Preseason Prediction: The 64th District

The 64th District has a solid reputation for producing some of the best prospects in Eastern Kentucky that gain scholarships to play at the collegiate level every year. The Boyd County Lady Lions led by Coach Pete Fraley were crowned District Champs last season with a 44-47 victory over Blazer(Ashland). This year Boyd County and Ashland both have young but talented rosters I predict a repeat matchup for the district championship game this season. Who will take the top spot in the 64th district and move on to Rupp Arena for the KHSAA Sweet 16 Region Tournament?   Below are featured players who I predict will make a big impact for their team this season.    [player_tooltip player_id='467609' first='Jaidyn' last='Gulley'] is primed and ready for a big junior year. Last season she averaged 5.7 points and 5 rebounds per game. Gulley makes an impact by being effective on both ends of the floor. On offense she's always in attack mode she likes getting to rim using her size and strength to create contact while finishing. Gulley has tremendous rebounding ability for a guard she anticipates missed shots very well allowing her to always be in the right position for a board. Defensively she is a great on-ball defender willing to guard the best player on the opposing team. At the [program_tooltip program_id='715899' first='Rise' last='Up'] Pan-O-Rama she went off for 13 points, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 5 rebounds. Leading the Kittens to a 55-52 victory over a tough Mercer County team that featured University of Buffalo commit [player_tooltip player_id='164385' first='Timberlynn' last='Yeast']. Gulley opened a lot of eyes with her performance she's playing with a ton of confidence and will look to carry this momentum into the season.    [player_tooltip player_id='231465' first='Ella' last='Sellars'] has already made a name for herself as one of the top players in the 16th region. She led Ashland in scoring last season with 11.8 points per game along with 6 rebounds making her an easy All-Area team selection. Sellars is a left hand guard that can really light it up from the three point line. She to put on a great performance at the [program_tooltip program_id='715899' first='Rise' last='Up'] Pan-O-Rama. Putting up 13 points, 1 steal, 1 assist, and 4 rebounds. Her performance earned her [program_tooltip program_id='715899' first='Rise' last='Up'] Player of the game. With the dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='467609' first='Jaidyn' last='Gulley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='231465' first='Ella' last='Sellars'] in the backcourt Ashland is going to be really hard to handle come district play.     [player_tooltip player_id='231464' first='Jasmine' last='Jordan'] is a 6'2 center with an incredible wingspan and great athleticism. She averaged 10.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game last season while shooting an impressive 75% from the free throw line. Jordan made the All-Area team and she was a key contributor to the Lady Lions district championship win. Jordan competes really hard on the court she is an elite rebounder and a solid low post scorer that is very capable of putting up a double-double every game. She has a ton of interest from colleges coaches and I expect her to continue to climb the rankings as one of the top centers in Kentucky.    [player_tooltip player_id='326397' first='Taylor' last='Bartrum'] is a high energy player that gives max effort on both ends of the floor. She is an excellent perimeter shooter with ball handling skills like a point guard. Bartrum put up 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds a game last season. She was a member of the All-Area team as well. With her in the backcourt and [player_tooltip player_id='231464' first='Jasmine' last='Jordan'] in the frontcourt Coach Fraley will be looking for similar results as last season.    After a shortened season due to a roster full of injured players along with the departure of their former Head Coach Nick Karle. Rose Hill Christian looks to rebuild their program and improve their roster. After losing their leading scorer from last year. Junior guard Isabel Hensley could be the solution. She can score, rebound, play defense, and get her teammates involved. Look for Hensley to be the catalyst to the Lady Royals success this season.    With the leading scorer from last season Kiera Loving returning I have high hopes for my Alma mater this year. Loving averaged a double-double leading the Lady Eagles in scoring with 12.7 points per game and rebounding grabbing 12.7 boards a game. She is indeed one of the top players in the 16th region. Loving has made major improvements each year I expect Coach Mullins to lean on her as the senior leader this season.

The 64th District has a solid reputation for producing some of the best prospects in Eastern Kentucky that gain scholarships to play at the collegiate level every year. The Boyd County Lady Lions led by Coach Pete Fraley were crowned District Champs last season with a 44-47 victory over Blazer(Ashland). This year Boyd County and Ashland both have young but talented rosters I predict a repeat matchup for the district championship game this season. Who will take the top spot in the 64th district and move on to Rupp Arena for the KHSAA Sweet 16 Region Tournament?