[wildcats fan]

This was written in April, so there are a few changes in personnel.


Looking ahead to 2013 (players are listed by next year's grade):
1. Whitley County —*The Lady Colonels were likely the region's most improved team in 2012, but the loss to North Laurel in the regional tournament brought the season to a surprisingly quick end. WIth four starters returning, Whitley appears to be in a position to take over the top spot in the region.
Junior Brandi Smith (18.4 points per game last year) and senior Bethany Powers (7.8) give Whitley one of the region's best backcourts. Kandace Craig (7.4), a 6-0 junior, is back at center, and Maria Johnson (6.8), a 5-8 junior, returns at forward. Sophomores Hallie Jones (3.0) and Taylor Dingess (5.4) are the leading candidates to round out the lineup.

2. Clay County — No one in the region will match the Lady Tigers' post tandem of Cheyenne Madden (18.4) and Morgan Chesnut (8.3), both 5-11 seniors, but Clay will have a hard time replacing the leadership of Alisha Mitchell at point guard. Freshman Talaura Mathis (7.7) is one of the region's best shooters, and 5-5 sophomore Ajaycia Cotton (2.2) is a solid defender who will need to improve on the offensive end to take over at point guard. Sara Robinson (3.9), a 5-10 junior, could start if coach James Burchell prefers a big lineup. Junior Erica Allen and sophomore Kelly Allen are candidates if Clay needs a third guard. Freshman Kelly Roberts and sophomore Leslie Roberts, both 5-9 forwards, are also in the mix.

3. Bell County — While Clay is strong inside, the Lady Cats will feature an explosive backcourt featuring sophomores Maci Morris (19.9) and Jessica Sanders (8.4) and junior Morgan Garnett (11.9). Paige Robbins (4.7) and Jamie Boatright, both 5-10 seniors, are the probable starters in the frontcourt. All but Boatright were starters last season, which means experience should be a strength, but the Lady Cats will have to get stronger inside to match up with Clay and Whitley. Freshman Kelli Smith could also be in the mix for a starting job inside.

4. Harlan County — Losing guard Miranda Davenport and forward Kalee Carroll to graduation will be a blow, but the the Lady Bears will still have several weapons with 6-0 senior center Sarah Evans (6.7) returning, along with freshman Brooklyn Massingill (9.3) and junior Kaitlyn Stittums (4.2) in the backcourt.
Senior forward Keisha Mimes (2.6) is a probable starter inside after playing a key reserve role last year. Junior Lauren Lee (2.8) is the most experienced reserve guard returning and will be counted on to replace some of the shooting and athleticism lost when Davenport graduates.. Bella Noe, a 5-8 sophomore, has tremendous potential and could take over Davenport's ball-handling duties at point guard. Senior guards Madison Cornett and Shauntae Lewis will also compete for starting jobs.

5. Corbin — Led by junior guards Miranda WIlson (12.6) and Kayla WIlson (10.6) and 6-1 senior center Holli Disney (4.4), the Lady Hounds should continue their improvement and perhaps challenge the regional favorites.
Sarah Ashley (5.9) , a 5-7 junior, also returns to the lineup at forward. Candidates for the final starting job include senior forward Mallory Wood (2.9), junior guards Lindsey Barton and Brooklyn Ashurst (2.4) and 5-10 sophomore center Meghann Blackburn.

6. South Laurel — Losing Macy Clontz will hurt, but the Lady Cardinals should be improved with three seniors returning — 5-10 center Taylor Arthur (11.8), 5-9 forward Cassandra Johnson (7.0) and 5-9 wing Emily Clonce (4.6). Karlie Parker (4.1) and Bailey Miller (4.6), both 5-6 sophomores, will likely join Clonce in the backcourt.

7. Knox Central — WIth three starters coming back and one of the tallest lineups in the region, the Lady Panthers should remain the team to beat in the 51st District and could join the regional contenders with continued improvement. Jenna Mills (16.6) and Cassie Shippy (7.3), both 5-10 seniors, return in the backcourt. The Central frontline will feature 6-1 junior Tyra McNiel (3.9) and 5-11 junior Megan Carnes (3.5). Justice Lacefield, a 5-6 junior guard, will likely round out the starting lineup. Depth could be an issue with no other players returning who averaged a point a game or more.

8. Harlan — No team in the region was hit harder by graduation with four key players leaving, but the Lady Dragons should remain among the favorites in the All "A" Classic and could challenge Harlan County and Bell County in the 52nd District if the Lady Dragons' veteran guards can carry the offense.
Junior Jourdan Ledford (8.8) is among the region's top shooters and is a solid defender. Senior Kelly Cox (5.7) hit seven 3-pointers in a loss to Harlan County in the district tournament and is back at a wing. Sophomore Torri Mitchell (3.2) will probably take over at point guard, and senior Samantha Henson is a potential starter at forward if she recovers quickly from knee surgery. Junior guard Taylor Cochran will also compete for a starting spot in the backcourt or at forward. Freshmen post players Kaitlin Jenkins and Katie King could also see significant action.

9. Barbourville — The Lady TIgers were the regional All "A" Classic runner-up last season with five sophomores in the starting lineup. A year of experience could help Barbourville overtake Harlan for the top spot in 2013. Returning starters include point guard K.K. Liford (5.0), forwards Kelsey Erslan (12.0) and Kara Erslan (13.9) and guars Amber Mills (8.9) and Brianna Tate (7.2). Juniors Tyra Bunch (3.5) and Taylor Bunch and freshman Cassie Hale (2.3) will also see significant action.

10. North Laurel — A win over Whitley County in the regional tournament was the biggest upset of the season, but the Lady Jaguars will be hit hard by graduation with the loss of three starters and a couple of key reserves. Eddie Mahan will rebuild around freshman guard Kayla Bruner (9.5), senior center Kendyll Ellington (5.3) and senior guard Ashley Wyatt (3.9). Junior guard Megan Bryant (3.8) is also a probable starter, along with 5-9 freshman Makayla Sexton or 5-5 senior Brooke Carpenter (2.1) at forward.

Best of the rest —*Middlesboro, Williamsburg, Jackson County, Pineville, Lynn Camp, Oneida Baptist and Red Bird.

I have to put Corbin over Harlan County.