Top Five Preview: Thirteenth Region

<p>Over the next month, we'll continue to preview the top teams and players in each of the 16 regions as we move toward the 2019-2020 regular season. As part of our preview, we are breaking down the regional title contenders and the top college prospects in every region. We continue with the twelfth region, where several teams are in the hunt for the title.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Five Regional Title Contenders:</strong></span></p> <p>South Laurel - After falling short of their goals last season, the Cardinals return some veteran leadership but will need to fill the void left by the graduation of JJ Ramey. Senior <strong>Matt Cromer</strong> is the best player in the region and fellow Senior <strong>Brett Norvell</strong> is ready for a big season after having a productive AAU summer. If <strong>Alex Hostettler and Micah Anders</strong> can step up to fill the scoring void left by Ramey, South should be the best team in the 13th.</p> <p>North Laurel - Coach Nate Valentine inherits a talented roster led by leading returning scorer <strong>Reed Sheppard</strong> who averaged 16 points per game as an 8th grader. Fellow freshman <strong>Ryan Davidson</strong> should be a varsity starter after sitting out last year after re-classifying to the 2023 class. <strong>Cole Kelley and Isaiah Alexander</strong> are returning double figure scorers as well so the Jags shouldn't struggle to score the ball. If they can guard, they'll be one of the favorites to win the region.</p> <p>Clay County - The Tigers return their entire team from a 22 game winner last season. 4 returning starters averaged double figures last year, led by Junior <strong>Connor Robinson. </strong>After a disappointing loss to North Laurel in the first round of the district tournament last year, Clay is anxious to get back to their winning tradition and should be a legitimate threat to get to Rupp by the time the regional tournament starts up.</p> <p>Harlan County -  Ninth grade star <strong>Trent Noah</strong> already looks like a force before he even starts taking high school classes. County has a chance to be really good behind the strong play of Noah and Senior <strong>Taylor Spurlock</strong>, the Black Bears have 2 of the top 10-12 players in the region. If there is a team in the region I'd identify as a sleeper this year, I think Harlan County is a safe bet.</p> <p>Middlesboro - With Seniors <strong>Trey Brock and Jabari Kyle</strong> leading the charge, the Yellow Jackets also have two of the top 10-12 players in the region. They graduated some of their depth from last season but in the times I watched them play, they were playing too many players anyway. Look for Coach Morris' squad to win the 13th region All "A" and be serious contenders for the regional crown.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top 5 College Prospects:</strong></span></p> <p>Reed Sheppard, North Laurel - Only a freshman, Sheppard has the pedigree and name recognition to garner him attention anyway but he's also a big time scoring guard who should pour in around 20 points per game this season.</p> <p>Matt Cromer, South Laurel - Coming off a very good Junior season, Matt holds offers from Asbury and Pikeville and should earn more looks as the season rolls along. Opponents tend to face guard Cromer all over the floor but it's made him a more efficient scorer, taking advantage of his opportunities.</p> <p>Jabari Kyle, Middlesboro - After suddenly becoming a football star, Kyle may wind up pursuing that instead of basketball at the next level but first he's going to continue being one of the best scoring point guards in the state that you've never heard of. </p> <p>Connor Robinson, Clay County - Robinson has scored over 1000 points already in his career but he can do more than that. Connor is a stat sheet stuffer with a very high basketball IQ that helps him overcome what he lacks in athleticism.</p> <p>Jordan Akal, Harlan Independent - One of the best scorers in the state, Akal should average around 30 games per contest this year. If he can become a better facilitator in addition to his scoring prowess, Jordan can get Harlan well on their way to being regional championship contenders in 2021 and 22.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Mr. Basketball Finalist:</strong></span></p> <p>Matt Cromer, South Laurel</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Regional Champion:</strong></span></p> <p>South Laurel</p>