CORBIN — By Les Dixon / Sports Editor

As promised, it’s time to give my thoughts about the girl’s teams in the 13th Region this season, but I like I said about the boy’s teams semi-preview that was in this past Monday’s edition of the Times-Tribune, I can’t let too much out of the bag considering the Times-Tribune 2012-13 Prep Basketball Preview will be coming out on Nov. 24.

13th Region Girls

Contenders

By Les Dixon

Sports Editor

As promised, it’s time to give my thoughts about the girl’s teams in the 13th Region this season, but I like I said about the boy’s teams semi-preview that was in this past Monday’s edition of the Times-Tribune, I can’t let too much out of the bag considering the Times-Tribune 2012-13 Prep Basketball Preview will be coming out on Nov. 24.

13th Region Girls

Contenders

Just like the boys’ teams, four teams stick out that could really make a push for the 13th Region championship.

But with that said, it’s still gonna be Clay County’s region to lose.

Why?

It’s simple, just take a look at this — Clay County has won four straight 13th Region championships while putting an impressive 60-game win streak against 13th Region opponents during the four-year stretch.

But that’s not all.

The Lady Tigers are 105-2 against 13th Region competition dating back to the 2005-06 season. Did I mention Clay County also returns last season’s 13th Region Media Player of the Year in Cheyenne Madden? I didn’t think so.

Even though the Lady Tigers might be the favorite, it still doesn’t mean they can’t be beaten. Look for Whitley County, Bell County and Corbin to make some noise in the long run.

The Lady Colonels have the talent to unseat Clay County, but didn’t get a chance last season after being upset in the first round of the 13th Region Tournament by North Laurel. Bell County has a star player in Maci Morris, but does she have a strong enough supporting cast to knock off a team like Clay County?

One team to keep an eye on is Jennifer Parsons’ Corbin Lady Redhounds. They are young and talented and return four starters from last season’s 16-14 squad.

Knocking on the door

Harlan County and South Laurel fit the bill in this category. The Lady Black Bears have played in three out of the last four 13th Region title games, and still could make some noise with three starters returning.

The Lady Cardinals could make some noise, too, but it’s going to be hard to reach the 13th Region Tournament with both Whitley County and Corbin playing in the same district. South Laurel returns a solid group of players, but will it be enough to push them past teams like Clay County?

We shall see.

Keep an eye on

Barbourville, Knox Central, Middlesboro and Lynn Camp could be surprises this season. I expect the Lady Tigers to really make some noise with all five starters returning for their junior seasons. Andrea Hillard’s squad is playing a tough slate, which will have them prepared for the post-season. Another team to look out for is Darrin Mill’s Knox Central Lady Panthers.

Knox Central posted an 18-12 record last season and return sharpshooter Jenna Mills, which makes the Lady Panthers a dangerous team. Another team to watch is Richard Jones’ Lynn Camp Lady Wildcats. Jones has beefed up his team’s schedule once again while returning a solid nucleus of players.



Why?

It’s simple, just take a look at this — Clay County has won four straight 13th Region championships while putting an impressive 60-game win streak against 13th Region opponents during the four-year stretch.

But that’s not all.

The Lady Tigers are 105-2 against 13th Region competition dating back to the 2005-06 season. Did I mention Clay County also returns last season’s 13th Region Media Player of the Year in Cheyenne Madden? I didn’t think so.

Even though the Lady Tigers might be the favorite, it still doesn’t mean they can’t be beaten. Look for Whitley County, Bell County and Corbin to make some noise in the long run.

The Lady Colonels have the talent to unseat Clay County, but didn’t get a chance last season after being upset in the first round of the 13th Region Tournament by North Laurel. Bell County has a star player in Maci Morris, but does she have a strong enough supporting cast to knock off a team like Clay County?

One team to keep an eye on is Jennifer Parsons’ Corbin Lady Redhounds. They are young and talented and return four starters from last season’s 16-14 squad.

Knocking on the door

Harlan County and South Laurel fit the bill in this category. The Lady Black Bears have played in three out of the last four 13th Region title games, and still could make some noise with three starters returning.

The Lady Cardinals could make some noise, too, but it’s going to be hard to reach the 13th Region Tournament with both Whitley County and Corbin playing in the same district. South Laurel returns a solid group of players, but will it be enough to push them past teams like Clay County?

We shall see.

Keep an eye on

Barbourville, Knox Central, Middlesboro and Lynn Camp could be surprises this season. I expect the Lady Tigers to really make some noise with all five starters returning for their junior seasons. Andrea Hillard’s squad is playing a tough slate, which will have them prepared for the post-season. Another team to look out for is Darrin Mill’s Knox Central Lady Panthers.

Knox Central posted an 18-12 record last season and return sharpshooter Jenna Mills, which makes the Lady Panthers a dangerous team. Another team to watch is Richard Jones’ Lynn Camp Lady Wildcats. Jones has beefed up his team’s schedule once again while returning a solid nucleus of players.