Pre-Season Preview: Top Teams (Regions 1-8)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are so many talented teams across the Bluegrass. There are a lot of regions that include multiple top teams in the state, so we should have a very competitive season ahead of us. It'll be very interesting to see who can pave their way to the 2023 KHSAA State Tournament. Here are some of the teams that I feel have a good shot of making a deep run in March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Please note that these are just opinions. I do recognize that it is way too early to actually pick a winner from each region, but if I had to pick only one before the season begins, the following are my early picks. I also want to note that while I know of some transfers or newcomers to these teams, I did not take into account those players in this article as rosters have not yet been finalized in KHSAA's system</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 1: McCracken County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How could you pick against a team that went 31-2 last season and returns the majority of their scoring and rebounding? Maybe someone can find a reason to, but there's not a chance I'm picking against the Lady Mustangs until another team can give me a reason to. Going into this season, they return their leading scorer and rebounder from last year, [player_tooltip player_id='158174' first='Destiny' last='Thomas'] (18 PPG/6 RPG), a Murray State commit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["158174"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Thomas is long, athletic, and versatile. She truly brings it on both ends of the floor and is extremely hard to stop. She can score at all 3 levels and she's a crafty finisher around the basket. Thomas is poised to be a 2023 Miss Basketball candidate and I like McCracken County's chances with her leading the way. However, she has a lot of talent around her as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3ce80d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["369667"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Johnson is one of the top 2024 players in the state. Last season, she averaged 13.5 PPG and 2.5 RPG. Her basketball IQ is high and she can put the ball in the basket at all 3 levels. In fact, she shot 51.4% overall last year and 40.5% from 3. Johnson can run the point position or play off of the ball effectively. She has great ball handling skills and she makes really good passes that lead her teammates to the basket.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3ce872"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caroline Sivills </strong>(7.1 PPG/5.5 RPG), <strong>Mikee Buchanan</strong> (9.3 PPG/3.7 RPG), and <strong>Shymiya Daye</strong> (6.7 PPG/5.1 RPG) are other top returners to watch for this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 2: Henderson County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Though I believe Madisonville-North Hopkins is going to be extremely tough this season, Henderson County was the only team to go undefeated in their region last year. They finished the season with a 24-5 record overall and a 12-0 record in the 2nd region. They return their top 2 leading scorers, [player_tooltip player_id='284106' first='Jarie' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='372711' first='Graci' last='Risley'], who will both be playing their final season of high school basketball this year and will be looking to finish out their careers on a high note.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284106"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Thomas is a 2-way player that can really put the ball in the basket. She averaged 14.4 PPG shooting 50.2% overall. She also led Henderson County in rebounds at 8 RPG. Thomas can elevate over defenders to get her shot off, but she can also finish at the rim.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["372711"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Risley is a perfect complement to Thomas at the guard position. One of the top outside shooters in Kentucky, Risley knocked down 45.6% of her 3-pointers last season. She finished as the 2nd best 3-point FG leader in the entire state last year after averaging 3.2 triples made per game.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3ce8ea"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some other returners to watch for at Henderson County include <strong>Mallorie Veal </strong>(6.5 PPG/1.7 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='376814' first='Brooklyn' last='Gibson'] (4.6 PPG/3.2 RPG), and <strong>Savannah Lacer </strong>(3.4 PPG/2.6 RPG). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 3: Meade County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think there are a few teams in the 3rd Region that should have really successful seasons, but after watching Meade County take down the back-to-back defending state champions this summer, I can't pick against them. They went 29-7 last season, and 5 of those losses came before Christmas of last year and they came against top teams in the state. Also, the 2 losses after Christmas both were to the eventual state runners-up last season, Bullitt East. Meade County has a tough schedule lined up again for this season, but I think it will only help them make an even deeper run in the state tournament this March. Their leading returner is [player_tooltip player_id='254562' first='Peyton' last='Bradley'], one of the top players in the state regardless of class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254562"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Bradley averaged 19.3 PPG and 4.9 RPG, which were both a team-best. She shot 44.6% from 3 last season and finished as the state's #1 3-point FG leader after hitting an average of 3.4 triples per game. Bradley can contribute in every way imaginable on the court. She's an elite scorer and ball handler. Her basketball IQ is out of this world and she is the kind of player that gives you a chance to win no matter who you're facing. However, she does have some seriously talented players around her as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["448817"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"In the frontcourt, [player_tooltip player_id='448817' first='Katie' last='Durbin'] will be leading the Lady Waves. Durbin averaged 7.4 PPG and 3.5 RPG last season, but I expect both of those numbers to rise this season. When I watched her play this summer, her defense really stood out to me. She faced some u003cemu003ereallyu003c/emu003e tough defensive assignments and she was handling them so well. Durbin has excellent length and she runs the floor consistently. She can finish well around the rim, but can also stretch the defense with her ability to knock down shots.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["304632"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Another top returner for Meade County is [player_tooltip player_id='304632' first='Paige' last='Medley']. Medley averaged 7.4 PPG and 1.8 RPG. She can knock down shots from deep range with a quick release. She can handle pressure and she delivers crisp passes to her teammates.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3ce9a5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition, Meade County returns [player_tooltip player_id='455435' first='Annabelle' last='Babb'] (5.4 PPG/2.4 RPG), <strong>Sage Crawley</strong> (5 PPG/2.9 RPG), [player_tooltip player_id='413864' first='Mattie' last='Clanton'] (2.8 PPG/2.5 RPG), and [player_tooltip player_id='470570' first='Savannah' last='Triplett'] (0.5 PPG/0.9 RPG).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 4: Bowling Green</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowling Green graduated 7 players from last season, so it'll be very interesting to see how they make up for some of that production this year. However, when you have 3 of the best 2023 players in the state on your roster, you're still going to be a tough team to beat. The Purples leading scorer and rebounder last year, [player_tooltip player_id='164395' first='Meadow' last='Tisdale'], is 1 of those returners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["164395"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The NKU commit averaged 15.5 PPG and 7.3 RPG. Tisdale is extremely tough. When she gets the ball down low, defenses struggle to stop her. In fact, she shot 58.2% overall last season. Tisdale has a lot of post moves she can use to finish at the rim, but she also makes strong drives to the basket and can knock down shots. Defensively, she works hard and can guard bigger players effectively because of her skills and athleticism. Pair that with the talent she will be playing with and Bowling Green's poised to have success.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["358942"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"One of Tisdale's talented teammates is [player_tooltip player_id='358942' first='Tanaya' last='Bailey']. Bailey has the skills to run the point, but primarily plays the shooting guard position which makes sense when you possess the scoring abilities that she does. She was the Purples 2nd leading scorer last season after averaging 12.2 PPG. She's an active defender and she can score at all 3 levels. Bailey can finish her drives even through contact, and she has good form on her outside shot.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["164388"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Joining Tisdale and Bailey is EKU commit, [player_tooltip player_id='164388' first='Saniyah' last='Shelton']. Shelton averaged 8.6 PPG and 6.4 RPG last season, and I expect her stats to jump the most this season after an extremely successful summer. She is a 3-level scorer with strong handles, and she is also strong defensively.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3cea78"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 5: Bethlehem</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Banshees went 23-8 last season, ultimately winning the 5th Region tournament. 5 of Bethlehem's losses were in their first 8 games of the season last year and their only losses after January 10th came to the 2 teams that ended up competing in the KHSAA State Championship game. They return their 2 leading scorers from that team in [player_tooltip player_id='228143' first='Carlie' last='Thurmond'] (13.3 PPG/2.5 RPG) and [player_tooltip player_id='257280' first='Emma' last='Filiatreau'] (13.1 PPG/6.9 RPG). Not only are those 2 their leading scorers, but they are both true leaders on the floor. Thurmond and Filiatreau play with an intensity that is tough to match. While they play 2 completely different positions, they both are really good on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["228143"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Thurmond can handle the ball, she makes great passes, she can put the ball in the basket, and she's an elite defender. Also a star soccer player, Thurmond is quick and she makes so much happen. She is very disruptive on the defensive end and she's oftentimes the motor for her team on the offensive end of the floor.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["257280"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Filiatreau can finish through contact around the basket, she can knock down jump shots or 3s, and she can block or alter shots as a defender. She's got great length and strength as well.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3ceb25"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some other top returners for the Banshees include [player_tooltip player_id='544178' first='Ashlyn' last='Miles'] (5.7 PPG/4.2 RPG), <strong>Bailey Bishop</strong> (4.9 PPG/5.6 RPG), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1059182' first='Tessa' last='Miles']</strong> (2.5 PPG/2 RPG).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 6: Mercy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mercy started their season 0-2 last year, but still managed to finish the season with a 23-9 record. Their only 2 regional losses came to a tough Bullitt East team who ended up in the State Championship game last year. The Jaguars return the majority of their team, including some absolute stars. Leading the way is [player_tooltip player_id='254279' first='Leah' last='Macy'], the #17 prospect <em>in the nation</em> per espnW. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254279"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Macy finished in a ton of the state's top statistical categories last season after averaging a monster double-double, 20.1 PPG and 12.3 RPG. Macy can truly do a little bit of everything on the floor and I've watched many teams try to game plan how to shut her down with little to no success. She's such a tough player and she had one of the most impressive field goal percentages in the state last season at 62.3% overall. Macy is truly one of the most talented all-around players that I've seen, regardless of class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3ceb6f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='295768' first='Alyssa' last='Murphy'], [player_tooltip player_id='164407' first='Emma' last='Barnett'], and [player_tooltip player_id='199615' first='Mary' last='Smith'] will also be key returners for Mercy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["295768"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I think Murphy could have a breakout season, which is an odd statement to make when she averaged 14.4 PPG and 3.8 RPG as a freshman, but that just speaks to the talent that she has. When she just plays her game, she is one of the most elite guards in the state and I think now that she has a season under her belt with Mercy, she will play a lot more freely this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["164407"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Barnett is an Ohio University commit who can score at all 3 levels, while also making things happen on the defensive end of the floor. She averaged 11.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG last season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["199615"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Smith is one of the best defenders around, but she is also a reliable scorer. She averaged 10.6 PPG and 3.6 RPG last season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3cec0a"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 7: Sacred Heart</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sacred Heart is Kentucky's back-to-back defending state champions as we begin this season. They went 36-3 overall last season and 15-0 in their region. While I think there are a few other 7th Region teams that will be some of the top teams in the state this year, I can't go against a team that has had the success they have and continues to find themselves in pre-season rankings at the national level. They return 4 of the most talented players in Kentucky, including the 2022 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year and the #2 ranked 2025 player in the nation, [player_tooltip player_id='254273' first='ZaKiyah' last='Johnson']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254273"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Johnson is the Valkyries leading returning scorer and rebounder after averaging 17.7 PPG and 7.6 RPG as a freshman. Her talent is off of the charts. She can do it all and she does it at the highest possible level. She is a generational talent and definitely one you should try to catch if you haven't yet seen her play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3cec4f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sacred Heart's other 3 returning starters are also extremely high level players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["245899"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='245899' first='Reagan' last='Bender'] is an elite scorer. She averaged 11.4 PPG and 3.2 RPG last season. She is such a tough match-up because she is a phenomenal shooter, but she can also score off of drives, floaters, pull-up jumpers, etc. Defensively, she can get in the passing lanes to come up with steals and she crashes the boards hard.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["257276"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='257276' first='Angelina' last='Pelayo'] is another tough player. In my opinion, she is truly one of the best frontcourt players in the state. She consistently finishes around the rim on both sides of the basket, despite how much contact or physicality she faces. She averaged 9.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG last season, but don't be surprised to see a double-double average from Pelayo this season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["164387"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The final key returner for the Valkyries is their floor general and lockdown defender, [player_tooltip player_id='164387' first='Triniti' last='Ralston']. Ralston is an excellent ball handler, she sees the floor and delivers solid passes, and she can score anytime her team needs a basket. She averaged 8.4 PPG and 2.9 RPG last season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3cecf1"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Region 8: Owen County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 8th Region was the hardest region for me to pick because there were so many top players in the region that graduated after last season. In fact, from the 17 player All-8th Region team last season, only 8 players return this season. The only 2 teams that have 2 players from that list returning are Owen County and Anderson County. While I think Anderson County is going to be tough and [player_tooltip player_id='254281' first='Lainey' last='Johnson'] should have a huge season, they lost 72.8% of their scoring from last year which is still a lot to overcome. I think they'll be just fine and should be rolling by the time the end of the season comes, but they could struggle early. I also think teams like South Oldham, Spencer County, Walton-Verona, Simon Kenton, and Grant County could find themselves at the top of the region, but I'm going with Owen County in my way too early pick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen County graduated their leader in Lexie Moore, but returns their 2nd leading scorer in [player_tooltip player_id='260270' first='Gracie' last='Ferguson']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["260270"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ferguson averaged 13.4 PPG and 5.2 RPG for the All A State Champions last season. She does extremely well around the basket, but can also stretch the defense with her ability to knock down shots. Ferguson has good hands as a defender and she consistently plays hard. She led the team in field goal percentage last season after shooting 56.1% overall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Haley Logan","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Owen County","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"They also return fellow All-8th Region team member, Haley Logan. Logan averaged 10.5 PPG and 3.8 RPG last year. She can score the ball inside or out and she is a really good defender. Logan can come up with steals and blocks defensively, and is a consistent threat on the opposite end of the floor as well. She will definitely be a player to help make up for some of Moore's production from last season as she plays an even bigger role this season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-63769af3cedde"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen County also returns one of the top 2026 players in [player_tooltip player_id='379876' first='Kylee' last='Steffen'] (2.8 PPG/1.3 RPG), along with Junior guards, <strong>Rachel Howard</strong> (2.5 PPG/1.7 RPG) and <strong>Hannah Howard</strong> (2.5 PPG/0.6 RPG). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->