article BluegrassPreps.com 13th Region Boys Basketball Preview

13th Region Rankings

1. South Laurel (0-0 overall, 0-0 vs. 13th Region competition)

The Cardinals return the best one-two punch in the 13th Region in JJ Ramey (19.3 points per game) and Matt Cromer (13.1).

Ramey is the best player in the 13th Region while Cromer is right behind him at the No. 2 spot. If South Laurel is going to win its first region title since making a run to the Final Four a few years ago, the Cardinals must get production out of players such as Alex Hostettler (4.0), Brett Norvell (2.5) and Matt Dalton.

2. Knox Central (0-0, 0-0)

The Panthers return a group of players that could very well lead Knox Central to its first regional title in more than 40 years.

Jaylen Adams (14.4) returns as one of the best 3-point shooters in the region while Dane Imel (11.7) also provides solid scoring and shooting. Nick Martin (13.3, 7.4 rebounds per game) is the best big man in the region while Kevionte Turner provides the Panthers (9.2, 6.2) scoring and rebounding in the paint. Look for Zach Patterson (4.7) to have a breakthrough season while Dalton Elliott (2.7) will give coach Tony Patterson another solid option in the post.

3. Corbin (0-0, 0-0)

The defending 13th Region champions come in at the three-spot, but believe me, by the time postseason play arrives, Corbin could very well be the team to beat — never count out coach Tony Pietrowski and the Redhounds.

Corbin will have to replace the huge void that Andrew Taylor left after he graduated. Taylor averaged a double-double, and will be hard to replace. Chase Sanders (12.6) will return as the Redhounds’ leading scorer while players such as Matthew Taylor (7.7), Cameron Maguet (2.5) and Brody Barton (2.1) return.

4. Clay County (0-0, 0-0)

The Tigers missed the 13th Region Tournament last season, but don’t expect a repeat performance. Clay County returns a talented team, including four starters.

They’ll be led by Jacob Curry (12.4) and Connor Robinson (14.3) while Connor Farmer (9.2) and Evan Langdon (4.0) also return.

5. Harlan County (0-0, 0-0)

The Black Bears are a year removed from winning the region championship, but don’t be surprised to see them make a serious run at the region crown once again come March.

Alex Pace (14.6, 4.9) returns as Harlan County’s top scorer while Taylor Spurlock (6.0) and Jacob Wilson (10.0) will also be expected to contribute.

6. Middlesboro (0-0, 0-0)

The Yellow Jackets will enter the season as the top Class A team in the 13th Region. Middlesboro will surprise this season with Jabari Kyle (12.4), Christian Hubbard (9.3) and Drake Thomas (13.2). The Yellow Jackets also picked up transfers Josh Overbay (7.8) and Scott Overbay (7.6), who played for Lynn Camp last season

7. Bell County (0-0, 0-0)

Could this be the season the Bobcats or Middlesboro put an end to Harlan County’s four-year district title run?

Bell County could very well be the team that does it with a solid core of veterans returning.

Sawyer Brock (13.4) provides instant offense for the Bobcats while Ryan Lambdin (9.6) and Tyler Parton (11.1, 6.5) also return. Isaac Collett (5.0) and Sean Phipps (7.3) will provide offense for Bell County as well. Another player to keep an eye on is guard London Stephney. I'm thinking he’s one of the top five players in the region.

8. North Laurel (0-0, 0-0)

Many prognosticators aren’t picking the Jaguars to make a deep run this season, but I believe this team is going to surprise.

Granted, North Laurel will have to replace four starters, but the Jaguars also return some solid players, too. This team will get better as the season progresses.

Adam Sizemore (8.5) returns at the point guard spot while eighth-grader Reed Sheppard is also expected to contribute at the guard position. Landon Young (6.1) and Cole Kelley (3.2) will provide offense for Brad Sizemore’s squad along with some other newcomers.

9. Williamsburg (0-0, 0-0)

This could be the year the Yellow Jackets return to the 13th Region Tournament. Coach Nick Napier’s squad won 14 games last season, and I expect even more this winter.

The Yellow Jackets return two of the region’s top scorers in Slaht Hunter (15.6, 4.2) and Caleb Rose (13.5, 4.9). If Dalton Ponder returns to the mix for Williamsburg and Hunter Brown (5.2) continues to give quality minutes in the post, the Yellow Jackets could surprise.

10. Whitley County (0-0, 0-0)

The Colonels return a solid nucleus that could surprise. Hunter Hollingsworth (14.6) returns as Whitley County’s leading scorer along with Tyler Lawson (4.6) and Dakota Lawson (5.8).

11. Harlan (0-0, 0-0)

The Green Dragons could be a pleasant surprise this season with Kilian Ledford (13.0), freshman Jordan Akal (8.0), Cade Barnes (8.0), and Jon Eldridge (6.0) returning.

12. Barbourville (0-0, 0-0)

First-year coach Cody Messer takes over with hopes of leading his alma mater to a 51st District title. The Tigers are veteran-led, and could make some noise with Connor Bain (8.7, 6.7), Jacob Helton (9.5), J.D. McVey (9.3), and Shawn Vaughn (6.8, 4.0) returning.

13. Jackson County (0-0, 0-0)

The Generals graduated a lot of talent, but will still try to make a run at the 49th District crown this season.

Hunter Bowling (12.4, 3.1) and McGwire Wilson (2.9) return for their senior campaigns while juniors Logan Rose, Jared Rawlings, Blake Holt, and Jayden Baldwin will help out as well.

14. Red Bird (0-0, 0-0)

The Cardinals are coming off a 10-win season with hopes of claiming even more wins this season. 6-5 senior Dylan Asher (10.2, 6.4) returns along with Max Kitoko (12.3) and sharp shooter Austin Napier (17.0).

15. Lynn Camp (0-0, 0-0)

The Wildcats could very well be in rebuilding more after losing five of their top six players from last season’s 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament championship squad.

Max Burd (13.0) returns as Lynn Camp’s top leading scorer, and will be joined by Jacob Balou (4.8) and Matt Disney (4.2).

16. Pineville (0-0, 0-0)

The Mountain Lions continue to rebuild with senior Ben Goodin returning along with his 11.4 scoring average. Joining Goodin will be Braxton Caldwell, Hayden Calebs, Landon Couch, Reed Baker and Brendan King.

17. OBI (0-0, 0-0)

It’s always hard to rank the Mountaineers early on until we actually see who is playing.

Oneida Baptist returns leading scorers Elijah Woods (17.4) and Sochi Onuoha (16.3).

13th Region

Top 10 Players

1. JJ Ramey, South Laurel — Ramey is the most-athletic player in the region. He runs the floor better than anyone, and when he gets the opportunity to slam one home, he does it with authority. He’s also a dangerous outside shooter, too.

2. Matthew Cromer, South Laurel — Cromer made a name for himself during last season’s 13th Region Tournament. He’s a slasher who can get to the hole quick. He’s also a top-notch shooter and defender.

3. Nick Martin, Knox Central — At 6-6, Martin is the best big man in the region. He can shoot a nice jumper and is one of the best rebounders around. He’s a big reason why the Panthers are considered one of the teams to beat.

4. Jaylen Adams, Knox Central — Adams is a pure shooter who can jump out of the gym. He has the ability to light things up on offense thanks to a great outside shot.

5. London Stephney, Bell County — One of the most athletic players in the region. He’s going to be a pleasant surprise for the Bobcats. He could turn out to be the best defender in the region.

6. Chase Sanders, Corbin — Sanders can flat out shoot the ball, and can defend with the best of them. He’s going to be Corbin’s go-to player with the graduation of Andrew Taylor.

7. Kevionte, Turner, Knox Central — Turner will miss a portion of the season due to breaking his arm during football season. He's top-notch force in the paint, and will give Knox Central a boost once he returns to the lineup.

8. Alex Pace, Harlan County — Pace turned into one of the best players in the region last year, and is expected to have an even bigger impact this season.

9. Adam Sizemore, North Laurel — Sizemore is an underrated guard that very rarely turns the ball over. A solid scorer that can drive to the basket with ease. Look for Sizemore to have a big season for the Jaguars.

10. Reed Sheppard, North Laurel — Sheppard is athletic and will be a surprise player for the Jaguars this season. He’s going to be a major scoring threat for North Laurel.

Reed Sheppard is Jeff Sheppard’s kid, correct? The 8th grader that has been dunking all over twitter?

Yes. That's Jeff's son.

Reed Sheppard is Jeff Sheppard’s kid, correct? The 8th grader that has been dunking all over twitter?

I would say his game is very similar to his Father. He runs the floor well in transition, naturally cuts to score and can leap. I'm not sure about his jump shot right now, but he's a player for sure!

Much like the writer was dead on for the perfect movie in the Last Jedi, your dead on for perfect preseason rankings here Les.