My favorite time of the year is finally here — high school basketball season. The gyms are filling, the sneakers are squeaking, and the mountains are buzzing with the anticipation only Kentucky hoops can bring. As panoramas light up and preseason tournaments tip off across the region, the energy is electric. And with a fresh season comes fresh storylines, new rivalries, and a chase for glory that only the 15th Region can deliver.
So, before the first whistle sounds, let’s crank up the excitement and take a deep dive into the Top 8 teams built to make noise in the 15th Region this season — the programs with the talent, toughness, and momentum to turn December dreams into March magic. Buckle up. It’s tip-off time in the mountains.
The 2025–2026 Martin County Cardinals possess one of the most dynamic scoring trios in the region, led by electrifying guard Braxton Keathley, who ranked among the top scorers in Kentucky on the KHSAA leaderboard at 34.3 points per game during the 2024–2025 season. His elite combination of volume scoring and shot creation immediately elevates Martin County’s offensive ceiling and forces defenses to account for him on every possession. Surrounding Keathley is rising star Bryson Dials, who delivered a breakout campaign with 439 total points and 14.6 points per game, fueled by 89 two-pointers, 68 made threes, and 57 free throws across 30 games. His ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently complements Keathley perfectly, giving the Cardinals a dangerous one-two perimeter punch heading into the new season. Anchoring the interior is Devin Maynard, who produced a strong two-way season with 269 points, averaging 9.3 points per game, while adding one of the team’s best rebounding performances at 7.2 rebounds per game. Maynard’s 119 made two-point field goals highlight his efficiency and paint presence, and his physicality allows Martin County to control the boards and protect the rim. With Keathley providing elite scoring, Dials emerging as a reliable perimeter threat, and Maynard stabilizing the frontcourt, the Cardinals enter 2025–2026 with experience, balance, and star power. This core gives Martin County legitimate potential to contend for regional prominence and make a deep postseason run.
The 2025–2026 Johnson Central Golden Eagles return one of the most explosive scoring backcourts in Eastern Kentucky, led by standout guard Austin Slone, who dominated the 2024–2025 season with 650 total points and 25.0 points per game. His ability to score off the dribble, attack downhill, and finish through contact made him the centerpiece of the Golden Eagles’ offense. Alongside him is elite perimeter shooter Brayden Shepherd, who posted 582 points and 22.4 points per game, including 100 made three-pointers—making him one of the most lethal long-range threats in the region. Supporting that duo is the steady play of Mason McKenzie, who added 251 points (9.7 ppg) and 51 threes, giving Johnson Central a critical floor-spacer. In the frontcourt, Kyle Rose adds toughness and efficiency, producing 199 points (7.7 ppg) and ranking among the team’s top rebounders at 8.4 per game. With Slone and Shepherd forming one of the region’s premier scoring tandems—and McKenzie and Rose providing balance—the Golden Eagles enter 2025–2026 with a roster built for a deep region tournament run.
The 2025–2026 Paintsville Tigers return a battle-tested core built around one of the region’s most productive scorers, Ethan Cole, who powered the Tigers in 2024–2025 with 552 total points and 19.7 points per game. Cole’s steady efficiency—214 two-pointers and a 59% field-goal mark—makes him the focal point of Paintsville’s offense and one of the 15th Region’s toughest covers. Supporting Cole is two-way standout Brock Woods, who posted 355 points (12.7 ppg) and emerged as one of the region’s premier rebounders with 266 total boards (9.5 RPG). His physicality anchors Paintsville’s interior presence on both ends of the floor. Anderson Lauffer adds another reliable threat after producing 372 points (13.3 ppg), highlighted by 104 made two-pointers, 30 threes, and a 77.9% free-throw mark. With Cole’s scoring, Woods’ dominance in the paint, and Lauffer’s versatility, Paintsville returns a seasoned, high-impact trio capable of pushing the Tigers into contention for a deep region tournament surge.
The 2025–2026 Lawrence County Bulldogs return one of the most experienced and high-powered cores in the 15th Region. Leading the way is dynamic scorer Kaiden Harris, who delivered an elite 2024–2025 campaign with 621 points and 18.8 points per game, fueled by 147 two-pointers, 65 threes, and 132 free throws. Alongside him is do-it-all forward Hayden Perry, who added 519 points (15.7 ppg) with excellent efficiency and 44 made threes, forming one of the strongest returning duos in Eastern Kentucky. The Bulldogs also bring back major production in Kaden Johnson, who contributed 361 points (10.9 ppg) and 155 rebounds (4.7 RPG), bringing physicality and interior scoring. Sharpshooter Luke Fetherholf rounds out the group with 208 points (6.3 ppg) and 30 threes, providing floor spacing and key offensive support. The new addition to the Bulldog lineup is transfer CJ Waller. Waller at 6’7″ already has the attention of several college scouts across the Bluegrass. With four double-digit scorers returning, Lawrence County enters 2025–2026 as a legitimate regional contender with the depth and firepower to challenge for another championship run.
The 2025–2026 Shelby Valley Wildcats return another productive and experienced core, led by Brady Johnson, who delivered 363 points (14.0 ppg) and dominated the glass with 282 rebounds (10.8 RPG). Johnson’s combination of interior rebounding and multi-level scoring makes him one of the most versatile returning players in the region. Supporting him is Jonah Bartley, who posted 332 points (12.3 ppg) with 83 two-pointers and 41 made threes, while adding 218 rebounds (8.1 RPG). Rounding out Shelby Valley’s trio is sharpshooter Gavin Hamilton, who contributed 431 points (16.0 ppg) on 101 two-pointers and 62 threes, along with 112 rebounds. With three players combining for over 1,100 points and more than 600 rebounds, the Wildcats return a core with size, scoring ability, and experience—positioning them as one of the 15th Region’s most dangerous teams entering the 2025–2026 season.
Does the talent end with our Top 5 preseason teams? Absolutely not. We believe there are three additional programs that could position themselves by late February to earn a trip to Rupp Arena: Pikeville, Belfry, and Floyd Central.
For Belfry and Pikeville, the impact of key transfers—and how effectively those players integrate into each team’s offensive system and overall chemistry—will be critical. At Floyd Central, the biggest question is how quickly the players adapt to a new coaching staff. All three programs have the talent, experience, and coaching depth to contend as Top 5 teams and legitimate regional title threats. Ultimately, how well they adjust to the changes from this offseason will determine just how far each of them can go. Only time will tell, and for now, these three teams remain just outside our Top 5.
In all my years of watching the 15th Region—whether as a fan, parent, or announcer—I’ve never seen this much balance across the board. That’s why I’m counting down the days to December 1st. Every single night is shaping up to feature a prime-time matchup somewhere in the region, and I can’t wait! You can catch all these exciting games right here on the APSN Network and our coverage partner WPRG-TV5, the best choice for 15th Region coverage.
