Season Preview: Top Fifteen Teams
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The season gets underway this week (finally) and let’s take a look at the top fifteen teams in the state, pre-season edition. Franklin County – The Lady Flyers have one of the best inside-out duos in Kentucky with Brooklynn Miles…
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Continue ReadingThe season gets underway this week (finally) and let’s take a look at the top fifteen teams in the state, pre-season edition.
- Franklin County – The Lady Flyers have one of the best inside-out duos in Kentucky with Brooklynn Miles Brooklynn Miles 5'6" | PG Franklin County | 2021 State #48 Nation KY and Patience Laster Patience Laster 5'10" | PF Franklin County | 2022 State KY . They also have quality depth across the roster and all the pieces to make a deep run in March.
- Butler – After falling short of Rupp Arena last season, the Bearettes return most of their core and are hungry for a deep run at state. Tiarra East Tiarra East 5'11" | PF Butler | 2021 State KY and Dynastee White Dynastee White 5'8" | SF Butler | 2021 State KY should lead a veteran group.
- Ryle – The defending state champions are still loaded with talent and look like they could rule the 9th region for years to come. Brie Crittendon Brie Crittendon 5'9" | SG Ryle | 2021 State KY is in the running for Miss Basketball and the sophomore class is absolutely LOADED.
- Bethlehem – The best small school in the state, these Banshees are planning to cut several sets of nets in March. After losing in the regional title last season, Amelia Hodges Amelia Hodges 5'6" | SG Bethlehem | 2021 State KY and Ella Thompson Ella Thompson 6'0" | PF Bethlehem | 2021 State KY are looking for a deep run at Rupp.
- Anderson County – A veteran roster is headlined by Amiya Jenkins Amiya Jenkins 5'10" | SF Anderson County | 2022 State KY but don’t sleep on Sophie Smith Sophie Smith 5'7" | CG Anderson County | 2021 State KY as one of the top players in the region. Anderson is battle tested and ready to get to Rupp.
- Sacred Heart – They lost a ton but they return a lot, too. Triniti Ralston Triniti Ralston 5'7" | PG Sacred Heart | 2023 State KY is a star. Josie Gilvin Josie Gilvin 5'10" | SG Sacred Heart | 2022 State KY and Olivia Kaufman are next up. The Valkyries may take their lumps early but they’ll be ready late in the year.
- George Rogers Clark – Young and talented, this particular team could take a few losses early but could win a game or three at Rupp in March. Brianna Byars Brianna Byars 5'11" | PF George Rogers Clark | 2023 State KY is a star in the making. Tyra Flowers Tyra Flowers 5'10" | SF George Rogers Clark | 2022 State KY does a little bit of everything to help her team win.
- Manual – A deep and talented team that is going to be battle tested by the time postseason rolls around. Jakayla Thompson Jakayla Thompson 5'9" | CG DuPont Manual | 2023 State KY is one of the best young players in the city and Kennedy Lee has a chance to be a high major recruit.
- Bullitt East – The reigning 6th region champs, these Lady Chargers are loaded with talent and have the X factor of 6’5 Gracie Merkle Gracie Merkle 6'6" | C Bullitt East | 2022 State KY roaming the post. With a really good backcourt, Bullitt East could be a dark horse to win it all in March.
- South Laurel – Graduating multiple D1 players is never easy but South Laurel has been loaded since Chris Souder got there. Rachel Presley Rachel Presley 6'2" | C South Laurel | 2022 State KY is going to be the key of the offense while Bree Howard is ready for a bigger role in her Senior season.
- Boyd County – Everyone knows about Harley Paynter Harley Paynter 5'7" | CG Boyd County | 2021 State KY but she’s got help on the roster this season. Bailey Rucker Bailey Rucker 5'7" | SG Boyd County | 2021 State KY and Audrey Biggs Audrey Biggs 6'0" | SF Boyd County | 2024 State KY are both really good and Biggs is likely the next big name for Boyd.
- Notre Dame – Macie Feldman Macie Feldman 5'9" | CG Notre Dame | 2022 State KY and Lacey Bradshaw Lacey Bradshaw 5'8" | SF Notre Dame | 2022 State KY are one of the best duos in the state and have a chance to get their team to a state tournament before they graduate.
- Bowling Green – Possessing a very young and talented core, Bowling Green is probably a year away from being a top contender for the state title but they should, at worst, win the region and have a chance to get past the first round of state. Meadow Tisdale Meadow Tisdale 5'10" | PF Bowling Green | 2023 State KY is a tough matchup for anyone in the 4th region.
- North Laurel – Halle Collins gets all the headlines but Hailee Valentine Hailee Valentine 5'6" | SG North Laurel | 2022 State KY could be the most important player as a veteran on a VERY young roster. There are seven 8th graders on the Lady Jags roster so you know they’ll get better over the year.
- Mercy – Like Sacred Heart and South Laurel, Mercy graduated a ton of talent but they’ve got Sophomores waiting for their chance and a strong freshman class under the guidance of a new coach.