2014-15 Kentucky High School Basketball Preview - 13th Region

 

Ranking the teams

 

1. North Laurel (13-18) — Up until last week, many considered the Jaguars as one of the top three teams in the region. The young and talented squad got even better this past week, that is if 6-4 senior Jackson County transfer Isaiah Collier (14.0 points per game, and 8.0 rebounds per game) is ruled eligible in the coming weeks. Add Collier’s 6-4 frame to 6-8 freshman Bayley Rice, 6-7 sophomore Bryson Asher (10.0, 10.0), 6-6 junior Kyle Jeffers (6.5, 5.0) and 6-4 sophomore guard Peyton Broughton (20.0) and you’ll see why manning are tagging North Laurel as the team to beat.

Broughton brings a lot to the table, and is being recruited by many Division I schools from across the nation. Talented eighth grader Adam Sizemore, freshmen Brian Gray and Jake Capobianco, sophomore Weston Griebel and seniors Hagan Hodges, Jaythus Riley and Jake McFadden will provide solid bench play for Brad Sizemore’s squad.

 

2. Clay County (23-9) — The defending two-time region champion has a great shot at three-prating as region champs, but will have to find replacements for Chip McDaniel and Jake Allen, who played big roles for Roger Marcum’s squad last season. The Tigers do return a lot of talent with juniors Blake Smith (11.5, 5.0), Wes Wolfe (10.8, 5.5), and Trey Farmer (12.8, 5.8) returning along with senior Ryan House (6.5, 2.6). Sophomores Will Sexton and Trevor Sams will also provide strengths on offense and defense for Clay County.

 

3. Knox Central (19-10) — Once again Knox Central brings in some of the best talent in the 13th Region, but the big question is if the Panthers will finally capture their first region title since 1970 or will they get upset again like they did last season against Williamsburg.

Knox Central has a new coach and an abundance of talent starting with 6-foot senior guard standout Matthew Barger. Joining Barger are sharpshooters Jeffrey Adams, Dustin Hensley and Nathan Cole along with 6-5 big man Chad Marsee, who has lost close to 30 pounds, while looking to dominate the post this season.

Depth could be an issue with Knox Central. Senior forward Dallas Yeager along with 6-3 junior Blaine Wyatt and 6-3 sophomore Tanner Wells will provide bench play for the Panthers.

 

4. Corbin (22-11) — Corbin surprised many last season by making a run to the 13th Region title game before losing to Clay County. The Redounds will have high expectations again, but the graduation of Kevin Goins will have coach Tony Pietrowski searching for a scorer.

Senior Kenny Hopper returns to the mix along with fellow senior Trevor Browning. Junior Connor Hopkins along with sophomore Zac Maguet returns for the Redounds, and so does freshman Andrew Taylor, who is one of the best players in the region.

 

5. Williamsburg (16-17) — The Yellow Jackets made a run to the 13th Region semifinals last season, and is looking to go even further this time around. The last time Williamsburg advanced to the 13th Region title game was back in 1987 when former coach Rich Prewitt guided them.

Patrick Robinson’s squad will be loaded with talent and it starts with the talented brother duo of senior Skylar Griffith (15.0) and 6-5 junior Andrew Griffith (13.5). Senior leading scorer Corey Shelton (19.0) returns along with guard Chase Lowrie (7.5). Another key addition to the team is Harlan County transfer Fred Massey, who is expected to give Williamsburg much-needed strength in the post area. Senior Michael Rose-Creekmore and Eric Poore will provide depth along with junior Ryan Haus and freshman Darrell White.

 

6. South Laurel (14-15) — The Cardinals are still searching for their first winning season in four years, and will have to do it without leading scorer Zach Baxter, who opted not to play this season. South Laurel did receive some good news with 6-7 junior Caleb Taylor transferring in from London Christian School while sophomore Jared Grubb and junior Vince Holcomb is expected to help the Cardinals out. Juniors Coty Arnold and Braden Miller and 6-3 freshman Ryan Anders will provide playing time as well.

 

7. Whitley County (17-13) — The 50th District could very well be the strongest district in the 13th Region, from top to bottom. The Colonels have enough talent to win the district, but for me, they’ve got to show me first. senior James Sasko leads the way, joining juniors Luke Woods and Casey Crislologo and Aadam Petrey. Senior Levi Barton will also be in the mix along with junior Cameron Johnson and freshman Cory Johnson.

 

8. Harlan County (14-15) — The Black Bears have a new coach in Michael Jones, and will try their best to make a run at the 52nd District and 13th Region titles. Seniors Cody Bumgarner (10.5) and Trey Sanders (6.3) return in the backcourt along with sophomoresCameron Carmichael (8.0) and Treyce Spurlock (8.0). Zach Caldwell (11.9) returns at center and 6-6 Harlan Independent transfer Tyler Miller (14.5) returns to his former team. Junior Cody Brewer and sophomore David Turner will provide depth along with freshmen Paul Stapleton, Drew Nolan, Lamar Burkhart, Andrew Creech, Austin Adams and Tyrese Simmons.

 

9. Pineville (10-19) — The Mountain Lions could be the surprise team of the 51st District after a couple of additions to the squad. Seniors guards Cody Collett and Isaac Longworth return along with 6-6 senior Scotty Hoskins. Will Adams, Tucker Woolum, Jalen Bryd and John Sproles are also in line for playing time.

 

10. Jackson County (21-11) — The Generals lost a lot from last year’s 21-win team with leading scorer Jordan Fox graduating. And now add Isaiah Collier’s transfer to North Laurel, you can see why Jackson County is picked to finish third in the 13th Region.

 

11. Bell County (21-11) — The Bobcats are in a rebuilding mode, but still look to be a threat to win the 52nd District.

 

12. Barbourville (18-13) — The Tigers could very well be the sleeper in the 13th Region. Senior guard Brandon Gray returns after missing most of last season along with junior Brentley Perry, sophomore Wade Liford and senior Collin Grubb. Freshman guard Markelle Turner and 6-3 center Cody Diamond provide depth for Dinky Phipps, who will be entering his 33rd year as head coach.

 

13. Harlan (15-13) — The Green Dragons are looking to build on their winning ways, and could very well do so with juniors Drew Parks and Caleb Hogue coming back while sophomore Noah Busroe returns at the point guard position. 6-5 senior Jordan Dupar will be a key for Harlan along with Brandon Osborne, Austin Wilson and Tanner Parks.

 

14. OBI (7-24) — The Mountaineers will be a much-improved team, but the fact that they play in the same district as both North Laurel and Clay County really hurts their chances of reaching the 13th Region Tournament. With that said, Oneida Baptist does return 6-4 senior Dekia Kiawa (16.0, 8.2), 6-3 forward Daniel Decker (4.0) and 6-5 senior center A.J. Shackleford.

 

15. Lynn Camp (8-22) — The Wildcats return top-notch scorer Skylar McFarland along with starters Bruce Hopkins, Austin Allen and Austin Withrow, which will make them a team to keep an eye on in the 51st District.

 

16. Middlesboro (10-21) - The Yellow Jackets are in rebuilding mode after losing five of their top seven players along with coach Russell Thompson. Middlesboro has made the 13th Region Tournament the past three seasons, but will be hard pressed to repeat the feat this year.

Seniors Brandon Hale and Major Edwards are the lone starters returning for the Yellow Jackets.

 

17. Red Bird (3-14) — The Cardinals will have their second coach in as many years after seeing John D. Wilson coach 20-plus years at Red Bird. The Cardinals are returning only one starter (Thomas Wilder) and look to be rebuilding this season.

 

Top 10 players

 

1. Blake Smith, Clay County — Smith has all of the tools, and is one of the most athletic players in the region.

 

2. Peyton Broughton, North Laurel — Sophomore guard is being heavily recruited by many Division I schools, and has improved his outside which has made him even more deadly.

 

3. Trey Farmer, Clay County — Look for Farmer to have an outstanding junior campaign while becoming one of the scorers in the region.

 

4. Matt Barger, Knox Central — Barger is one of the most versatile players in the region.

 

5. Isaiah Collier, North Laurel — If he is ruled eligible, Collier gives North Laurel one of the best three-point threats around.

 

6. Chad Marsee, Knox Central — The 6’5 center has lost 20-plus pounds and looks to be in the best shape of his varsity career.

 

7. Skylar Griffith, Williamsburg — The crafty guard can do it all. He is very athletic.

 

8. Kenny Hopper, Corbin — Single-handedly kept Corbin in the 13th Region title game last season.

 

9. Tyler Miller, Harlan County — Gives the Black Bears a legitimate scoring threat again.

 

10. Andrew Taylor, Corbin — One of the best freshmen in the state.

Coty Arnold listed as from South Laurel is at Clay co. South Laurel had a winning record last year 15-14 after Cordia had to forfeit their wins.

You're absolutely correct about Coty, but until the KHSAA web site changes South Laurel's record, I go with the "official" record at the time and that is 14-15.

This is probably the most accurate I've seen the region described as a whole. And if Collier gets cleared he is a game changer. Couldn't agree more about Blake Smith from Clay County. He is an absolute stud and the best 2 way player I've seen in many years. I have heard that there are several D1 schools looking hard at him as well. I really believe this is a 3 team region with knox, clay and north. And north only competes with collier

Thanks Truth.

Austin Allen from Lynn camp is now enrolled at South Laurel.

Truth is correct, I also feel he has hit the team rankings and player rankings pretty dang close. Love reading these from every region. Keep up the good work guys.

Robert Marcum can't get any respect, despite winning the region twice in a row.

 

I'm lookin' forward to seeing them and Knox Central in the WYMT this year. Wish North Laurel could have gotten in it too so we'd have more of the top teams in the Mountains.

If u think Robert marcum deserves respect wait til u see his line up this year. Then u will re consider. There are more politics being played right now than I can ever remember. He has Farmer playing the point. The slowest player he has and also his best rebounder. I just don't understand that when he has 2 players that could run it fine. But we will see. I'd bet my house that the first team that presses clay that Farmer can't get it up the floor.....somethings never change around here

North Laurel is the sexy pick for the time being but I expect Clay to be left standing when all is said and done.

What does sexy have to do with anything? Please explain what you mean by this?

They are the trendy pick because of the transfer is what I mean.

Looks good overall.

I think North is a little too high and Harlan County is too low.

You never know though until they start playing.

They are the trendy pick because of the transfer is what I mean.

 

Could be true, North will be a good team by the end of the year but could struggle early. You could probably flip a coin one through three.

Could be true, North will be a good team by the end of the year but could struggle early. You could probably flip a coin one through three.

 

How did North get to be in an entirely new level from Corbin and Whitley, for example? Whitley beat them pretty bad last year and they also have everyone back.