Region 15: Small School Standouts

Staying in the mountains with just two regions left overall, we move on to a region that features not only some of the top talent in the area but in the entire state. It's an especially interesting region, with several players transferring between smaller schools — and even from larger programs to smaller ones. This list includes players from nine different Class “A” schools: Belfry, Betsy Layne, East Ridge, Martin County, Paintsville, Phelps, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, and Shelby Valley. Some of these players are already well-known names, while others are poised to make their mark this season. Here's a look at some of the top small-school talent in the 15th Region.    [player_tooltip player_id='2121733' first='Brody' last='Little'] has already drawn college attention, earning an offer from Kentucky Christian University, and he's poised to be among the region's top performers this season. His quick first step and reliable mid-range shot make him dangerous offensively, while his length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple spots on the floor. The well-built guard can create scoring opportunities both on and off the ball and brings steady energy on defense. He's strong finishing through contact in the lane, using his balance and body control to convert around the rim. Little also handles the ball with confidence, able to pull up for jumpers or make smart reads in pick-and-roll situations.     [player_tooltip player_id='1745583' first='Braxton' last='Keathley'] ranks among the elite players in Kentucky and continues to turn heads statewide. The former Prestonsburg standout led the Bluegrass in scoring last season, averaging an impressive 34.3 points per game before transferring. He's already taken visits to Louisville, LSU, and Florida State, while holding seven Division I offers and receiving interest from several other programs. A three-level scorer, solid rebounder and one of the most reliable free-throw shooters in Kentucky, he has the ability to beat defenders off the dribble or rise up for a jumper and is one of the most polished offensive talents the state has to offer.     [player_tooltip player_id='1543638' first='Carter' last='Parsons'] has more than lived up to the attention he's received over the years. A strong, confident guard, he's can attack the rim and finish through contact. As a junior, he averaged 18.4 points per game and proved to be a reliable outside shooter, hitting 95 three-pointers at a 39% clip. Parsons thrives under pressure, taking on a heavy offensive load and stepping up in clutch moments when his team needs him most. Now at Pikeville, the 1,000-point scorer holds offers from Fisher College, Alice Lloyd, Union, Brescia, and Kentucky Christian University. Parsons is another player that will be among the best in the 15th Region.     [player_tooltip player_id='1543312' first='Jackson' last='Keene'] is one of Kentucky's top shooters in the 2026 class, known for his smooth stroke and ability to create off the dribble. The Pikeville guard averaged 14.7 points and four rebound last season while earning All-15th Region Coaches Association honors. A high-IQ, team-first player, Keene defends with intensity, spaces the floor efficiently, and rarely turns the ball over. He holds offers from Union, Brescia, and Kentucky Christian University and continues to raise his stock with improved explosiveness and defensive versatility. With his work ethic and shooting consistency, Keene projects as a strong fit for college programs seeking a dependable perimeter scorer.     Ethan Cole stands out as one of the region's premier players, no matter the school size. A proven scorer, he can heat up quickly and has delivered several explosive performances throughout his career. Cole scores in a variety of ways and uses his strength and physicality to make an impact on the glass. He averaged 19.7 points per game last season while maintaining impressive efficiency, showcasing both skill and toughness on both ends of the floor.     Tyler Weddington is one of the region's top scorers, averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting 65% from the field. Though he attempted just 37 three-pointers, he made 17 of them, showing his long-range accuracy. A dominant rebounder at 16.8 per game, Weddington is a consistent double-double threat and has already scored over 1,000 career points, with a highlight performance of a 41-point, 20+ rebound game in his career.     One of the better perimeter defenders in the region, he uses his strength and balance to guard multiple positions effectively. Offensively, he averaged 16 points per game and shot an impressive 42% from beyond the arc, knocking down 62 total threes last season. He also contributed 4.1 rebounds per contest, showing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His strong all-around play has earned him an offer from Berea College.    More standouts below:   Carter Jude, Belfry   Colton Young, Belfry   Jaxson Pack, Belfry   Peyton Owens, Belfry   [player_tooltip player_id='2714989' first='Talon' last='Hopkins'], East Ridge   [player_tooltip player_id='2748362' first='Bryson' last='Dials'], Martin County   [player_tooltip player_id='1570552' first='Devan' last='Maynard'], Martin County   Anderson Lauffer, Paintsville   [player_tooltip player_id='2122449' first='Brock' last='Woods'], Paintsville   [player_tooltip player_id='2132272' first='Cole' last='Slone'], Pikeville   Brady Johnson, Shelby Valley   Caden Johnson, Shelby Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='2384112' first='Jonah' last='Bartley'], Shelby Valley

Staying in the mountains with just two regions left overall, we move on to a region that features not only some of the top talent in the area but in the entire state. It's an especially interesting region, with several players transferring between smaller schools — and even from larger programs to smaller ones. This list includes players from nine different Class “A” schools: Belfry, Betsy Layne, East Ridge, Martin County, Paintsville, Phelps, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, and Shelby Valley. Some of these players are already well-known names, while others are poised to make their mark this season. Here's a look at some of the top small-school talent in the 15th Region.