Preseason Preview: Top Prospects in Regions 11 and 12

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regular season practice has officially tipped off across Kentucky, with scrimmages set to begin soon. As we gear up for another exciting year of high school hoops, I've broken down the top college prospects in each region heading into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note:</strong>&nbsp;This list is not a ranking of the top overall players. Instead, it highlights the best&nbsp;<em>college prospects</em>&nbsp;in each region based on their potential to succeed at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take a look at the top prospects in the 11th and 12th region!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 11:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743664' first='Jaelee' last='Knowles'], <strong>Frederick Douglass (2027) </strong>- She had a sophomore season for the ages, averaging a team-leading 17.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game while leading Frederick Douglass to district and region championships and a Final Four appearance at the Sweet 16. The Lexington Player of the Year, First Team All-City, First Team All-State selection, 11th Region MVP, and KHSAA State Tournament Team honoree, she firmly established herself as one of Kentucky's premier talents. She currently holds several Division I offers and continues to rise as one of the state's top wing prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='741172' first='Makiyia' last='Wheeler'], <strong>Franklin County (2027)</strong> - One of the top guards in the class of 2027, she averaged 6.3 points per game and helped lead the Lady Eagles to a 26-6 record, capturing both the Kentucky 2A Championship and the 41st District title. She's due for a big junior season and already holds six college offers, five of them at the Division I level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='903256' first='Tamia' last='Waide'], <strong>Frederick Douglass (2029)</strong> - Ranked No. 4 in the class of 2029, Tamia averaged 12 points per game during the 2024–25 season and was a key factor in the Lady Broncos' success. She helped lead Frederick Douglass to a 42nd District title, their second 11th Region championship in three years, and a Final Four appearance at the Sweet 16. Tamia earned All-State Honorable Mention, was named to the 11th Region All-Tournament Team, and received Second Team All-City honors. She also holds a Division I offer from Northern Kentucky University. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1003232' first='Piper' last='Graham'],<strong> Lexington Christian (2026)</strong> - She averaged 14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game for Lexington Christian last season. A First Team All-Region, First Team All-City selection, and the All “A” Classic MVP, heads into her senior season with five college offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 12:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='557203' first='Claire' last='Marshall'],<strong> West Jessamine (2027)</strong> - A top-five player and the No. 1 small forward in the class of 2027, she averaged a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds per game, leading West Jessamine to a 24-8 record and a 46th District Championship. She also surpassed 1,500 career points and 1,000 career rebounds as just a sophomore. Over the summer, she captured a 16U UAA Championship with WV Thunder 16U Johnson and now holds over eight Division I offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1050997' first='Taylor' last='King'], <strong>Rockcastle County (2026)</strong> - Committed to the University of the Cumberlands, she guided Rockcastle County to a 24-9 record, capturing the 47th District title and advancing to the 12th Region Championship game. Taylor averaged 18.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, showcasing her efficiency with impressive 54/40/83 shooting splits. She finished 30th in the state in scoring and ranked as the 14th-best free-throw shooter in Kentucky and earned First Team All-Region honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='494529' first='Macy' last='Spivey'], <strong>Rockcastle County (2026)</strong> - She averaged 16.6 points per game and led the Lady Rockets in rebounding with 7.2 boards, playing a key role in their 25-win season, district title, and regional championship game appearance. She turned in several eye-popping performances throughout the year and earned Second Team All-Region honors. She also holds an offer from Berea College heading into her senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='376807' first='Adeline' last='Heatherly'], <strong>Wayne County (2026)</strong> - Committed to the University of the Cumberlands, she had a strong junior campaign, leading the Lady Cards in scoring with 11.8 points per game and finishing second in rebounding with 4.7 boards. A key contributor all season, she played a pivotal role in helping them win the 48th District title and make a deep run in the 12th Region Tournament, earning Second Team All-Region honors along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->