Johnson Central was one of the favorites all season and flexed their muscles at the end as they rolled through the region tournament. They got a tough draw with eventual state champ GRC in the first round, but they hung with them the whole game before GRC pulled away. The good news? Every player that played in the game will be back next season. 

I think it's JC's region to lose again next season. Martin County will be solid with Keathley returning. There's always shake ups and movement within the 15th year in and year out. 

What can we expect to see next season in the 15th? 

Belfry's 1939 boys basketball team.

Tyler Weddington leaving Phelps to go to Tug Valley WV. Huge loss for the hornets. He averaged 30 and 16 last year. Really skilled player. 

Phelps also just lost their second best player Ethan Fields to Pike Central. 

From The Mountain Citizen on Martin County and four transfers:

After a 22-10 season, a 15th Region All “A” championship and an Elite Eight finish, the Cards are loading up for the 2026-2027 season with a mix of proven returners, major transfers, size, shooting and defensive toughness.

 

The headliner is 6-foot-7 forward Keaton Terry, a 2028 standout from Chapmanville who averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds and helped lead the Tigers to the West Virginia Class AAA state championship. Terry was named tournament MVP after a 23-point, 19-rebound performance in the title game.

 

The Cardinals also add 6-foot guard Preston Slone from Paintsville, one of the 15th Region’s most underrated guards and a proven perimeter shooter after leading the Tigers in 3-point percentage last season.

 

Another big addition is 6-foot-4 combo guard Jay Brock, a 2028 Chapmanville standout who brings deep shooting, scoring ability and length on the perimeter. Brock scored 20 points in the West Virginia championship game and was named to the Class AAA All-Tournament Team.

 

Paintsville transfer Andrew Meeks also joins the Cardinals after playing a key role in the Tigers’ success. Meeks brings experience, toughness and the ability to guard multiple positions.

 

Martin County already returns one of the top players in Kentucky in Braxton Keathley, the 2025-2026 MaxPreps Kentucky Player of the Year. Keathley averaged 33.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.7 steals while shooting 56.7% from the field.

 

The Cards also bring back Brayden Marcum, an elite on-ball defender who led the team in steals, along with Chase Hinkle, who is primed for a breakout role with expanded minutes. Jaxson Pack, a 6-foot-7 center, gives Martin County even more size and physicality after gaining valuable experience with Belfry’s 60th District championship squad.

Actually, it looks like the above post was also posted by the Martin County Boys Basketball account itself.  Not sure which posted first.  I think it is odd for Martin County basketball to post something like this. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DLKWgAQzt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Things are looking up in Inez, I got wind of this last Wednesday. However, chose not to post as there wasn't any information released yet. As far as I am concerned, a rematch is inevitable between Johnson Central and Martin County to be crowned king of the 15th. 

Was musical chairs derived from the 15th region?

13 hours ago, brooksville said:

Actually, it looks like the above post was also posted by the Martin County Boys Basketball account itself.  Not sure which posted first.  I think it is odd for Martin County basketball to post something like this. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DLKWgAQzt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The post is ridiculous IMHO. Basically, the post says we reload with transfers. In other words, our local kids aren't good enough. Reposting something a media outlet post is one thing, but for the team account to post that is crazy.

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Will Martin County be a favorite to win the All "A" Classic State Tournament? 

3 hours ago, brooksville said:

Will Martin County be a favorite to win the All "A" Classic State Tournament? 

I'm guessing they will be one of three teams.

Bump.

Braxton Keathley is enrolling at Prolific Prep in FL. 

4 hours ago, DearToday said:

Braxton Keathley is enrolling at Prolific Prep in FL. 

Wow, big time jump.