Season Preview: Top Fifteen Teams

The season gets underway this week (finally) and let’s take a look at the top fifteen teams in the state, pre-season edition. <ol> <li>Franklin County - The Lady Flyers have one of the best inside-out duos in Kentucky with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31846" first="Brooklynn" last="Miles"] and [player_tooltip player_id="31877" first="Patience" last="Laster"].</strong> They also have quality depth across the roster and all the pieces to make a deep run in March.</li> <li>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. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="88416" first="Tiarra" last="East"] and [player_tooltip player_id="88435" first="Dynastee" last="White"]</strong> should lead a veteran group.</li> <li>Ryle - The defending state champions are still loaded with talent and look like they could rule the 9th region for years to come. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="88421" first="Brie" last="Crittendon"]</strong> is in the running for Miss Basketball and the sophomore class is absolutely LOADED.</li> <li>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, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="88437" first="Amelia" last="Hodges"] and [player_tooltip player_id="36208" first="Ella" last="Thompson"]</strong> are looking for a deep run at Rupp.</li> <li>Anderson County - A veteran roster is headlined by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31885" first="Amiya" last="Jenkins"]</strong> but don’t sleep on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="173758" first="Sophie" last="Smith"]</strong> as one of the top players in the region. Anderson is battle tested and ready to get to Rupp.</li> <li>Sacred Heart - They lost a ton but they return a lot, too. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164387" first="Triniti" last="Ralston"]</strong> is a star. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106151" first="Josie" last="Gilvin"] and Olivia Kaufman </strong>are next up. The Valkyries may take their lumps early but they’ll be ready late in the year.</li> <li>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. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164386" first="Brianna" last="Byars"] </strong>is a star in the making. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106139" first="Tyra" last="Flowers"] </strong>does a little bit of everything to help her team win.</li> <li>Manual - A deep and talented team that is going to be battle tested by the time postseason rolls around. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164391" first="Jakayla" last="Thompson"]</strong> is one of the best young players in the city and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106144" first="Kennedy" last="Lee"]</strong> has a chance to be a high major recruit.</li> <li>Bullitt East - The reigning 6th region champs, these Lady Chargers are loaded with talent and have the X factor of 6’5 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106153" first="Gracie" last="Merkle"] </strong>roaming the post. With a really good backcourt, Bullitt East could be a dark horse to win it all in March.</li> <li>South Laurel - Graduating multiple D1 players is never easy but South Laurel has been loaded since Chris Souder got there. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106133" first="Rachel" last="Presley"] </strong>is going to be the key of the offense while <strong>Bree Howard</strong> is ready for a bigger role in her Senior season.</li> <li>Boyd County - Everyone knows about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31850" first="Harley" last="Paynter"]</strong> but she’s got help on the roster this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="154508" first="Bailey" last="Rucker"] and [player_tooltip player_id="167104" first="Audrey" last="Biggs"] </strong>are both really good and Biggs is likely the next big name for Boyd.</li> <li>Notre Dame - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31887" first="Macie" last="Feldman"] and [player_tooltip player_id="106137" first="Lacey" last="Bradshaw"] </strong>are one of the best duos in the state and have a chance to get their team to a state tournament before they graduate.</li> <li>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. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="164395" first="Meadow" last="Tisdale"] </strong>is a tough matchup for anyone in the 4th region.</li> <li>North Laurel - <strong>Halle Collins </strong>gets all the headlines but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="157949" first="Hailee" last="Valentine"]</strong> 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.</li> <li>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.</li> </ol>