Preseason Top 5 Rankings
We are now only days away from the most exciting time of year in Kentucky: high school basketball season. Gyms are opening, the lights are coming on, and another journey toward Rupp Arena begins. As the preseason buzz grows, we take a deep dive into our Girls Preseason Top 5, breaking down the teams, key returners, and impact players that will shape another thrilling season in the 15th Region.
1. Johnson Central Lady Eagles
We begin exactly where last season ended — with the defending 15th Region champions, the Johnson Central Lady Eagles. Coach Jim Hicks returns a massive portion of last year’s title squad and looks to guide this group to a rare back-to-back regional crown.
The backcourt is anchored by Karlea Stanley, one of the region’s most productive players. Stanley finished last year averaging 11.6 PPG and with 120 rebounds (4.1 RPG) and added 16 made threes, showcasing her ability to stretch the floor and impact games in multiple ways. Alongside her, Allie Slone adds toughness and balance, contributing 216 points (7.0 PPG) and 87 rebounds, giving the Eagles a duo of proven, battle-tested players.
With championship pedigree, experience, and firepower, Johnson Central enters the season as the team to beat.
2. Paintsville Lady Tigers
Coming in at No. 2 are the Paintsville Lady Tigers, a squad powered by one of the region’s most dominant returning players: Kylie Kinner. Kinner was a double-double force last season with 762 points (24.6 PPG) and 313 rebounds (10.1 RPG) — production unmatched anywhere in the 15th. Her ability to control games from start to finish makes Paintsville a true title threat.
But Paintsville brings much more than one star. Brooklyn Skaggs returns as a dangerous shooter with 40 made threes, while Addison Helton and Annabelle Blankenship give the Tigers strong, experienced wings who rebound, defend, and contribute offensively. McKinley Ramey adds scoring versatility and toughness.
Paintsville is deep, skilled, and far from intimidated by the big stage — expect them to be in the thick of the fight all season long.
3. Floyd Central Lady Jaguars
Enter one of the most successful girls coach in the past decade, Coach Justin Triplett returns to the Lady Jaguar sideline after a brief time away the past two seasons. Coach Triplett sees his Floyd Central Lady Jaguars land at No. 3 with a lineup that brings scoring balance, interior strength, and excellent guard play. Leading the way is Reagan Lafferty, one of the region’s most complete players. Lafferty delivered 436 points (14.5 PPG) and 246 rebounds (8.2 RPG) last season, giving Floyd Central an inside presence capable of dominating the paint.
In the backcourt, Maddy Engle returns after scoring 430 points (14.3 PPG) and hitting 21 threes, while Chloe Crase added 297 points and 31 made threes, forming one of the region’s most dangerous perimeter duos. Aubree Moore and Allie Adkins round out a strong supporting cast with their rebounding, defensive energy, and interior scoring. Floyd Central added transfer Jaylin Blanton from Johnson Central to the lineup. Blanton, only a freshman will provide another weapon to an already powerful Floyd Central line up.
With multiple double-figure scorers and a well-rounded lineup, the Lady Jaguars have everything needed to contend with the region’s elite.
4. Pikeville Lady Panthers
At No. 4, the Pikeville Lady Panthers once again bring a roster loaded with skill, shooting, and athleticism — even after graduation losses. Kylie Alvin returns as a true scoring weapon with 349 points (13.4 PPG), 44 made threes, and 125 rebounds, giving Pikeville a complete offensive threat.
Nicole Lin adds another consistent high-level scorer with 342 points (13.2 PPG) and 18 threes, while Catharine “Cat” Walters chipped in 212 points and 31 made threes, building one of the deepest shooting rotations in the region. Inside, Ava Rogers and Charlize Compton bolster Pikeville’s rebounding and interior defense, ensuring the Lady Panthers remain a tough, physical matchup.
Expect Pikeville to once again be in the hunt — and capable of knocking off anyone on the right night.
5. Lawrence County Lady Bulldogs
Closing out our Top 5 are the Lawrence County Lady Bulldogs, who rise in the preseason rankings thanks to both returning talent and one of the region’s most impactful newcomers. The headline addition is Brooklyn Marcum, who transferred in from Martin County after putting up 389 points (15.0 PPG), 32 made threes, 111 free throws, and 123 rebounds last season. Marcum instantly elevates Lawrence County’s scoring punch and gives them a proven go-to option.
Joining her is Jada Patton, who had a breakout post season last year, is another high-level scorer who delivered 445 points (15.9 PPG) and 169 rebounds, forming one of the best one-two punches in the region. Maddison Artrip adds 189 points and 122 rebounds, while Emalynn Kitts brings valuable depth, toughness, and consistent production.
With Marcum’s arrival and a strong returning core, the Lady Bulldogs enter the season with real momentum — and the potential to climb even higher.
Next UP – Teams Capable of Challenging the Top 5
Several programs in the region have the personnel and coaching to threaten the current top-tier teams on any given night. Betsy Layne, Martin County, and Prestonsburg all return key contributors and possess the upside to pull off statement wins. Here’s a closer look at each squad:
Betsy Layne
Betsy Layne enters the season with a strong mix of experience and talent. Returning standouts Jaden Pente and Kinleigh Martin give the Lady Bobcats reliable scoring, leadership, and stability. The future becomes even brighter once Shyla Kidd returns to the lineup—her presence adds another dynamic playmaker and elevates the team’s overall ceiling. With their veteran core and incoming depth, Betsy Layne has the firepower to beat anyone.
Martin County
Martin County faces an early storyline in replacing the production of Brooklyn Marcum, but this team is far from depleted. The Cardinals boast an impressive young core in Maci Maynard and Chloe May, both of whom bring energy, versatility, and upside to the floor. Coupled with the guidance of a Hall of Fame coach, Martin County has the structure, discipline, and emerging talent to compete with any team in the region.
Prestonsburg
Prestonsburg returns two of its top three scorers in Jade Fitzpatrick and Allison Howard, giving the Lady Blackcats a strong offensive foundation. The biggest question surrounds the point guard position following the graduation of Aubrey Prater. However, with Coach Brandon Kidd’s proven ability to develop players and win high-pressure games, the Blackcats remain a legitimate threat. Their combination of returning talent and coaching makes them dangerous every night.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Each of the eight teams listed above brings scoring, experience, and a legitimate path to March glory. With returning stars, rising talents, and new transfers reshaping the landscape, the race for the 15th Region crown will be fast, physical, and full of storylines.
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