Preseason Top Teams in Kentucky 1-7

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops Kentucky is excited to unveil our top teams heading into the 2025–2026 season. This list is based on last year's RPI standings, along with our own evaluations and observations, factoring in returning production, key new additions, and notable coaching changes across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">1. Sacred Heart</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sacred Heart will be without the "GOAT" Zakiyah Johnson, for the first time in four years, but the Valkyries remain loaded with talent. They return two of the top upperclassmen in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='747640' first='Amirah' last='Jordan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='376791' first='Brianna' last='Wilkins'], both of whom were key contributors to last season's championship run. They're also joined by standout sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='903695' first='Riley' last='Gilvin'], who is expected to take another step forward this season. Only time will tell how this roster will gel, but one thing remains certain, you never count out Donna Moir and the Valkyries, a powerhouse program chasing its sixth straight state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">2. George Rogers Clark</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GRC was the state-runner up, so anything short of a state championship would feel like a disappointment this season. They are once again stacked with talent, led by Cincinnati signee [player_tooltip player_id='739686' first='Kennedy' last='Stamper'] and Robert Morris signee [player_tooltip player_id='376806' first='Teigh' last='Yeast']. They're backed by a strong supporting cast, giving the Lady Cardinals the balance, depth, and firepower needed to make another deep run at Rupp. With expectations at an all-time high, Robbie Graham and his group will look to complete the mission this season and finally break through to claim the Sweet 16 crown that has narrowly eluded them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">3. Assumption</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a lot of buzz surrounding Assumption this season as a legitimate state championship contender outside of the usual favorites, Sacred Heart and GRC and rightfully so. The Rockets have the best player in the state, Indiana signee [player_tooltip player_id='376789' first='Ashlinn' last='James'], leading the charge. She's joined by senior [player_tooltip player_id='493156' first='Ava' last='Moore'], along with a talented sophomore trio in [player_tooltip player_id='657816' first='Se'Rae' last='Bundrent-Palmer'], [player_tooltip player_id='874558' first='Kylie' last='Moore'], and [player_tooltip player_id='903500' first='Veronica' last='Hocker'], all players who will need to step forward and prove they're ready for the big stage. If this core can rise to the occasion and complement James' star power, Assumption has what it takes to make a serious run at the state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">4. Frederick Douglass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frederick Douglass surprised a lot of people last season, making an impressive run all the way to the Sweet 16 semifinals. They return most of their roster from that team, including their leading scorer and rebounder [player_tooltip player_id='743664' first='Jaelee' last='Knowles'], one of the top wing players in the state. They also bring back fantastic freshman [player_tooltip player_id='903256' first='Tamia' last='Waide'], who had a breakout season as an 8th grader, and add [player_tooltip player_id='743648' first='Adrianna' last='Brown'], a key new piece who should make an immediate impact and senior [player_tooltip player_id='883229' first='Mikalee' last='Bennett'] is another important returner. They are one of the most athletic teams in the state and it would not be surprising at all to see the Lady Broncos fight their way out of the 11th Region once again and make another trip downtown to Rupp Arena this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">5. Simon Kenton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Pioneers returned to the Sweet 16 last season, making their second appearance in three years. With every player returning, team chemistry should be the least of their concerns heading into the new season. Leading the way are Thomas More signees [player_tooltip player_id='739708' first='Brynli' last='Pernell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='724178' first='Haylie' last='Webb'], the experienced duo that sets the tone on both ends of the floor. Expect a noticeable step up in production from [player_tooltip player_id='859859' first='Anna' last='Kelch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='825791' first='Megan' last='Gadzala'], along with one of the top sophomores in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1199130' first='Bella' last='Ober'], who is poised for a breakout year. This team may not have overwhelming talent, but they play well together and have a true understanding of their roles, traits that have carried them deep into March before and can do so again. Simon Kenton should find themselves exactly where they expect to be at the end of the season: competing for another 8th Region championship and a return trip to the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">6. Calloway County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As you can see, Calloway County is a team we are very high on heading into the season. They've been knocking on the door of a 3rd Region championship for the past couple of years and will be looking to finally seal the deal this time around. The Lady Lakers are led by two of the top seniors in the state, North Alabama signee [player_tooltip player_id='494359' first='Sayler' last='Lowe'] and Southern Indiana signee [player_tooltip player_id='761880' first='Jaidan' last='Koch'], both of whom have had decorated high school careers. There would be no better way for this duo to close out their run than by punching a ticket to the Sweet 16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">7. North Laurel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been quite the luxury having a player like Brooke Nichelson over the past few years, but with her now at Murray State, the Lady Jaguars enter a new chapter. Fortunately, they still have a difference-maker in 6'2" forward [player_tooltip player_id='747655' first='Mariella' last='Claybrook'], one of the top juniors in the state, who will anchor the paint and provide a strong interior presence on both ends of the floor. Combine her impact with the steady leadership of Head Coach Eddie Mahan, who I believe is one of the best girls' basketball coaches in Kentucky, so it's hard to count North Laurel out. With Claybrook leading the way and Mahan's proven system in place, they have an excellent chance to return to familiar territory this season and remain a serious threat in the 13th Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->