Preseason Top Teams in Kentucky 14-19

<!-- 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">14. Breckinridge County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Tigers were one of the top teams in the 3rd Region last season, finishing 22–8, winning the 11th District, and advancing to the region semifinals. They'll be a senior-led group this year, returning their leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='890069' first='Elizabeth' last='Grimes'], along with [player_tooltip player_id='655457' first='Rowan' last='Radaszewski'], [player_tooltip player_id='879257' first='Josie' last='Mitcham'], and [player_tooltip player_id='650201' first='Kylie' last='Carby']. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1038933' first='Adelynn' last='Moorman'] will once again be a key contributor and provide valuable depth. With experience, scoring, and leadership across the board, this team has what it takes to claw its way out of the 3rd Region and make a serious run at a Sweet 16 berth this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">15. Holy Cross (Covington)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Ted Arlinghaus continues to keep Holy Cross (Covington) on an upward trajectory, and has over 100 career wins under his belt since taking over the program in the 2020–21 season. While the Indians lost some key production from last year's squad, they return one of the top juniors in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='747665' first='D'Myah' last='Williams'], who is poised to take on an even larger role. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='913410' first='Alyssa' last='Arlinghaus'] is also due for a big season, giving Holy Cross another reliable scoring option and backcourt presence. The Indians have the formula for success and are well-positioned to remain contenders in the always rugged and competitive 9th Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">16. Johnson Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another coach who deserves recognition as one of the top girls' basketball coaches in Kentucky is Jim Bob Hicks. In just his third season at the helm, Johnson Central won 27 games, dominated the 15th Region, and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018. This year's team is young, but the talent is promising. They're led by sophomore star [player_tooltip player_id='934138' first='Karlea' last='Stanley'], one of the brightest rising prospects in Eastern Kentucky. Expect freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='1253055' first='Kamryn' last='Duncan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1293275' first='Emma' last='McKenzie'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1302830' first='Allie' last='Slone'] to make a name for themselves quickly as they step into larger roles. This team isn't loaded with experience, but what they do have is a coach who knows how to get his players to buy-in and compete hard night in and night out. As long as Jim Bob Hicks is on the sideline, the Lady Eagles remain the team to beat in the 15th Region this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">17. Mercy </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mercy reached the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years under Head Coach Nicholas Cann, and the Jaguars look poised to contend once again. They will be led by Indiana Tech signee [player_tooltip player_id='493154' first='Abby' last='Reitzel'], who enters the season as a leading candidate for 6th Region Player of the Year. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='723426' first='Maggie' last='Young'] will be relied on much more this season, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='967961' first='Harper' last='Thauberger'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='861623' first='Caitlin' last='McCauley'] are expected to take on expanded roles and provide consistent production. The Jaguars are the defending 6th Region champions, and with Reitzel's leadership, solid returning pieces, and Cann's proven system, Mercy deserves plenty of respect heading into the 2025–26 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">18. Ashland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashland claimed the 16th Region title and made it the Sweet 16 for the second time under Head Coach Stacy Davis. But the big question this season is how the Kittens will fare without standout Kenleigh Woods, who is already making an immediate impact at EKU. The good news is they still have plenty of experience returning. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='724181' first='Gabby' last='Karle'] (a Malone University signee) and [player_tooltip player_id='494473' first='Aryanna' last='Gulley'] will anchor the lineup, while juniors [player_tooltip player_id='747675' first='Brookelyn' last='Duckwyler'], [player_tooltip player_id='913398' first='Alexis' last='Troxler'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1125361' first='Jenna' last='DeLaney'] bring valuable varsity experience and understand what it takes to get back to Rupp Arena. Ashland has the pieces to remain a contender in the 16th Region, now it's about who steps up this season and keep the Kittens in championship form.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">19. West Jessamine</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Colts will look to build off a strong 2024–2025 campaign in which they finished 24–8. This group has kept the same core intact over the years, and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='502127' first='Katie' last='Mastin'], [player_tooltip player_id='566167' first='Ariana' last='McLoney'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1052043' first='Kimberly' last='Johnson'] will all be looking to close out their careers on a high note. When you have a player like, [player_tooltip player_id='557203' first='Claire' last='Marshall'], anything is possible. Her versatility and ability to consistently produce elevate the ceiling of this team, and with a veteran supporting cast around her, it's hard to count out West Jessamine this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->