Finishing second seems to be a good place to be for teams hoping to win a 13th Region title. North Laurel became the third straight team to win a championship after finishing as runner-up the year before, following Harlan in 2015, then Harlan County in 2017 and the Lady Jaguars this season.

North was something of a surprise winner this year with most, including me in this space last March, picking South Laurel to run away with this year’s title. South fell to North in the semifinals, the fourth straight year that the Lady Cards lost in the semifinals. It was my first miss in four years after correctly picking Harlan County in 2018, Harlan in 2016 and 2017 and Bell County in 2015.

I will double down on South Laurel in 2020 with a senior-dominated squad returning. The following is my annual look back at the best of 2019 and a look ahead to what you can expect next season.

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Girls All-Region

First team

G — Ally Collett, South Laurel

G — Kaylee Mathis, Clay County

G — Gracie Jervis, North Laurel

G — Amerah Steele, South Laurel

C — Reagan Hubbard, North Laurel

Second team

G — Phebe McHargue, Harlan County

G — K.K. Johnson, Harlan County

G — Sydni Hall, South Laurel

G — Abby Harris, Bell County

C — Breann Turner, Harlan County

Third team

G — Lillie Hall, Williamsburg

G — Emily Sizemore, North Laurel

G — Whitney Caldwell, Pineville

F — Natalee King, Harlan

C — Summer Parker, Clay County

Fourth team

G — Shelby Stewart, Corbin

G — Reanna Middleton, Harlan County

G — Presley Partin, Knox Central

G — Isabell Gray, North Laurel

F — Taya Davis, Jackson County

Best juniors

Ally Collett, South Laurel

Amerah Steele, South Laurel

Kaylee Mathis, Clay County

Gracie Jervis, North Laurel

Abby Harris, Bell County

Best sophomores

Whitney Caldwell, Pineville

Presley Partin, Knox Central

Shelby Stewart, Corbin

Reis Anderson, Whitley County

Raigan King, Pineville

Best freshmen

Emily Sizemore, North Laurel

Hailee Valentine, North Laurel

Ashtyn Meyers, Bell County

Kailey Owens, Middlesboro

Jaylin Smith, Harlan County

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Predictions for 2019-2020 (grades are listed by next year’s class for each player mentioned)

1. South Laurel — After four straight semifinal losses and with a senior-dominated squad returning, the pressure is on for the Lady Cardinals. Ally Collett (21.0 points per game last year 3.6 rebounds per game) Amerah Steele (21.1, 4.4) and Sydni Hall (11.4, 2.3) give South one of the state’s top backcourts. Junior guard Brianna Howard (6.7, 2.3) also returns to a lineup that will likely be rounded out by freshmen Gracie Turner or Emily Cox or sophomore Lyndsey Cox.

2. North Laurel — After breaking through for the program’s first regional title this season, you can be sure the Lady Jaguars will be a force for several years to come. Senior guards Gracie Jervis (13.3, 2.4) and Isabel Gray (8.3, 4.3) and sophomore guards Emily Sizemore (10.5, 5.5) and Hailiee Valentine (12.3, 2.8) are all back from the championship team. Sophomore Katie Bruner (2.1) and junior Meg Anderson are among the candidates to round out the lineup, along with 6-4 sophomore McKinlea Hubbard.

3. Clay County — The Lady Tigers best opportunity for getting back to the top of the 13th Region may have passed with three starters graduating, but the Lady Tigers can rebuild around senior guard Kaylee Mathis (21.4, 3.9), a six-year starter. The return of junior point guard Taylor Asher (9.8, 2.1) after two seasons cut short by injury would be a huge boost. Sophomore Courtney Jones (2.8, 2.2) moved into the lineup last year and should also play a key role. Sophomore guard Clara Collins (2.3) could also earn a starting job.

4. Jackson County — The Lady Generals continued to make progress in Kourtney Tyra’s first season as coach, but breaking through in the tough 49th District isn’t easy. Jackson could make a move into regional contender by next season with several key players back, led by 5-10 senior forward Taya Davis (14.4. 6.0) and 6-2 freshman center Kenady Ward (8.5, 6.6). Senior guards Amber Creech (2.0) and Elizabeth Tyra (4.8) and sophomore guard Eden Lakes (7.0, 3.3) are also in the mix for starting jobs.

5. Knox Central — After being ranked in the region’s top five a year ago, the Lady Panthers fell short of expectations and lost to Lynn Camp in the 51st District finals. Knox will get another shot this year with four starters coming back, led by standout junior guard Presley Partin (17.3, 3.9) and 5-10 senior center Ryleigh Swafford (5.6, 6.1). Sophomores Caylan Mills (13.0, 4.1) and Zoey Liford (5.0, 2.1) are also returning starters in the backcourt. Sophomore guard Katie Broughton or freshman forward Emily Mills could round out the lineup.

6. Bell County — Senior guard Abby Harris (17.6, 5.8) is one of four starters back for the Lady Cats, who hope to end Harlan County’s three-year run as 52nd District champs. Sophomore guard Ashtyn Meyers (11.6, 2.2) provides a 3-point threat in a backcourt that also brings back junior guard Abigail Cornett (6.8). Ashley Middleton (3.8, 3.1), a 5-10 senior, is back at forward. Junior forward Sarah Kidwell, senior center Mary-Kate Smith and sophomore guard Kayleigh Cox will also vie for starting jobs.

7. Harlan County — After an impressive four-year run that included one regional title and three runner-up finishes, the Lady Bears must rebuild with four starters graduating. Seniors Morgan Blakley (8.5, 6.3) and Hannah Wood (2.8, 2.1) will have to play key roles if HCHS is to stay on top in the 52nd District. Juniors Jacey Lewis (3.2), Kassy Owens and Kelly Beth Hoskins will be in the mix for starting jobs, along with sophomores Jaylin Smith and Jaylin Preston and freshmen post players Taylor Lunsford and Breanna Massey.

8. Whitley County — Following a run to the region final four a year earlier, the Lady Colonels struggled through much of the 2019 season before closing strong. Seniors Lyndi Kate Lawson (6.2, 2.7) and Lindsey Shope (5.0, 2.8) return, along with junior guards Reis Anderson (8.7, 2.7) and Mikkah Siler (9.4, 7.9). Juniors Sabrina Lewis (3.9, 2.5), Jaycie Monhollen (5.6, 3.2), Natalie Moses (2.1) and Dorian Siler were key reserves a year ago and could also help.

8. Williamsburg — Expected to repeat as regional All “A” Classic champs last year, the Lady Jackets lost senior Lillie Abbott to an injury during the Class A tourney and struggled with inconsistency all season. Williamsburg should be in position for one more run with guards Lillie Hall (19.7, 4.5) and Madison Chapman (8.4, 8.1) and 5-9 senior Allison Caddell (4.0, 3.0) back for their senior seasons. Zoe Williams (4.3, 3.5), a 5-10 senior, is also in the mix for a starting spot, along with sophomore guard Kaylee Graham (3.9, 2.0) and junior guard Morgan Prewitt.

10. Corbin — Led by junior point guard Shelby Stewart (14.0, 4.4), the Lady Hounds should continue to improve and push for a spot in the regional tournament. Senior guard Marissa Scott (5.1, 2.0) and junior guard Lauren Steely (3.0) also return. Senior guard Hannah Medlin (6.7) will also play a key role.

10. Pineville — The Lady Lions bring back all five starters, led by junior guard Whitney Caldwell (16.5, 5.9) and 6-0 junior center Raigan King (16.0, 8.5). Senior forward Chesney Brock (3.1, 3.7) is also back, along with junior forward Summer Partin (3.9, 4.3) and junior guard Virginia Hall (4.7, 2.5).

Best of the rest

Middlesboro — Three starters return for the defending All “A” Classic champs, led by standout sophomore Kailey Owens. Senior guard Brittany Davis and junior guard Grace Gent also return, along with senior forward Grace Moles and senior guard Macey Mink.

Harlan — The rebuilding process continues for the Lady Dragons, who will lose two starters in the backcourt. Senior forward Natalee King (15.0) is the last link to the regional championship teams of 2016 and 2017. Junior forward Alli Thompson (2.3) and Ella Karst (5.1) also return to the lineup. There are several candidates for the other spots, including senior guard Madison Cole (2.1), juniors Angel Wynn (2.1), Kaylee Leslie, Makayla Sizemore and Ella Morton and freshmen Raegan Jones and Peighton Jones.

Barbourville — Senior guards Abbagail Smith (15.3, 8.1), Grace Jones (7.5, 2.9) and Lucy Robinson (3.7, 4.3) are back to lead the Lady Tigers. Sophomore forward Brianna Gallagher (11.3, 7.3) and eighth-grade forward Natalie Fisher (2.8, 4.7) also return.

Lynn Camp — With four starters gone from the first team in school history to win a regional tournament game, the Lady Cats must start over. Jasmine Rogers (4.7, 4.2), a 5-10 senior, is the only starter returning. Junior forward Natalie Fanella (2.6, 2.7) was last year’s sixth man.

Oneida Baptist — With guards Emilie Field (13.5, 2.1) and Felisha Engle (2.6, 2.6) and 5-11 forwards Erica Metzger (5.0, 5.6) and Katy Schroeder (9.6, 11.0) back for their senior seasons, the Lady Mountaineers could become more of a factor in the All “A” regional.

Red Bird — Everyone is back for the Lady Cardinals, who are coming off a rare trip to the regional tournament. Sophomore Alyssa Gibson (12.6, 4.9) returns at the point, with sophomores Lexi Bowling (2.9, 6.1) and Liberty Taylor (4.6) also back at guard. Junior forward Taylor Caldwell and eighth-grade guard Emily Roark (5.4) also return.