Preseason Top Teams in Kentucky 20-25

<!-- 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">20. Franklin County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legendary coach Joey Thacker announced his retirement at the end of last season after 22 years at Franklin County, closing out a remarkable career that included 500+ wins, seven region championships, and an incredible 12 straight district titles. The program now enters a new era under first-year head coach Madisen Sandford, who inherits one of the most consistent and successful teams in the state. Franklin County will lean on one of the top juniors in Kentucky, [player_tooltip player_id='741172' first='Makiyia' last='Wheeler'], to run the show. Behind her, 8th grade guard [player_tooltip player_id='1119376' first='La'Kyiah' last='Taylor'] is a young star in the making, poised to emerge as one of the next big names in the 11th Region. The Lady Flyers have been a mainstay in the 11th Region for more than a decade, and even with a coaching transition, the expectation remains the same: uphold the standard and stay firmly in the championship hunt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">21. Bishop Brossart</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady 'Stangs finished as one of the top teams in the 10th Region last season, posting a strong 26–8 record, winning the 37th District, and reaching the region championship game in the third and final season under former head coach Steve Brown. They now enter the season with a new leader in Aaron Hamm, but they return plenty of production and experience. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='897394' first='Rachel' last='Shewmaker'] will anchor the team, while standout junior [player_tooltip player_id='743662' first='Greylee' last='Kramer'] is primed for a breakout year. Add in super sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='978237' first='Kylie' last='Smith'], who I believe will put people on notice this season, and Bishop Brossart has a well-rounded core capable of making noise once again. With the pieces they have returning, we believe Bishop Brossart has everything needed to remain one of the top contenders in the 10th Region this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">22. Butler</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler finished 22–7 last season but made an early exit in the 6th Region tournament in their second year under Head Coach Candyce Wheeler, following a run to the Sweet 16 semifinals the season before. Despite the setback, the Bearettes return plenty of talent and could be right back in the mix this year. They bring back their leading scorer and rebounder, senior [player_tooltip player_id='376790' first='Keziah' last='Renee''], along with junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='866052' first='Amiya' last='Civils'] and one of the top sophomores in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='961274' first='Faith' last='Mosley'], who is poised for a major leap. Adding transfer [player_tooltip player_id='874561' first='Khmiah' last='Verble'] to the mix only elevates their ceiling, giving Butler another impact player who can contribute immediately. With this combination of returning production, emerging young talent, and a key new addition, the Bearettes have all the ingredients to make a serious push to come out of the 6th Region this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">23. Marshall County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lady Marshals won the Region championship and earned a trip to the Sweet 16 last season. While they did lose a major contributor in Skylar Waller, who is now at Southeastern University, there is still plenty of talent returning to keep Marshall County in contention. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1214063' first='Addi' last='Wall'] and [player_tooltip player_id='999584' first='Eden' last='Sandlin'] bring leadership and experience, while juniors Kenzlee Terry and [player_tooltip player_id='997369' first='Rylan' last='Darnall'] are expected to take on much larger roles this season. With that core stepping forward, the Lady Marshals have enough scoring, toughness, and continuity to remain a legitimate threat. As the defending 1st Region champions, Marshall County should be viewed as a team fully capable of making another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">24. Bethlehem</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethlehem enters the season with high expectations under first-year head coach Glenn Wathen, who brings a proven track record from his successful tenure at Whitefield Academy. With his leadership and system in place, the Banshees are poised to take a meaningful step forward in a competitive 5th Region. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='747689' first='Kaylee' last='McElroy'], [player_tooltip player_id='743671' first='Loren' last='Macy'], and [player_tooltip player_id='913417' first='Zoe' last='Thurmond'] are expected to do big thing. Meanwhile, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1119253' first='Sophia' last='Miles'] will need to take a significant step forward for Bethlehem to remain competitive against the region's top programs. With the right development and chemistry, the Banshees have the structure and talent to be a factor in the 5th Region race this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">25. Owensboro Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owensboro Catholic reached the Sweet 16 in the 2022–23 season but has suffered back-to-back losses in the 3rd Region championship game since then. This year, the Lady Aces will lean heavily on juniors [player_tooltip player_id='958540' first='Katie' last='Hagan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='812951' first='Taylor' last='Mannahan'], both of whom are poised to take on major roles. A key X-factor will be sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='913673' first='Sophia' last='Newby']. If she returns at full strength, her impact on both ends of the floor could propel Owensboro Catholic back to championship form. Don't be surprised to see the Lady Aces back in the 3rd Region title game, once again fighting for a Sweet 16 berth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->