BluegrassPreps.com 13th Region Boys Basketball Preview

The 13th Region should be interesting once again with up to five teams that have a legitimate shot at winning the 13th Region championship.

The region is loaded with young and old talent with North Laurel sophomore Reed Sheppard leading the way as the region’s top rated player.

1. North Laurel (22-10 overall, 12-6 vs. 13th Region competition)

The Jaguars just couldn’t get on track during their first year under coach Nate Valentine but look for things to change this upcoming season.

North Laurel returns what many believe is the region’s best one-two punch in sophomores Reed Sheppard and Ryan Davidson but the Jaguars do have some holes to fill due to graduation. You can’t forget about the play of Clay Sizemore either. He’s one of the best long-range shooters in the region. The key to North Laurel’s success will be who steps up to fill the void left by the five seniors that graduated.

Sheppard became the first 2023 player in the state to receive a DI offer and expect even more in the near future as the region’s top player had one heck of a summer, turning up on social media with his impressive play. The big question will be if he can guide North Laurel to a region crown this season.

2. Knox Central (25-8, 12-3)

I was pretty close to putting the Panthers at the top spot. Knox Central has dominated 13th Region action the past few years, and deserve the respect that comes its way.

Tony Patterson’s squad has won a 13th Region-best 109 games during the past four years while posting an impressive 55-11 record against 13th Region teams. The Panthers have also won consecutive region titles the past two years and four straight 51st District crowns, so the big questions is if they can 3-peat?

They return one of the region’s top players in Jevonte Turner along with a solid nucleus of players that include Isaac Mills, Andrew Sizemore, and Abram Brock. Transfer Matthew Gray is also a huge pick up for the Panthers. 

3. Harlan County (24-11, 14-5)

Mike Jones has done a fantastic job with the Black Bears since taking over as head coach. He guided Harlan County to the regional title game last season and will be expected to contend once again this upcoming season.

Leading scorer Taylor Spurlock has graduated but Tyler Cole, Trent Noah, and Jackson Huff return to give the Black Bears a solid trio of scorers. This team has enough returning talent to win the region.

Noah is tagged as one of if not the best player in the state’s 2024 class, and after a successful summer looks to be ready to lead the Black Bears to success once again. 

4. Clay County (23-10, 16-3)

This could be the make it or break it season for the Tigers with seven seniors on their upcoming roster.

Clay County has been slated as one of the teams to beat the past two years but just can’t get over the hump. Things could be different this season as Connor Robinson, Raven Abner, Connor Farmer, Tate Farmer, and Colby Sams returns.

The Tigers are another team that returns a lot of talented players and will be right in the thick of the 13th Region title chase when all is said and done.

5. Corbin (16-14, 8-9)

The Redhounds crack the top five after returning a roster that is loaded with young talent. This team could surprise this upcoming season under veteran coach Tony Pietrowski.

Keep an eye on players such as transfer Hayden Lewellyn, who averaged close to 30 points per game last season for Jellico, Tenn. Abe Barnes, Josh Hibbits, and Carter Stewart will be expected to carry the load as well. This could be their time to shine.

6. Harlan (13-17, 8-11)

The Green Dragons return one of the state’s top players in Jordan Akal but will need some players to step up to help turn Harlan into a regional contender.

Harlan does have the talent in place. Akal has established himself as one of the state’s top players while Jaedyn Gist will also be expected to contribute. 

7. Bell County (12-18, 7-10)

Look for Brad Sizemore’s second year as head coach at Bell County to be a good one. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see the Bobcats end up playing for the regional crown, especially with Cameron Burnett and Dawson Woolum returning.

8. Whitley County (12-19, 4-10)

First-year coach Mark White takes over a young and talented Colonel squad that could surprise this season. Whitley County could be making a trip to the 13th Region Tournament for the first time since 2011.

The key to the Colonels’ success could depend on its talented junior and sophomore class stepping up.

Garrett McNealey, Jackson Estes and Grayson Estes return for their junior seasons, along with junior forward Trevor Downs.

9. South Laurel (28-5, 19-3)

The Cardinals could be in rebuild mode after graduating an abundance of talent the past few seasons which includes last year’s 13th Region Player of the Year, Matt Cromer.

The cupboard isn’t bare at South Laurel but coach Jeff Davis is going to have to have a lot of players step their game up this upcoming season.

Micah Anders, Caden Jones, Parker Payne, and Weslyn Wright brings experience to the table for the Cardinals.

10. Lynn Camp Wildcats (13-15, 5-10)

New coach Rodney Clarke is excited to get the season started and rightfully, so. The first year coach will be replying former coach Dinky Phipps, who retired this past season with hopes of leading Lynn Camp to success in both the 51st District and 13th Region.

Clarke’s squad will he led by Mason Praiter, who averaged 15.1 points per game last season along with transfers Gavin Allen and Micah Engle. Both Allen and Engle came over from Corbin and will be Expected to contribute right off the bat. Senior forward Spencer Gilbert and sophomore guard Jace Boggs also return.

11. Williamsburg (17-13, 9-10)

Eric Swords has returned to his alma mater to become head coach with hopes of returning the Yellow Jackets to their winning ways.

Williamsburg graduates it’s top two leading scorers but returns Micah Steely, who could turn out to be one of the surprise players in the region.

12. Barbourville (13-16, 8-12)

Coach Cody Messer’s Tigers are ready to make more noise this season after reaching the 13th Region Tournament last season.

The Tigers return Jordan Collins, David Collett, and a solid nucleus of young talent that should contend for the 51st District title by season’s end.

13. Pineville (10-17, 2-14)

The Mountain Lions return senior forward Sean Phipps and senior guard Keann Fuson which will make them a team to keep an eye on this season.

14.Jackson County (13-17, 6-13)
The Generals could surprise a bit this season with Clay Akemon, Jude Lakes Garrett Roark, and Andrew Madden returning.

15. Middlesboro (20-10, 13-7)
Four starters graduated from last season but I still expect the Yellow Jackets to be a team to watch out for.  Seniors Eric Helton and Bryson Barnard are expected to lead the way along with Jay West and Ethan Barton. 

16. Red Bird (8-21, 3-16)
Dalton Asher is the lone starter returning for a Cardinal squad that graduated a lot of talent from last year’s roster. Bryce Helton and Hunter Gray will return for Red Bird with hopes of leading the Cardinals to a surprise seasons 

Note: Oneida Baptist will not have a team this season.

13th Region’s Top 10 players

1. Reed Sheppard, Sophomore, North Laurel

Sheppard has one heck of a summer, improving his outside shot while showing off his offensive and defensive skills during the process. The state’s top 2023 players is expected to lead North Laurel this season.

2. Javonte Turner, Senior, Knox Central

Turner has played a big role in leading the Panthers to consecutive region titles, and is looking to make it three in a row during his senior season.

3. Jordan Akal, Junior, Harlan

Akal can do it all both offensively and defensively. He returns as one of the top scorers in the region.

4. Connor Robinson, Senior, Clay County

Robinson returns as one of the region’s top scorers. He’s dangerous from the outside and can also hurt teams with his driving ability.

5. Trent Noah, Freshman, Harlan County

Noah is considered as the state’s top 2024 player and deservedly so. He turned in one heck of an eighth grade campaign, and is expected to do even better this season after turning in one heck of a summer.

6. Ryan Davidson, Sophomore, North Laurel

Davidson is another player that can hurt teams from the outside or in the paint. His mid-range jumper is one of the best in the region. 

7. Cameron Burnett, Junior, Bell County

Burnett has one heck of a sophomore season for the Bobcats, establishing himself as one of the top players in the region. He’s another versatile player that can score in many ways.

8. Connor Farmer, Senior, Clay County

Farmer is a dangerous outside shooter for the Tigers and will play a big role their success this season.

9. Tyler Cole, Senior, Harlan County

Cole could be one of the more underrated players in the region. All he does is hit key shot after key shot.

10. Sean Phipps, Senior, Pineville

Phipps is another underrated player in the region. Averaged 17.9 points per game while pulling down close to nine rebounds a game as a junior.