Previewing Kentucky’s Top 5 Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Photo By: 10th Region</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's October 15th, which means the KHSAA basketball season officially gets underway today. The playing field looks wide open this year, with the usual powerhouse programs still at the top of the food chain and several other teams capable of shocking the state. There is an abundance of talent across Kentucky right now, the 2026–27 campaign has the potential to be one for the ages. In this article, I'll break down my top 5 teams this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">1. George Rogers Clark</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GRC finished 33-2 last season and reached the mountaintop, winning the program's first-ever state championship. However, the Lady Cardinals lost four key players to graduation and their third-leading scorer from that team to a transfer. They do return two key seniors in Miss Basketball favorite and Cincinnati commit [player_tooltip player_id='739686' first='Kennedy' last='Stamper'] and [player_tooltip player_id='652045' first='Kyleigh' last='Stakelin'], whose experience and leadership will be pivotal to the team's success this season. Factor in the diaper dandies [player_tooltip player_id='1119375' first='Jylin' last='Edmondson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1276182' first='E'liyah' last='Strode'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1219861' first='Kyah' last='Curtsinger'], along with incoming transfer [player_tooltip player_id='881375' first='Taylin' last='Wade'], who I believe could open some eyes this season, and GRC has all the pieces to make another serious run at a state title. Head coach Robbie Graham and the Lady Cardinals have earned the respect of being the top team in Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">2. Sacred Heart</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some would say Sacred Heart's season was a bit of a disappointment after falling short of the Sweet 16 following six consecutive appearances under head coach Donna Moir. That's understandable for a program with such a rich tradition and lofty expectations. The Valkyries still have West Georgia commit and two-time state champion [player_tooltip player_id='747640' first='Amirah' last='Jordan'], along with one of the top juniors in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='903695' first='Riley' last='Gilvin']. Add in highly touted 6'4” sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1831369' first='Charlotte' last='Galloway'], an out-of-state transfer, and I believe this team has what it takes to put itself firmly in the hunt for its 10th state championship in program history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">3. Assumption </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assumption put together one of the best seasons in program history last year, capturing its first 7th Region championship since 2007 and finishing as the state runner-up. They have some big shoes to fill after losing a bulk of their offensive production to graduation. They do return talented juniors [player_tooltip player_id='657816' first='Se'Rae' last='Bundrent-Palmer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='874558' first='Kylie' last='Moore'], both of whom made a significant impact last season, along with [player_tooltip player_id='903500' first='Veronica' last='Hocker'], who could be poised for a breakout year. They also have a talented freshman trio in [player_tooltip player_id='1856452' first='Ava' last='Hudson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1229451' first='Ja'Kay' last='Grider'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1284160' first='Kathryn' last='Cline'], who bring plenty of upside and depth to the roster. You could argue that this group lacks experience, but the talent is certainly there, and it's hard to count out Coach K and the Rockets this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size">4. Frederick Douglass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frederick Douglass took control of the 11th Region last season, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year under head coach DJ Moberly. The Lady Broncos return their senior leader and Morehead State commit [player_tooltip player_id='743664' first='Jaelee' last='Knowles'], along with super sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='903256' first='Tamia' last='Waide']. Let's not forget the additions of two big-time transfers in [player_tooltip player_id='963013' first='Kyleigh' last='Chestnut'] and [player_tooltip player_id='881424' first='Koko' last='Castle'], who bring even more talent and firepower to an already deep roster. I believe this Douglass squad has what it takes to come out of the 11th Region once again and play all the way into Saturday at 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>Simon Kenton put together a magnificent 2025–26 season, compiling an impressive 33-3 record, claiming the 8th Region championship, and making a return trip to the Sweet 16, where the Lady Pioneers advanced all the way to the Final Four. Losing their second-leading scorer and leading rebounder to graduation is a gut punch, but they still return several difference-makers from last season's core, including 2,000-point scorer and Thomas More commit [player_tooltip player_id='739708' first='Brynli' last='Pernell'], ultra-talented junior [player_tooltip player_id='1199130' first='Bella' last='Ober'], and freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='1199136' first='Angela' last='Kabeya']. With reigning 8th Region Coach of the Year Jeff Stowers at the helm and plenty of talent returning, Simon Kenton is not a team to be taken lightly and deserves to be considered among the top teams in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->