The Scribe
11-26-2007, 09:41 PM
BGP 13th Region Girls' Preview
By Les Dixon
Corbin Times-Tribune Sports Editor
When you talk about which girls team is favored to win the 13th Region Tournament, it doesn't take long for two-time defending region champion Clay County's name pop up.
Just how dominant has the Lady Tigers been against 13th Region competition?
Clay County has won 32 straight games against regional opponents and take away the Lady Tigers' four losses to then-13th Region rival Rockcastle County four years ago, and Clay County is an astounding 48-0 against 13th Region competition.
The last region team to beat the Lady Tigers other than the Lady Rockets was the Cawood Trojanettes on March 3, 2004.
Yes folks, that's a long time ago.
And, with the way things are looking, Clay County's win streak against regional foes could very well continue this season.
For the third consecutive season, Clay County has been tagged as the team to beat.
And, deservedly so.
Yes, the Lady Tigers graduated leading scorer Page Jackson (14.1 ppg) and Maleah Roberts (7.3 ppg), and sharpshooter Stephanie Jackson (10.5) will not be returning to the team.
"I like our chances in the region," coach James Burchell said. "But, it's going to depend on how the young kids on the team develop.
"We have 16 players on the team, and 10 of those are freshmen, while one is an eighth grader and another is a seventh grade," he added. "Even though we'll be young, I still believe we have a good of a shot as any other team."
It's not like the cupboard is bare in Manchester.
Senior Gemma Gray (8.1 ppg) returns, along with freshman Whitney Jackson (7.9 ppg), who Burchell said has been playing solid ball.
"She's our best player right now," he said. "She's playing good ball, and of course, having Gemma return is a good thing for us. Gemma is a solid ballplayer and she is a very good shooter.
"Well, there's some other teams that will be good and can challenge for the region, too," Burchell said. "South Laurel has the Lauren Wombles girl, who I thought was the best player in the region last year.
"Whitley County, North Laurel and Corbin will have good teams, too," he added.
Larry Anderson's Lady Colonels will try to capture their first 13th Region title since winning the state championship in 1985 Jim Rains, who now coaches at Williamsburg.
Whitley County is one of the most fundamentally sound team in the region.
Last season, the Lady Colonels were third in the region in scoring average (56.0 ppg), while ranking fifth in points allowed (47.1 ppg).
Whitley County graduated leading scorer Stephanie McCullah (14.2 ppg), but returns a solid nucleus of players in Holly Jones (11.0 ppg), Amanda Brimm (10.3 ppg), Randal Holbrook (10.0 ppg) and Kayla Osborne (4.6 ppg).
"I have four starters back," Anderson said. "We have Kayla Osborne at the point guard position. She is a super ball handler and we hope she will pick up some of the scoring load this year.
"Holly Jones is shooting the three well," he added. "She needs to take it to the basket a little more. If she gets that part of her game down it's going to help her. Randal Holbrook will be looking to score more and be a little bit more offensive minded. She will need to be there every game and Amanda Brimm is going to have to show up every game."
Coming into the season, Anderson said he likes what he sees with his team.
"I think the obvious goal is our kids like winning the 20-games," Anderson said. "They like to set that goal and they like that district championship. They like having their name on that plaque on the wall.
"I think these kids are really wanting to win and believe that they can win the region," he added. "I think once we get over that hump, you know, we have been there so many times and just not been able to finish it up.
Either a team has just been a little bit better than us or something has come up."
Following Whitley County is another 50th District team, the South Laurel Lady Cardinals.
The Lady Cardinals reached the 13th Region finals last season before losing to Clay County, but Konnie Snyder's squad returns the region's top player in Lauren Wombles (15.4 ppg) and not to mention, Porsha Justice (7.8 ppg), Johnna Sizemore (4.9 ppg), Jessica Dean (4.7 ppg) and Emily Gaines (2.3 ppg).
Tisha Walker (1.3 ppg), Chelsea Anders (0.7 ppg), Vanessa Arthur (0.6 ppg), Lauren Coffey (0.6 ppg) and Cassie Wilson (0.5 ppg) will also be expected to contribute.
"I think last season's experience will go a long way as far as experience and knowing what it takes to get to the point we got to," Snyder said."At the same time, we have some young girls who haven't had a lot of experience, so hopefully the older kids an kind of mentor the younger ones.
"If we were playing the finals of the region today, we wouldn't be one of those top five though," she added. "What we have to do is continue to get better day by day and see what happens. "Until someone knocks them off, Clay County is still the region champions. From there, you have Whitley County, who has good size and ability. Then you have Corbin and Jennifer (Parsons) always does a real good job with her teams every season. Jackson County, with the (Kourtney) Tyra girl, is going to be really tough this season."
Another team to look out for is Roy Bowling's North Laurel Lady Jaguars.
A late-season injury to starting guard Caitie Jackson, hurt North Laurel's chances in postseason play last season, but a healthy Jackson (14.0 ppg) returns to the line-up for the Lady Jaguars.
Bowling will also look for Casey Karr (6.2 ppg), Kayla Bargo (4.6 ppg), McKenzie Prichard (4.4 ppg), Morgan Emery (0.9 ppg) and Rachel Seidel (3.7 ppg) to add depth to the North Laurel roster.
"I really feel like we can compete for a district and region title," Bowling said. "I know some people are picking us as a team that can contend, and I hope they're right. We competed last year even with Caitie out and only trailed Clay County by one at halftime in the district and I believe all of our players learned something from that game."
If North Laurel is to contend, then a returning a healthy Jackson is a must.
"It's very important to have Caitie back," Bowling said. "She gives us that outside threat and she opens up our post a bit. And, she allows us to be able to run up and down the court.
"I believe we'll see an even better Caitie Jackson because I believe she learned a lot by sitting out last year," he added. "She's got a great understanding of the game."
After missing out on last season's 13th Region Tournament, Jennifer Parsons' Corbin Lady Redhounds will try to improve on their 18-10 record, while getting back to the 13th Region Tournament in the process.
Corbin graduated leading scorer Brittany Jackson, but returns Mikkah Rogers (13.2 ppg), Kelci Jones (7.9 ppg), Lyndsay Champlin (6.6 ppg), Rikki Walden (5.0 ppg), Abby Baylor (4.2 ppg), Chelsea Sutton (2.3 ppg), Sara Grega (2.0 ppg) and Kendra Igo (2.1 ppg).
The Lady Redhounds were one of the defensive teams in the 13th Region, ranking four with a 46.8 points per game average, while ranking seventh in scoring (54.0 ppg).
"I think Clay County is no doubt at the top," Parsons said. "There are several teams who are right behind, and all of them happen to be in the 50th District. Our district is by far the toughest for girls, though. All four teams could win on any given night. I think we rank right beside of South, Clay and Whitley. We will just have to prove it.
"I am extremely happy with the steps we've made over the last few seasons," she added. "Last year, we took a step back due to the loss of five seniors, but I was still pleased with our overall performance. This year, we want to build on where we left off last season."
The return of Kourtney Tyra (17.1 ppg) makes Jackson County another hard team to beat in the 13th Region. Senior Amber Whitehead (12.4 ppg) returns as well for Jackson County.
Harlan captured 20 wins last season, and the Lady Green Dragons showed they will be a contender this season, too.
The Lady Green Dragons return two of their top scorers in Chassidy Lawson (17.3 ppg) and Courtney Bell (8.5 ppg).
Following Harlan is the Cawood Trojanettes.
Cawood returns Emily Boggs and her 19.6 scoring average, while Ashley Davenport (5.1 ppg), Courtney Bolin (5.3 ppg) and Ashley Davinport (5.1 ppg) will try and improve on the Trojanettes' 11-19 record from last season.
Barbourville makes a surprise trip into the top 10 thanks to the return of work horse Callie Mills (14.4 ppg).
Mills was one of the surprise players in the region and will be joined by Ashley Smith (9.6 ppg), Ashley Banfield (9.5 ppg) and Whitney Mills (4.1 ppg).
"Expectations and goals will be the same as any team I ever coached," Barbourville coach Brandon Hillard said. "We expect to win. .500 is no longer acceptable. We were at .500 two years ago which was a great season for the girls.
"Last year, we were one game over .500 and now it goes even further," he added. "If I didn't say that we don't want to win the district championship and win the 13th Region All-A' then I don't need to be in this job."
Coming in at the 10-spot will be Middlesboro.
The Lady Yellow Jackets have been battling injuries in the preseason, but with the return of Brooklyn Jimison (17.2 ppg), Middlesboro will be dangerous.
With the loss of Wendi Messer, Darren Mills' Knox Central Lady Panthers will be hard-placed to repeat last season's 17-14 record.
Brittany Jordan (13.1 ppg) returns, along with Ashley Sizemore (6.2 ppg).
"Our goals for the season are, of course, we want to win the district and advance to the region," Mills said. "We would like to get as far as we can get. We are going to try to win 20 games and get into the region."
Jim Rains' Williamsburg Lady Yellow Jackets could be a surprise team after going 14-12 last season.
The Lady Yellow Jackets did lose the services of Shawnda Lovett, but return Kat Hoffman (12.5 ppg).
"Well, we want to be as successful as we can," Raines said. "We are probably in the toughest district. We probably play the toughest three district opponents as anybody in the state of Kentucky.
"We want to be competitive in our district," he added. "We want to compete in the All-A'. The main goal we have is to win through and get better as we go along."
Two 51st District teams will follow Williamsburg with Cumberland and Bell County following.
The Lady Redskins return freshman (Whitney Gilliam (7.5 ppg), while the Lady Bobcats return Jamie Shephard (9.1 ppg).
Evarts, Red Bird and Pineville expect to be improved, while Lynn Camp and Oneida Baptist rounding out the final two teams in the region.
Lynn Camp ranked last in scoring last year with a 36.5 scoring average, but ranked first in fewest points allowed (42.3 ppg).
"I admit, I'm wasn't the most optimistic coach last year, but I believe we can turn things around," Jones said. Yes, we don't have a proven scorer like a Mandy Smith or a Ashley Moore, but we have a lot of kids that know how to play and shoot the basketball."
13th Region Girls Preseason Rankings
1. Clay County Lady Tigers (28-6) - The Lady Tigers lost a lot from last season's 13th Region championship squad, and the loss of Stephanie Jackson hurts, too.
But with that said, Clay County is still the team to beat with a bunch of hungry youngsters anxious to show everyone just how good they are.
2. Whitley County Lady Colonels (23-9) - This could be the season Amanda Brimm leads the Lady Colonels to a 13th Region crown.
Larry Anderson returns four starts off last season's regional final squad and could very well win the region championship this season.
"I think we have four kids back from last year that have a lot of experience in the post-season and regular season," Anderson said. "We played good competition and they are used to winning. They have won over 40-games over the last two years.
"I think we are pretty deep too," he added. "We have two and three at each position except our post position. I think our depth and experience are probably two of our better things right now."
3. South Laurel Lady Cardinals (22-10) - The Lady Cardinals might get off to a slow start, but with Lauren Wombles returning, South Laurel could very well win its first 13th Region title. A surprise player this season for Konnie Snyder's squad could be Jessica Dean.
"Like I said, this is a very balanced region," she said. "I don't know that it's quite as tough as some of the Lexington and Louisville regions, bus it is very balanced and very competitive.
"Until someone knocks them off, Clay County is still the region champions," she said. "We will try our best to do that."
4. North Laurel Lady Jaguars (15-13) - With Caitie Jackson returning, the sky could be the limit for North Laurel. The Lady Jaguars also returns a strong supporting cast, too.
"I will say that we've made a lot of improvement," Bowling said. "I believe we're a whole lot quicker and we've got a lot of depth and that's something we didn't have much of last year.
"We're going to be playing the type of style that I like to play and that's up-tempo and like I said, that's the type of ball that I like," he added.
"Last year, I really didn't know the kids real well, so we had to sue the walk it up the court kind of style, but things will be different this year."
5. Corbin Lady Redhounds (18-10) - Corbin returns Mikkah Rogers and Kelci Jones, who could provide a very powerful one-two punch.
"Kelci works well around the basket," Parsons said. "As she gains more experience, she will be a go-to under the basket. She is also a great rebounder.
"Mikkah has the most experience," she added. "She is the top player in the region and she is extremely smart. She will do whatever is needed for her team to win."
6. Jackson County Lady Generals (16-16) - Jackson County has Kourtney Tyra returning.
Enough said.
Tyra had a coming out party last season during the Lady Generals' win over Knox Central in the 13th Region Tournament. Look for Tyra and the Lady Generals to build on that success.
7. Harlan Lady Green Dragons (20-10) - The Lady Green Dragons were a pleasant surprise last season and could very well capture the All 'A' region crown this season.
8. Cawood Trojanettes (11-19) - The Trojanettes hope to be more consistent this season. Emily Boggs returns and can take over a game offensively.
9. Barbourville Lady Tigers (14-13) - Callie Mills could be the best-kept secret in the 13th Region. Look for the Lady Tigers to surprise.
10. Middlesboro Lady Yellow Jackets (9-17) - The injury bug has slowed Middlesboro down last season and during the preseason, but when Brooklyn Jimison returns to the line-up, Middlesboro will be a hard team to play against.
11. Knox Central Lady Panthers (17-14) - With Wendi Messer gone, look for Brittany Jordan and Ashley Sizemore to pick up the scoring slack.
"We lost an excellent player in Wendi Messer and a great role player in Medina Jackson," Knox Central head coach Darren Mills said. "This year we do have four returning starters from last year's team. We hope to just build from there. We have Brittany Jordan back in the post and we have (Kayla) Wilburn, (Charli) Sowders, and (Ashley) Sizemore at the other three guard positions.
"We are not short on any experience, but each one of them are going to have to take more of a scoring role this year," he added.
12. Williamsburg Lady Yellow Jackets (14-12) - A couple of new additions along with the play of Kat Hoffman make Williamsburg a team to watch out for.
"We are quick and athletic," Raines said. "That would be two of our strong points. Hopefully, we can develop from that and use it to our advantage."
13. Cumberland Lady Redskins (14-12) - Cumberland is another team you can't overlook. The Lady Redskins return four starters in Whitney Gilliam, Kendra Russell, Samantha Sexton and Stephanie Whitt.
14. Bell County Lady Bobcats (11-18) - With new coach Samantha Young taking over the helm, Bell County looks to be competitive once again.
Jennifer Lefevers and Jamie Sheppard return in the backcourt, while Kacy Denny, Ashley Frady and Amanda Nolan will return.
15. Evarts Lady Wildcats (7-18) - The Lady Wildcats' will struggle again this season, as Megan Messmer (fourth coach in four years), will try and lead her team to a .500 season.
16. Red Bird Lady Cardinals (10-13) - Red Bird returns everyone and could be a sleeper team in the 49th District.
Whitney Elam (12.5 ppg) returns, while Kayla Brock (11.8) and Kelsey Dickerson (9.3 ppg) give the Lady Cardinals two other scoring options.
17. Pineville Lady Mountain Lions (5-22) - One positive is that leading scorer Leslie Howard (16.2 ppg) returns for her senior season.
18. Lynn Camp Lady Wildcats (8-16) - The Lady Wildcats won eight games last season and only averaged 36.5 points per game. Things could get better this season.
19. OBI Lady Mountaineers (5-18) - OBI returns only one starter in Kayla Sizemore (3.2 ppg).
13th Region Players to Watch
1. Lauren Wombles, South Laurel - Wombles is one of the best offensive and defensive players around.
2. Kourtney Tyra, Jackson County - Could end up being one of the leading scorers in the state.
3. Mikkah Rogers, Corbin - A solid defender and also packs a punch offensively.
4. Whitney Jackson, Clay County - Should improve on last season's numbers.
5. Amanda Brimm, Whitley County - Brimm is a shot blocker, who knows how to score.
6. Gemma Gray, Clay County - A great shooter, who knows how to get open.
7. Caitie Jackson, North Laurel - One of the best penetraters in the region.
8. Brooklyn Jimison, Middlesboro - A scorer, who also plays solid defense.
9. Callie Mills, Barbourville - She's one of the most underrated players around.
10. (tie) Randal Holbrook, Whitley County - Another underrated player.
10. (tie) Kelci Jones, Corbin - Solid low post scorer, who will be even better as the season progresses.
By Les Dixon
Corbin Times-Tribune Sports Editor
When you talk about which girls team is favored to win the 13th Region Tournament, it doesn't take long for two-time defending region champion Clay County's name pop up.
Just how dominant has the Lady Tigers been against 13th Region competition?
Clay County has won 32 straight games against regional opponents and take away the Lady Tigers' four losses to then-13th Region rival Rockcastle County four years ago, and Clay County is an astounding 48-0 against 13th Region competition.
The last region team to beat the Lady Tigers other than the Lady Rockets was the Cawood Trojanettes on March 3, 2004.
Yes folks, that's a long time ago.
And, with the way things are looking, Clay County's win streak against regional foes could very well continue this season.
For the third consecutive season, Clay County has been tagged as the team to beat.
And, deservedly so.
Yes, the Lady Tigers graduated leading scorer Page Jackson (14.1 ppg) and Maleah Roberts (7.3 ppg), and sharpshooter Stephanie Jackson (10.5) will not be returning to the team.
"I like our chances in the region," coach James Burchell said. "But, it's going to depend on how the young kids on the team develop.
"We have 16 players on the team, and 10 of those are freshmen, while one is an eighth grader and another is a seventh grade," he added. "Even though we'll be young, I still believe we have a good of a shot as any other team."
It's not like the cupboard is bare in Manchester.
Senior Gemma Gray (8.1 ppg) returns, along with freshman Whitney Jackson (7.9 ppg), who Burchell said has been playing solid ball.
"She's our best player right now," he said. "She's playing good ball, and of course, having Gemma return is a good thing for us. Gemma is a solid ballplayer and she is a very good shooter.
"Well, there's some other teams that will be good and can challenge for the region, too," Burchell said. "South Laurel has the Lauren Wombles girl, who I thought was the best player in the region last year.
"Whitley County, North Laurel and Corbin will have good teams, too," he added.
Larry Anderson's Lady Colonels will try to capture their first 13th Region title since winning the state championship in 1985 Jim Rains, who now coaches at Williamsburg.
Whitley County is one of the most fundamentally sound team in the region.
Last season, the Lady Colonels were third in the region in scoring average (56.0 ppg), while ranking fifth in points allowed (47.1 ppg).
Whitley County graduated leading scorer Stephanie McCullah (14.2 ppg), but returns a solid nucleus of players in Holly Jones (11.0 ppg), Amanda Brimm (10.3 ppg), Randal Holbrook (10.0 ppg) and Kayla Osborne (4.6 ppg).
"I have four starters back," Anderson said. "We have Kayla Osborne at the point guard position. She is a super ball handler and we hope she will pick up some of the scoring load this year.
"Holly Jones is shooting the three well," he added. "She needs to take it to the basket a little more. If she gets that part of her game down it's going to help her. Randal Holbrook will be looking to score more and be a little bit more offensive minded. She will need to be there every game and Amanda Brimm is going to have to show up every game."
Coming into the season, Anderson said he likes what he sees with his team.
"I think the obvious goal is our kids like winning the 20-games," Anderson said. "They like to set that goal and they like that district championship. They like having their name on that plaque on the wall.
"I think these kids are really wanting to win and believe that they can win the region," he added. "I think once we get over that hump, you know, we have been there so many times and just not been able to finish it up.
Either a team has just been a little bit better than us or something has come up."
Following Whitley County is another 50th District team, the South Laurel Lady Cardinals.
The Lady Cardinals reached the 13th Region finals last season before losing to Clay County, but Konnie Snyder's squad returns the region's top player in Lauren Wombles (15.4 ppg) and not to mention, Porsha Justice (7.8 ppg), Johnna Sizemore (4.9 ppg), Jessica Dean (4.7 ppg) and Emily Gaines (2.3 ppg).
Tisha Walker (1.3 ppg), Chelsea Anders (0.7 ppg), Vanessa Arthur (0.6 ppg), Lauren Coffey (0.6 ppg) and Cassie Wilson (0.5 ppg) will also be expected to contribute.
"I think last season's experience will go a long way as far as experience and knowing what it takes to get to the point we got to," Snyder said."At the same time, we have some young girls who haven't had a lot of experience, so hopefully the older kids an kind of mentor the younger ones.
"If we were playing the finals of the region today, we wouldn't be one of those top five though," she added. "What we have to do is continue to get better day by day and see what happens. "Until someone knocks them off, Clay County is still the region champions. From there, you have Whitley County, who has good size and ability. Then you have Corbin and Jennifer (Parsons) always does a real good job with her teams every season. Jackson County, with the (Kourtney) Tyra girl, is going to be really tough this season."
Another team to look out for is Roy Bowling's North Laurel Lady Jaguars.
A late-season injury to starting guard Caitie Jackson, hurt North Laurel's chances in postseason play last season, but a healthy Jackson (14.0 ppg) returns to the line-up for the Lady Jaguars.
Bowling will also look for Casey Karr (6.2 ppg), Kayla Bargo (4.6 ppg), McKenzie Prichard (4.4 ppg), Morgan Emery (0.9 ppg) and Rachel Seidel (3.7 ppg) to add depth to the North Laurel roster.
"I really feel like we can compete for a district and region title," Bowling said. "I know some people are picking us as a team that can contend, and I hope they're right. We competed last year even with Caitie out and only trailed Clay County by one at halftime in the district and I believe all of our players learned something from that game."
If North Laurel is to contend, then a returning a healthy Jackson is a must.
"It's very important to have Caitie back," Bowling said. "She gives us that outside threat and she opens up our post a bit. And, she allows us to be able to run up and down the court.
"I believe we'll see an even better Caitie Jackson because I believe she learned a lot by sitting out last year," he added. "She's got a great understanding of the game."
After missing out on last season's 13th Region Tournament, Jennifer Parsons' Corbin Lady Redhounds will try to improve on their 18-10 record, while getting back to the 13th Region Tournament in the process.
Corbin graduated leading scorer Brittany Jackson, but returns Mikkah Rogers (13.2 ppg), Kelci Jones (7.9 ppg), Lyndsay Champlin (6.6 ppg), Rikki Walden (5.0 ppg), Abby Baylor (4.2 ppg), Chelsea Sutton (2.3 ppg), Sara Grega (2.0 ppg) and Kendra Igo (2.1 ppg).
The Lady Redhounds were one of the defensive teams in the 13th Region, ranking four with a 46.8 points per game average, while ranking seventh in scoring (54.0 ppg).
"I think Clay County is no doubt at the top," Parsons said. "There are several teams who are right behind, and all of them happen to be in the 50th District. Our district is by far the toughest for girls, though. All four teams could win on any given night. I think we rank right beside of South, Clay and Whitley. We will just have to prove it.
"I am extremely happy with the steps we've made over the last few seasons," she added. "Last year, we took a step back due to the loss of five seniors, but I was still pleased with our overall performance. This year, we want to build on where we left off last season."
The return of Kourtney Tyra (17.1 ppg) makes Jackson County another hard team to beat in the 13th Region. Senior Amber Whitehead (12.4 ppg) returns as well for Jackson County.
Harlan captured 20 wins last season, and the Lady Green Dragons showed they will be a contender this season, too.
The Lady Green Dragons return two of their top scorers in Chassidy Lawson (17.3 ppg) and Courtney Bell (8.5 ppg).
Following Harlan is the Cawood Trojanettes.
Cawood returns Emily Boggs and her 19.6 scoring average, while Ashley Davenport (5.1 ppg), Courtney Bolin (5.3 ppg) and Ashley Davinport (5.1 ppg) will try and improve on the Trojanettes' 11-19 record from last season.
Barbourville makes a surprise trip into the top 10 thanks to the return of work horse Callie Mills (14.4 ppg).
Mills was one of the surprise players in the region and will be joined by Ashley Smith (9.6 ppg), Ashley Banfield (9.5 ppg) and Whitney Mills (4.1 ppg).
"Expectations and goals will be the same as any team I ever coached," Barbourville coach Brandon Hillard said. "We expect to win. .500 is no longer acceptable. We were at .500 two years ago which was a great season for the girls.
"Last year, we were one game over .500 and now it goes even further," he added. "If I didn't say that we don't want to win the district championship and win the 13th Region All-A' then I don't need to be in this job."
Coming in at the 10-spot will be Middlesboro.
The Lady Yellow Jackets have been battling injuries in the preseason, but with the return of Brooklyn Jimison (17.2 ppg), Middlesboro will be dangerous.
With the loss of Wendi Messer, Darren Mills' Knox Central Lady Panthers will be hard-placed to repeat last season's 17-14 record.
Brittany Jordan (13.1 ppg) returns, along with Ashley Sizemore (6.2 ppg).
"Our goals for the season are, of course, we want to win the district and advance to the region," Mills said. "We would like to get as far as we can get. We are going to try to win 20 games and get into the region."
Jim Rains' Williamsburg Lady Yellow Jackets could be a surprise team after going 14-12 last season.
The Lady Yellow Jackets did lose the services of Shawnda Lovett, but return Kat Hoffman (12.5 ppg).
"Well, we want to be as successful as we can," Raines said. "We are probably in the toughest district. We probably play the toughest three district opponents as anybody in the state of Kentucky.
"We want to be competitive in our district," he added. "We want to compete in the All-A'. The main goal we have is to win through and get better as we go along."
Two 51st District teams will follow Williamsburg with Cumberland and Bell County following.
The Lady Redskins return freshman (Whitney Gilliam (7.5 ppg), while the Lady Bobcats return Jamie Shephard (9.1 ppg).
Evarts, Red Bird and Pineville expect to be improved, while Lynn Camp and Oneida Baptist rounding out the final two teams in the region.
Lynn Camp ranked last in scoring last year with a 36.5 scoring average, but ranked first in fewest points allowed (42.3 ppg).
"I admit, I'm wasn't the most optimistic coach last year, but I believe we can turn things around," Jones said. Yes, we don't have a proven scorer like a Mandy Smith or a Ashley Moore, but we have a lot of kids that know how to play and shoot the basketball."
13th Region Girls Preseason Rankings
1. Clay County Lady Tigers (28-6) - The Lady Tigers lost a lot from last season's 13th Region championship squad, and the loss of Stephanie Jackson hurts, too.
But with that said, Clay County is still the team to beat with a bunch of hungry youngsters anxious to show everyone just how good they are.
2. Whitley County Lady Colonels (23-9) - This could be the season Amanda Brimm leads the Lady Colonels to a 13th Region crown.
Larry Anderson returns four starts off last season's regional final squad and could very well win the region championship this season.
"I think we have four kids back from last year that have a lot of experience in the post-season and regular season," Anderson said. "We played good competition and they are used to winning. They have won over 40-games over the last two years.
"I think we are pretty deep too," he added. "We have two and three at each position except our post position. I think our depth and experience are probably two of our better things right now."
3. South Laurel Lady Cardinals (22-10) - The Lady Cardinals might get off to a slow start, but with Lauren Wombles returning, South Laurel could very well win its first 13th Region title. A surprise player this season for Konnie Snyder's squad could be Jessica Dean.
"Like I said, this is a very balanced region," she said. "I don't know that it's quite as tough as some of the Lexington and Louisville regions, bus it is very balanced and very competitive.
"Until someone knocks them off, Clay County is still the region champions," she said. "We will try our best to do that."
4. North Laurel Lady Jaguars (15-13) - With Caitie Jackson returning, the sky could be the limit for North Laurel. The Lady Jaguars also returns a strong supporting cast, too.
"I will say that we've made a lot of improvement," Bowling said. "I believe we're a whole lot quicker and we've got a lot of depth and that's something we didn't have much of last year.
"We're going to be playing the type of style that I like to play and that's up-tempo and like I said, that's the type of ball that I like," he added.
"Last year, I really didn't know the kids real well, so we had to sue the walk it up the court kind of style, but things will be different this year."
5. Corbin Lady Redhounds (18-10) - Corbin returns Mikkah Rogers and Kelci Jones, who could provide a very powerful one-two punch.
"Kelci works well around the basket," Parsons said. "As she gains more experience, she will be a go-to under the basket. She is also a great rebounder.
"Mikkah has the most experience," she added. "She is the top player in the region and she is extremely smart. She will do whatever is needed for her team to win."
6. Jackson County Lady Generals (16-16) - Jackson County has Kourtney Tyra returning.
Enough said.
Tyra had a coming out party last season during the Lady Generals' win over Knox Central in the 13th Region Tournament. Look for Tyra and the Lady Generals to build on that success.
7. Harlan Lady Green Dragons (20-10) - The Lady Green Dragons were a pleasant surprise last season and could very well capture the All 'A' region crown this season.
8. Cawood Trojanettes (11-19) - The Trojanettes hope to be more consistent this season. Emily Boggs returns and can take over a game offensively.
9. Barbourville Lady Tigers (14-13) - Callie Mills could be the best-kept secret in the 13th Region. Look for the Lady Tigers to surprise.
10. Middlesboro Lady Yellow Jackets (9-17) - The injury bug has slowed Middlesboro down last season and during the preseason, but when Brooklyn Jimison returns to the line-up, Middlesboro will be a hard team to play against.
11. Knox Central Lady Panthers (17-14) - With Wendi Messer gone, look for Brittany Jordan and Ashley Sizemore to pick up the scoring slack.
"We lost an excellent player in Wendi Messer and a great role player in Medina Jackson," Knox Central head coach Darren Mills said. "This year we do have four returning starters from last year's team. We hope to just build from there. We have Brittany Jordan back in the post and we have (Kayla) Wilburn, (Charli) Sowders, and (Ashley) Sizemore at the other three guard positions.
"We are not short on any experience, but each one of them are going to have to take more of a scoring role this year," he added.
12. Williamsburg Lady Yellow Jackets (14-12) - A couple of new additions along with the play of Kat Hoffman make Williamsburg a team to watch out for.
"We are quick and athletic," Raines said. "That would be two of our strong points. Hopefully, we can develop from that and use it to our advantage."
13. Cumberland Lady Redskins (14-12) - Cumberland is another team you can't overlook. The Lady Redskins return four starters in Whitney Gilliam, Kendra Russell, Samantha Sexton and Stephanie Whitt.
14. Bell County Lady Bobcats (11-18) - With new coach Samantha Young taking over the helm, Bell County looks to be competitive once again.
Jennifer Lefevers and Jamie Sheppard return in the backcourt, while Kacy Denny, Ashley Frady and Amanda Nolan will return.
15. Evarts Lady Wildcats (7-18) - The Lady Wildcats' will struggle again this season, as Megan Messmer (fourth coach in four years), will try and lead her team to a .500 season.
16. Red Bird Lady Cardinals (10-13) - Red Bird returns everyone and could be a sleeper team in the 49th District.
Whitney Elam (12.5 ppg) returns, while Kayla Brock (11.8) and Kelsey Dickerson (9.3 ppg) give the Lady Cardinals two other scoring options.
17. Pineville Lady Mountain Lions (5-22) - One positive is that leading scorer Leslie Howard (16.2 ppg) returns for her senior season.
18. Lynn Camp Lady Wildcats (8-16) - The Lady Wildcats won eight games last season and only averaged 36.5 points per game. Things could get better this season.
19. OBI Lady Mountaineers (5-18) - OBI returns only one starter in Kayla Sizemore (3.2 ppg).
13th Region Players to Watch
1. Lauren Wombles, South Laurel - Wombles is one of the best offensive and defensive players around.
2. Kourtney Tyra, Jackson County - Could end up being one of the leading scorers in the state.
3. Mikkah Rogers, Corbin - A solid defender and also packs a punch offensively.
4. Whitney Jackson, Clay County - Should improve on last season's numbers.
5. Amanda Brimm, Whitley County - Brimm is a shot blocker, who knows how to score.
6. Gemma Gray, Clay County - A great shooter, who knows how to get open.
7. Caitie Jackson, North Laurel - One of the best penetraters in the region.
8. Brooklyn Jimison, Middlesboro - A scorer, who also plays solid defense.
9. Callie Mills, Barbourville - She's one of the most underrated players around.
10. (tie) Randal Holbrook, Whitley County - Another underrated player.
10. (tie) Kelci Jones, Corbin - Solid low post scorer, who will be even better as the season progresses.