year.

2024-2025 rankings (players listed by grade for next season)

All-Region
First team
G — Ella Karst, Harlan County
G — Brooke Nichelson, North Laurel
F — Abby Gilbert, Jackson County
F — Gracie Jo Wilder, Bell County
C — Halle Collins, Knox Central

Second team
G — Nadine Johnson, Pineville
G — Darcie Anderson, Corbin
G — Kallie Housley, Corbin
G — Kylie Clem, Corbin
C — Chloe McKnight, North Laurel

Third team
G — Shelbie Mills, South Laurel
G — Aymanni Wynn, Harlan
F — Kylie Noe, Harlan
F — Skeeter Mabe, South Laurel
C — Kairi Lamb, Bell County

Fourth team
G — Keevi Betts, Middlesboro
G — Ava Arnett, Pineville
G — Maci Messer, South Laurel
F — Madisyn Hopkins, Whitley County
C — Aubree Clemons, Whitley County

Best juniors
Halle Collins, Knox Central
Brooke Nichelson, North Laurel
Abby Gilbert, Jackson County
Kylie Clem, Corbin
Aymanni Wynn, Harlan (tie)
Kylie Noe, Harlan (tie)

Best sophomores
Kairi Lamb, Bell County
Rachel Howard, Pineville
Aubrey Bundy, South Laurel
Layla Brock, Barbourville
Izzy Walker, Corbin

Best freshmen
Shelbie Mills, South Laurel
Skeeter Mabe, South Laurel
Madisyn Hopkins, Whitley County
Aubree Clemens, Whitley County
Maci Messer, South Laurel

2024-2025 rankings


(Players are listed by their class for the 2025 season)

1. North Laurel (29-6) — It might make sense to move someone else to the top spot with North losing three key players, including 6-3 center Chloe McKnight, who shut down the paint for many of the Lady Jags’ opponents the past several years. North, however, brings back one of the region’s best all-around players in 5-11 senior wing Brooke Nicholson (18.0 points per game last year, 9.8 rebounds per game last year) and junior point guard Haley Combs (7.0, 3.5). Marielle Claybrook (7.1. 7.1), a 6-2 sophomore, played a huge role as the season progressed and will fill much of the void left by McKnight. Freshman guard Emma Carl (2.1, 2.4) will play a bigger role, as could senior forward Abby Hubbard, sophomore guard Eden Begley and freshmen Bella Mahan and Paisley Kilburn.

2. Knox Central (23-10 — Led by region player of the year, 5-11 senior forward Halle Collins (22.9, 13.1), the Lady Panthers have their best shot in years for a deep postseason run. Senior guards Hannah Melton (4.4, 4.6) and Timberly Frederick (8.4) also return, along with sophomore point guard McKenzie Hensley (5.9, 2.4). Seniors Zoey Hamilton (3.8) and Sydnee Hurst (4.5, 2.0) are candidates to round out a lineup that lost only one starter.

3. South Laurel (20-14) — With a lineup dominated by freshmen, the Lady Cardinals suffered through plenty of ups and downs in 2024, but South should be in position for a regional run with everyone back. Sophomore point guard Shlelbie Mills (18.0) is one of the region’s top shooters in a lineup that also includes 5-11 sophomore wing Peyton Mabe (13.0, 4.5) 5-10 sophomore forward Maci Messer (11.3), junior guard Aubrey Bundy (3.6, 3.7) and senior guard Jamie Buenaventura (7.1, 4.7).

4. Harlan (18-14) — After breaking a six-year drought between regional tournament appearances, the Lady Dragons hope to snap a nine-year drought between district championships with seniors Aymanni Wynn (17.9, 8.1) and Kylie Noe (18.6, 6.6) returning. Senior guard Addison Jackson (3.3, 3,3) and freshman guard Peyshaunce Wynn (4.2, 3.2) are also back. Freshman guard Addison Campbell (2.4) could round out the lineup. Senior forward Raegan Goodman and sophomore guard Gracie Hensley are also in the mix.

5. Jackson County (19-12) — After losing in the All ‘“A” regional finals a year ago, the Lady Generals hope to bounce back with standout forward Abby Gilbert (19.0, 10.6) returning for her senior season. Junior guard Lauryn Sizemore (6.9.) and 5-8 senior forward Anslee Nichols (5.9, 3.8) also return, along with senior guard Sammie Creech (2.9), who played a key reserve role last year.

6. Corbin (22-9) — With guards Kallie Housley, Darcie Anderson and Bailey Stewart graduating from a regional runner-up team, the Lady Hounds will likely take a step back next season but will remain competitive with senior guards Kylie Clem (14.5, 3.9) and Raegan Walker (6.9, 6.4) returning. Maekayla Williams, a 6-1 senior center, will likely move into the lineup, along with junior guard Izzy Walker (3.8) and sophomore guard Lydia King (3.2).

7. Whitley County (16-14) — Getting out of the tough 50th District has been all but impossible for the Lady Colonels in recent years, but Whitley improved by six games in 2024 and should continue to get better with a lineup featuring 6-0 forward Madisyn Hopkins (14.0, 7.7), 6-3 center Aubree Clemons (13.0, 9.6) and 5-10 forward Jonna Rice (9.9, 6.7) coming back for their sophomore seasons. Junior guard Autumn Sawyers (2.4) is also back. Senior Makenna Taylor and sophomore Jaylee Cox played key reserve roles last year.

8. Bell County (18-14) — After winning five straight 52nd District titles, the Lady Cats should face a big challenge from a veteran Harlan squad, especially with standout forward Gracie Jo Wilder moving to the next level. Bell will be strong inside with 6-3 junior Kairi Lamb (12.6, 12.0) and 5-9 senior Kylee Greer-Gann returning. Senior Lauren McGeorge (14.5, 2.4) and junior Neveah Allen (4.8, 2.0) are back at guard. Senior guard Kaitlynn Middleton, who missed last season with an ACL injury, is a candidate to round out the lineup, along with junior center Addison Lucas and sophomore guard Lyla Scearse.

9. Pineville (20-10) — Pineville had a great season with 20 wins but missed chances to win both the All “A’ Classic regional and 51st District titles. Losing star guard Nadine Johnson and almost 23 points a game will be tough to overcome even with a veteran squad returning. Senior wings Ava Arnett (13.2, 4.6) and Kamryn Biliter (3.3, 3.5), both 5-9, are back, along with 5-9 junior forward Rachel Howard (12.4, 7.1) and junior guard Malley Smith (4.1). Freshman Madison Johnson and senior Baileigh Bargo-Vaughn are among the candidates to round out the lineup.

10. Harlan County (16-14) — Losing 13th Region player of the year Ella Karst won’t be easy to overcome, and several middle school players will have to grow up quickly if the Lady Bears are to post a winning record for the ninth time in the past decade. Junior guard Cheyenne Rhymer (4.9, 3.9) and 5-9 junior forward Whitley Teague (3.8, 3.8) will have to be much more consistent as returning starters. Eighth grade guard Reagan Clem (5.9) was a big surprise last year as she moved into the starting lineup quicker than most expected. Freshmen Kylee Runions and Jaylee Cochran and eighth grader Jaycee Simpson joined Clem on a strong junior varsity squad that includes several who will play bigger varsity roles in 2025.

Best of the rest:

Clay County (11-20) — After undergoing what was likely the worst season in program history, the Lady Tigers must rebuild despite losing leading scorer Sidney Jones to graduation. Sophomore forward Madison Penland (11.9, 4.6) returns, along with junior forward Emma Jones (3.5, 3.2), sophomore forward Madison Penland (11.9, 4.6) and eighth grade guard Anna Samples (8.1 3.5). Sophomore center Carly Fultz (4.1, 3.2) could round out the lineup.

Middlesboro (9-19) — With Keevi Betts (17.3, 5.5) returning for her senior season, the Lady Jackets have their best chance in a while to break a regional tournament drought that stretches back to 2011. Sophomore guards Morgan Martin (5.0, 3.9) and Millie Roberts (4.8, 2.3) also return, along with freshman guard Emily Lambert (6.2). Junior guard Trinity Partin (2.0, 3.0) and sophomore forward Jenna Baker (2.6) are candidates to round out the lineup.

Barbourvile (15-15) — After going from four wins to 15, the Lady Tigers were one of the region’s most improved teams. Continuing that progress won’t be easy with three starters graduating, including Sarah Smith, who averaged almost 19 points and over 10 rebounds a game. Junior forward Layla Brock (12.8, 4.2) and senior guard Danni Jordan (3.1, 2.7) are the returning starters. Freshman guard Marleigh Martin (5.7, 3.1) should also play a key role, along with eighth grader Breanna Engle (2.0) and freshman Bailee Branstutter.

Lynn Camp (4-24) — Last year’s rebuilding campaign should help in 2025 with juniors Julie Moore (4.3, 5.1), Lily Henize (2.6, 2.4), Lauren Partin (13.8, 9.6) and Madison Weymers (5.6, 3.6) returning for a second year as starters. Freshman forward Sayde Mobley (6.7, 4.1) is also back.

Williamsburg (6-23) — Losing center Allie Wilson will make a major turnaround tough, but senior guards Lorelei Coleman (3.8, 4.1) and Hannah Creekmore (9.4, 3.4) will play bigger roles, along with sophomore guard Abby Moses (3.8, 4.7) and freshman forward Ellie Breeding (2.5).

Oneida Baptist (4-17) — Four starters return for OBI, led by sophomore forward Bailey Bristow (12.2, 8.4) and junior guard Eden Condor (7.9, 2.4). Senior guard Charity Carpenter (4.4, 3.4) and freshman forward Hayley Davidson (6.5, 10.0) also return.

Red Bird (0-2) — The Lady Cardinals haven’t fielded a varsity team the past two years, except for two games last year, and their status for 2025 is uncertain.