With seven of the last eight regional champions, Laurel County schools have dominated the 13th Region this decade. There’s no reason to think that will change in 2027 with North Laurel and South Laurel each returning the core of teams that rolled through the region and into the finals before North won its fourth straight championship.

I picked South to win in this space a year ago after North lost two key players to graduation, but coach Eddie Mahan and his squad rallied in the fourth quarter to earn another trip to Rupp Arena. I expect those two to battle for the top spot once again, and I plan to double down on South winning this time as each team brings back four starters.

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.

All Region Team

First team

Shelbie Mills, Knox Central

Maci Messer, South Laurel

Peyton Mabe, South Laurel

Marielle Claybrook, North Laurel

Kairi Lamb, Bell County

Second team

Mackenzie Hensley, Knox Central

Haley Combs, North Laurel

Madisyn Hopkins, Whitley County

Rachel Howard, Pineville

Aubree Clemons, Corbin

Third team

Callie Jones, South Laurel

Jaycee Simpson, Harlan County

Maci White, Clay County

Emily Lambert, Middlesboro

Kaylynn Smith, Knox Central

Fourth team

Lydia King, Corbin

Laylee Phillips, North Laurel

Jonna Rice, Whitley County

Nevaeh Allen, Bell County

Lauren Partin, Lynn Camp

Best juniors

Mariella Claybrook, North Laurel

Shelbie Mills, Knox Central

Maci Messer, South Laurel

Peyton Mabe, South Laurel

Madisyn Hopkins, Whitley County

Best sophomores

Emily Lambert, Middlesboro

Kaylynn Smith, Knox Central

Bella Lewis, North Laurel

Peyshaunce Wynn, Harlan

Jaylee Cochran, Harlan County

Best freshmen

Callie Jones, South Laurel

Kylie Smith, Knox Central

Jaycee Simpson, Harlan County

Reagan Clem, Harlan County

Ryleigh Bretz, South Laurel

2026-2027 rankings (players listed by grade for next season)

1. South Laurel (26-7) — The Lady Cardinals led through three quarters against North in the regional finals but went cold as North took control in the fourth quarter. Maci Messer (13.5 points per game last year, 4.9 rebounds per game) and Peyton Mabe (9.8, 4.6) return for their senior seasons as two of the region’s best and most experienced players. Sophomores Callie Jones (10.6, 3.1) and Ryleigh Bretz (5.7, 6.4) also return to the starting lineup.  Freshman McKenzie Fannin (6.8, 2.3), senior Emma Adams (2.4) and sophomores Shelby Smith (2.5) and Mia Hubbard (2.1) should also play key roles

2. North Laurel (25-7) — In their quest for a fifth straight regional title, the Lady Jaguars bring back 6-foor-2 center Mariella Claybrook (18.2, 11.7) to lead the way as one of the state’s elite players in the Class of 2027. Junior guards Bella Lewis (7.9, 7.1) and Bella Mahan (5.1) also return along with freshman phenom Laylee Phillips (10.9, 4.7). Other starting candidates include senior Eden Begley (2.1), junior Emma Carl (2.0) and freshman Paisley Robinson (2,5).

3. Knox Central (24-6) — After winning 49 games combined over the past two seasons, the Lady Panthers have been very good but not good enough to overtake the Laurels in the 13th Region. They will have another chance in 2027 with guards Shelbie Mills (22.3) and McKenzie Hensley (11.7, 5.0) and center Maggie Gibson (5.0, 6.2) returning for their senior seasons. Junior forward Kaylynn Smith (10.7, 10.3) and sophomore forward Kylie Smith (5.7, 4.5) also return, along with sophomore guards Shelbi Smith (4.5, 3.2) and Kaylei Gambrel Garrison 4.2) and freshman forward Charis Frederick (2.5, 2.9).

4. Whitley County (15-15) — With Madisyn Hopkins (19.8, 8.0,  Jonna Rice (11.6, 8.0), Jaylee Cox (5.2, 3.5)  and Khlyea  Ray Collier (injured last year) returning for their senior seasons, the Lady Colonels should have their best chance to challenge for a regional title in several years. Aubrey Fore (3.8, 2.0) and Cristen Siler (2.4, 4.1), both sophomores, also return. 

5.  Corbin (15-11) — With Tony Pietrowksi moving over after 25 years and multiple regional titles with the Corbin boys, the Lady Hounds should be rejuvenated after missing last year’s regional tourney. Senior guard Lydia King (12,0, 3.0) returns, along with 6-3 senior center Aubree Clemons (11.1, 8.2). Junior guards Kalley Stewart (5.5, 4.5) and Sayde Mobley are also in the mix, along with 6-1 freshman center Lynlee Pietrowski (5.9, 3.9) and freshmen guards Brylee Frederick (3.3) and Braylen Frederick (2.5).

6. Clay County (16-17) — The Lady Tigers took a slight step back this year but should rebound in 2027 with four starters back, led by freshman guard Maci White (13.7, 5.1). Senior guard Kenzie Grubb (12.0, 4.1) also returns, along with 5-11 senior center Carly Fultz (12.2, 7.7) and 5-7 senior forward Madison Pendland (6.1, 2.8). Freshman center Harper Rice (8.1, 6.5) and freshman guard Adyson Wagers were key reserves,

7. Harlan County (13-14) — With most of their players heading into their third season together, the Lady Bears should continue to progress. Sophomore guards Jaycee Simpson (11.3, 2.5) and Reagan Clem (7.8, 2.8) and junior guard Jaylee Cochran (8.5, 3.6) are returning starters with freshman Taylynn Napier (8.5, 2.4) moving into the lineup after serving as the top reserve this season. Sophomore forward Raegan Landa (2.3, 4.3) and junior guard Kylee Runions (5.2) are also key players.

8. Bell County (23-8) — With Kairi Lamb and Nevaeh Allen graduating, the Lady Cats lose 67 percent of their scoring from the 2026 team but will remain a 52nd District contender after dominating in recent years, especially with junior guard Emily Lambert (17.0) transferring from Middlesboro. Senior forward Gracie Barton (7.2, 8.5) was limited to only 13 games last season due to injury, but she will be back, along with senior guard Lyla Scearse (2.0, 2.0). Junior guard Aubree Miracle (4.0, 3.7), sophomore guard Bristal Jordan (3.5) and freshman guard Brylee Redmond (2.6, 3.2) also return after playing key roles last season.

9. Pineville (13-16) — Losing standout center Rachel Howard will be a blow, but Pineville should challenge for an All “A” regional repeat with a strong backcourt boosted by the transfer of junior guard Peyshaunce Wynn (10.8, 4.6) from Harlan to join junior Addison Arnett (2.4, 2.0) and sophomores Clara Strange (6.4, 4.5), Hannah Abner (3.4) and Kaelyn Burnett (3.9, 2.3). Junior forward Madison Johnson (7.6, 7.2) is the top scorer and rebounder returning. Senior guard Ciela Amaya should also help after missing last season with an injury.

10. Middlesboro (14-13) — After breaking a 15-year regional tournament drought, the Lady Jackets were expected to challenge for the 52nd District title, but the loss of junior guard Emily Lambert to Middlesboro is a blow and means the Lady Jackets lose three of their top six players. Senior guards Morgan Martin (3.7, 3.0) and Millie Roberts (12.6, 3.3) also return, along with 5-8 senior forward Trinity Derossett. Junior guard Lily Partin and sophomore guard Azailah Petty will play bigger roles.

Best of the rest:

11. Jackson County (8-18) — Even with a lineup dominated by middle school players, the Lady Generals made it to the All “A” regional finals last year and should be better in 2027. Senior guard Baylee Berry (9.0, 4.6) and junior forwards Hannah Jackson (2.7) and Rylee Bowman (4.7, 4.8) are back along with eighth graders Sophia Martinez (7.8, 2.1) and Tilly Truett (2.3, 5.0). Eighth grade guards Kylee Martin (5.5) and Kinley Judd will also play key roles again.

12. Barbourville (11-15) — Led by junior guard Marleigh Martin (14.8, 6.0) and sophomore guard Breanna Engle (13.9, 5.4), the Lady Tigers could challenge in the All “A” Classic with only one starter graduating. Junior guard Sadie Hoffman (6.7, 3.1) and freshmen Kadence Mills (2.5, 2.7) and Loren Gray are also back.

13. Harlan (8-20) — With three starters graduating and guard Peyshaunce Wynn moving to Pineville, the Lady Dragons will continue their rebuild. Junior guard Addison Campbell (9.7, 3.9) is the only key player still around from the district championship team in 2025. Sophomore guards Addyson Patton (2.4) and Talae Taylor will move into the lineup after serving as key subs this year. Eighth graders Torri Sundy, Jerrah Phillips and Addy Cochran will also compete for starting jobs.

14. Williamsburg (10-17) — After a three-game improvement this season, the Lady Jackets should continue their progress with a veteran squad returning led by senior guards Abby Moses (11.0, 7.0) and Brylee Evans (10.9, 4.0) and junior forward Ellie Breeding (10.1). Marissa Meadors (2.3, 6.9) and Sammie Phipps (2.0, 3.6), both juniors, are also back.

15.  Lynn Camp (6-18) — After losing three starters to graduation, the Lady Cats will rebuild around 5-10 senior center Destiny Chancellor (7.6, 6.9) and 5-10 junior forward Aubrey Hollin (6.3, 4.2). Freshman guards Jayden Petrey (3.6) and Bree Morgan will likely play bigger roles.

16. Oneida Baptist (2-17) — Replacing leading scorer and rebounder Bailey Bristow, who left the team, was quite a chore for the Lady Mountaineeers. Sophomore guard Sophia Silvia (11.6, 5.0) and 5-11 senior center Jackaylah Lewis (5.8, 11.8) are the top returning players. Freshman guard Brilee Jackson and freshman forward Ashley Shipman also return.