No. 1: Pikeville Panthers
The Panthers entered the season just outside the Top 5, but impressive early victories over Lawrence County and Ashland have quickly erased any doubt. Pikeville heads into the Christmas break undefeated and firmly established as one of the teams to beat in the 15th Region.
The biggest preseason question was how the lack of a true post player would impact the Panthers. The answer so far: not at all. Pikeville has embraced a guard-heavy lineup that applies relentless defensive pressure and spaces the floor, creating a steady diet of uncontested three-point looks.
Offensively, Pikeville features three solid scoring options. Seniors Jackson Keene and Carter Parsons are both averaging over 20 points per game, while junior Cole Slone is close behind at nearly 15 per contest. Factor in the tenacious defense and timely scoring of Grant Hall and Mark Bowling and now a defensive minded group is on the court. The Panthers received an early Christmas present as high-flying Wesley Buck was ruled eligible. Pikeville will add yet another major weapon to an already stacked line up.
Through the early part of the season, no opponent has found an answer for the Panthers’ pace, pressure, and perimeter shooting.
No. 2: Martin County Cardinals
All of the preseason hype surrounding Martin County remains justified. The Cardinals feature three elite-level scorers led by Braxton Keathley and have tested themselves with one of the toughest early schedules in the region. Keathley is averaging over 32 points and 12 rebounds a game. Sophomore Guard Bryson Dials is still a mainstay in the offense averaging over 15 points a game to make a tough backcourt and ball handling
Martin County sits at 6–3, with hard-fought losses coming against Huntington Prep, Logan (WV), and South Oldham. One of the Cardinals’ biggest advantages is on the glass, where they consistently dominate. Martin County currently has two players averaging double figures in rebounding Keathley and Senior Devan Maynard (8.1 pts per game and 13.1 reb per game), giving them a physical edge against most regional opponents. Although Maynards point production is down slightly from last year his rebounding average has nearly doubled continuing to provide the physical presence inside.
All eyes now turn to the All “A” Classic brackets in early January, where there is a possibility these two top teams on our list could meet for another classic All “A” finish.
No. 3: Paintsville Tigers
“Not so fast, my friends,” is the message coming out of Tiger Nation.
Before a potential Martin County–Pikeville matchup in the All “A,” the Cardinals may have to get past Paintsville—assuming the Tigers take care of Prestonsburg in the opening round. Paintsville, like Martin County, has played a brutal early schedule.
The Tigers opened the season 0–3 with losses to 16th Region powerhouse Ashland (by one point), Chesapeake (OH), and 14th Region contender Hazard in the WYMT Invitational. Despite the record, Paintsville is far from being written off.
With a strong coaching staff, two talented post players, and a skilled backcourt, the Tigers are built to make noise. Anderson Lafferty has elevated his play this season, averaging over 20 points per game. Combine that with Brock Woods and Ethan Cole both scoring over 15 per game, and Paintsville has the balance needed for a deep run.
No. 4: Johnson Central Golden Eagles
Quietly sitting at No. 4 is Johnson Central.
The Golden Eagles are 5–2 on the season behind the dynamic one-two punch of Austin Slone and Brayden Shepherd, both of whom are averaging nearly 20 points per game in the early going. Add in the inside presence of Kyle Rose, and Johnson Central looks poised to make yet another push toward a regional title.
No. 5: Belfry Pirates
Rounding out this week’s Top 5 is Belfry.
The biggest preseason question was how well the Pirates’ transfers would mesh. So far, the answer has been simple: no problem at all. Belfry boasts speed, depth, and pure athleticism across the lineup.
The Pirates sit at 5–2, with both losses coming by fewer than four points. The backcourt of Brody Little and Carter Jude has been the difference. Little is averaging nearly 20 points per game, while Jude is right at 16—numbers that have Pirate fans dreaming about another regional title run.
Next Up
Just outside this week’s APSN Top 5 are Floyd Central, Lawrence County, and Shelby Valley—all three with the potential and great coaching that is key to win a regional title as the season continues.
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