[HDE]

This was written in April, so there have been a few changes since then.


1. Harlan County — After four straight first-round losses, the Bears should have something to prove with a veteran lineup that will have no excuses. The Bears won't lack experience with their top five scorers returning for their senior seasons, led by point guard Tyler Brewer (14.0 points per game last year) and wings Chad Massingill (14.3) and Alex Sergent (10.0). Aaron Caldwell (9.6) is back at center and James Bond (4.7) could round out the lineup after two years as the sixth man.
The Bears also featured the region's best junior varsity (13-1) and freshman teams (13-0) with a starting lineup for both that featured five freshmen, led by 6-5 Tyler Miller (4.3), 6-2 Zach Caldwell and 6-1 center Fred Massey. Guards include Trey Sanders, Cody Bumgardner, Zach WIlson and Dallas Howard. Cole WIlson and Derek Akal were key players on the junior varsity squad as sophomores.

2. North Laurel — The Jaguars will feature a nice mixture of size and quickness as four key players are back from the program's first regional championship team.
The backcourt will feature two of the region's quickest guards. Marcus Carson (14.1) and Kendrick Henson (5.7), both seniors, played their best when it counted most in the regional tournament. Austin Rush (5.2), a 6-3 senior forward, provided a physical presence in the post, while 6-7 junior Jake Allen (14.0) could be developing into the region's best player as a threat both in the paint and on the perimeter. Junior guards Austin Thompson (2.7) and Chris Miller (2.2) could battle for the final starting job.

3. Clay County — Three starters are back for the Tigers, including senior guard Kody Reed (11.8), sophomore guard Tyler McDaniel (12.8) and senior forward Stephon Lyttle (9.5). Steven Wagers (6.5), a 6-4 senior center, left for Jackson County after the regional tournament, opening the door for 6-3 senior Marty Bowling (2.8) to take over at center. Bowling was one of four junior starters on last year's junior varsity team and all could play key roles next season, including point guard Travis Smith (2.0) and wings Jordan White and Jarrod Rice.

4. Pineville — With all five starters returning for their senior seasons, led by post players John Simpson (15.7), Byron David Asher (9.3) and Jacob Skinner (6.4), the Lions could find themselves the favorite in the All "A" Classic and the 51st District. Back at guard are Seth Jeffrey (7.0), and Jared Philpot (7.0). Sophomore guards Cody Collett (7.5) and Isaac Longworth will also see extensive action, along with junior forward Conner Ford.

5. South Laurel — WIth a senior-dominated squad returning, the Cardinals should be much improved, especially if point guard Blake Sanders (7.9) can make his way back from problems from a concussion that sidelined him for much of his junior season, but losing forward Jeff Hale, the only consistent offensive threat the second half of the year, will be a blow.
Zac Baxter (14.5) had a big freshman season at a wing. Austin Rader (4.3), Matt Slavey (8.7), Zack Jones (4.5) and Austin Schaser (4.4) are also coming back for their senior years. Junior guard Trevor Grubb (4.1) will battle for playing time at guard.

6. Corbin — Losing Travis Smith will hurt, but the Hounds will feature a senior-dominated squad led by the backcourt of Zach Farley (12.2), Kaleb Maguet (5.7) and Hunter Grubb (6.7). Robbie Igo (6.5) is back at center. Several juniors will also be in the mix after playing key roles on a 19-1 junior varsity team that was led by Donnie WIlson, Joey Shelton (2.3), Zach Henson, Taylor Waddle and Andrew Johnson.

7. Knox Central — WIth 6-foot-8 center Tobie Merida (10.0) back for his senior season, the Panthers will feature one of the region's most imposing big men. The remainder of the lineup will be dominated by guards, featuring sophomores Matthew Barger (12.5), Dustin Hensley (3.7) and Jeffrey Adams (2.5) and senior Jacob WIlburn (3.4). Sophomores Nathan Cole (2.2) and Dallas Yeager, both sophomore guards, will also see action.

8. Middlesboro —A surprising run to the 52nd District title could propel the Jackets to an even bigger season in 2013 with a senior-dominated squad returning led by point guard Michael Wilson (7.2)
Replacing Cameron Rancher and his athleticism inside will be a key for Middlesboro's success. Zach Riddle (7.4), Boone Bowling (2.3) and Derek Smith (4.6), all seniors, are potential starters inside, along with junior Austin Poindexter (3.8). Junior Donnie Foister (9.3) and seniors Blake Davis (5.5) and Jarrell Stephney (3.5) are potential starters on the wings.

9. Bell County — After losing their three top players to graduation, the Bobcats appear headed toward a rare rebuilding campaign. Lewis Morris will turn to a strong junior class, including returning starters Tyler Potter (12.5) and Jake Patterson (4.8). Candidates inside include 6-4 Jesse Green and 6-5 Lake Slusher, both juniors. Ben Collettt, Josh Asher and Austin Gambrel, all juniors, are also candidates to start.

10. Harlan —*The Green Dragons showed signs of being a much improved team last season with victories over Middlesboro and Pineville and an overtime loss to Barbourville.
Consistency and improved ball-handling will be crucial to the success of the Dragons, who will feature a senior-dominated lineup led by forwards David Allen (10.5) and Dakota Morris (3.3) and guard Cody Logan (5.6). Manny Davis (4.6), a junior guard, and Isaiah Johnson (7.5), a shot-blocking sophomore forward, will likely round out the lineup after several big games off the bench last year.

Best of the rest — Jackson County, Barbourville, Whitley County, WIlliamsburg, Lynn Camp, Oneida Baptist and Red Bird.