Top Kentucky girls basketball teams and players in the Seventh Region for 2023-24 season

Here's a look at the 2023-24 girls basketball teams in the KHSAA Seventh Region. Teams listed in alphabetical order by district.

25^th District

Central

Coach: Deshawn Pendleton (sixth year)

Last season: 21-13, lost to Sacred Heart 85-58 in Seventh Region final

Player to watch: Destiny Jones, a 5-foot-10 senior forward, is a force for the Yellow Jackets. She averaged 20.5 points and 11.2 rebounds last season on her way to third-team All-State honors from The Courier Journal. “She’s improved her outside shot this summer to go with her inside play,” Pendleton said. Jones has signed with West Georgia, which is transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division I.

Other top players: Diamond Roach (5-4, Sr., 5.1 ppg); Tamari Oliver (6-0, Fr.); Ciara Rudolph (6-0, Soph., 1.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg); Kinnidi Russell (5-4, Jr.); Zionna Johnson (5-6, Sr., 1.6 ppg); Christen Stone (5-7, Jr.); Aniyah Edwards (5-3, Sr.); Edniya Robinson (5-10, Sr.).

Outlook: Central lost four of its top six scorers to graduation, but Pendleton still expects to go 10-deep this season with the help of several newcomers. Jones is a go-to performer, and Roach “can shoot the 3 and attack the rim,” Pendleton said. Oliver and Rudolph give Central good size and will help take some of the rebounding load off Jones. Pendleton’s teams always play tough defense. The key will be whether other reliable scorers can emerge beyond Jones.

Francis Parker

Coach: Mike Kelley (first year)

Last season: Program folded

Player to watch: Bella Feitelson, a 5-2 junior, is the one player with experience from the 2021-22 team that finished 2-15. She averaged 2.1 points that season as a freshman.

Other top players: Rayana Crawford (5-7, Fr.); Mollie Johnson (5-6, Fr.); Leda Beale (5-4, Soph.); Ashley Stephens (5-8, Jr.); Erin Adamchik (5-7, Jr.); Nyla Adonis (5-0, Fr.).

Outlook: Kelley takes over the program after previously coaching at Dublin School in New Hampshire. He’s also the athletics director at the school. “Having a team play 25 games will be a victory in Year 1 of ‘The Build,’” Kelley said. “We are young and inexperienced.”

Manual

Coach: Ashley Franklin (second year)

Last season: 28-3, lost to Sacred Heart 73-58 in Seventh Region semifinal

Player to watch: Ashlinn James, a 5-5 sophomore, averaged 8.0 points and 1.9 rebounds last season. She has offers from Bellarmine, Indiana, Murray State, North Carolina A&T, Toledo and Western Kentucky.

Other top players: London Sweeney (5-10, Sr., 3.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg); Londyn James (5-11, Sr., 2.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg); Electra Lovely-Tolbert (5-4, Jr., 4.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg); Morrai Blount (5-5, Jr., 2.3 ppg); Alana Smith (5-10, Sr., 1.4 ppg).

Outlook: Manual may have been the second-best team in the state last season but unfortunately was stuck in the same region as No. 1. The Crimsons went 0-3 against state champion Sacred Heart and were 28-0 against everyone else. The top three scorers were lost to graduation, but the Crimsons have a solid mix of seniors who will take on new roles and talented underclassmen. Smith has committed to the University of Pikeville and is expected to have a big senior season.

Portland Christian

Coach: Jason Bragg (fifth year)

Last season: 20-6, lost to Central 64-34 in 25^th District semifinal

Player to watch: Piper Scott, a 5-3 junior guard, is the top returning scorer after averaging eight points and four assists last season. “She’s a shifty point guard that can create for others but also put the ball on the floor and score,” Bragg said.

Other top players: Addie Bragg (5-9, Jr., 2.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg); Reagan Mulvey (5-8, Sr., 5.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg); Ava Gish (5-3, Soph., 4.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg); Audrey Evans (5-7, Sr.); Raquel Isenberg (5-4, Jr.); Bailey Atcher (5-8, Fr.).

Outlook: The Eagles set a school record for wins last season and also won the All “A” Sixth Region title but lost their top two scorers — Ellie Heid and Kaela Ballard — to graduation. Bragg said Gish is “a fantastic shooter and has a great opportunity to be our next 1,000-point scorer.” Evans and Isenberg both return after missing last season with knee injuries. “When you lose a great senior class, it’s always a challenge,” Bragg said. “But I’m excited about what we have coming back. … We have a very strong team chemistry.”

Presentation

Coach: Katie Horsmann (first year)

Last season: 7-22, lost to Shawnee 53-37 in 25^th District first round

Player to watch: Aria Suggs, a 5-4 senior, is the top returning scorer (7.5 ppg) and rebounder (4.1 rpg) from last season.

Other top players: Clara Kelty (5-3, Sr., 3.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg); Alexis Knockwafel (5-4, Sr., 2.7 ppg); Brookelynn Beck (5-1, Sr., 1.8 ppg); Lauren Schreck (5-7, Jr., 1.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg).

Outlook: Horsmann takes over after David Jackson stepped down after 21 seasons as head coach.

Shawnee

Coach: Brenton McNear (second year)

Last season: 18-9, lost to Manual 69-19 in 25^th District semifinal

Player to watch: Tamiah Wadlington, a 5-3 junior guard, returns after averaging a team-best 12.1 points per game last season.

Other top players: Jalayah Madden (5-8, Sr., 11.3 ppg); Shakira Muhammad (5-10, Sr., 7.9 ppg); Treasure Gist (4-11, Jr., 7.8 ppg); Savannah Bivens (5-7, Jr., 7.9 ppg); Jalaisah Hamblen (5-7, Soph., 4.1 ppg).

Outlook: The Golden Eagles return their top six scorers from an 18-win team, the most victories for a Shawnee squad since going 18-11 in 2004-05. Gist is the top threat from outside, hitting a team-best 30 3-pointers last season.

26^th District

Assumption

Coach: Caryn Kovatch (first year)

Last season: 22-10, lost to Central 65-49 in Seventh Region semifinal

Player to watch: Taryn Morris, a 5-7 senior, is the Rockets’ top returning scorer (9.9 ppg) and rebounder (4.2 rpg) from last season. She’s being recruited by several NCAA Division III schools, including Hanover and Spalding.

Other top players: Geriann Ackermann (5-6, Sr., 8.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg); Zoe Thompson (5-5, Sr., 6.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg); Lauren Campisano (5-6, Jr., 9.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg); Kyleigh Hall (5-10, Jr., 2.4 ppg at Christian Academy); Tia Ice (5-11, Jr.); Maggie Young (5-3, Soph., 5.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg).

Outlook: Kovatch, a former assistant at Christian Academy, takes over as head coach from Stacy Pendleton. The Rockets lost top scorer Delaney Cooper (12.2) on a transfer to Owensboro Catholic, but Kovatch inherits a team that returns its next five top scorers from last season. Ackermann led the team in 3-pointers last season (46 of 115) while shooting 40%. Kovatch expects a pair of freshmen —Adalyn Taylor and Kyla Kovatch — to contribute right away. “We will look to push the ball and use our quickness and speed both in transition and on defense,” Kovatch said.

Brown

Coach: Josh Luttrell (fourth year)

Last season: 15-10, lost to Assumption 60-17 in 26^th District semifinal

Player to watch: Jordyn Luttrell, a 5-8 junior guard, led the Bears in scoring last season with 6.6 points per game and also hit a team-best 32 3-pointers.

Other top players: Leyla Taylor (5-8, Soph., 4.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg); Trista Morris (5-6, Soph., 6.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg); Taylor Morris (5-7, Soph., 5.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg); Chabely Perez-Tolon (5-6, Jr., 1.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg); MaKenna Pendleton (5-7, Fr.); Gracie Kelly (5-6, Fr.).

Outlook: The Bears keep it slow and led the state last season in scoring defense, allowing 30.9 points per game. Luttrell, Taylor, Trista Morris and Taylor Morris are all returning starters. “We are bigger, stronger and faster from last year,” Josh Luttrell said. “Looking to be better offensively and continue to frustrate teams on the defensive end.”

Collegiate

Coach: Ashley Chatham (first year)

Last season: 12-14, lost to Male 77-13 in 26^th District semifinal

Player to watch: Rachel Disney, a 5-6 senior guard, returns after scoring a team-best 11.1 points per game last season and ranking second on the team in rebounding (8.7 rpg).

Other top players: Isabela Nibur (5-8, Soph., 6.0 ppg, 8.9 rpg); Charlotte Doninger (5-9, Sr., 5.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg); Kailey McClure (5-3, Sr., 2.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg).

Outlook: Chatham replaces Arrione Smith as the Amazons’ head coach. Led by Disney and Nibur, four of the top five scorers from last season return. Nibur and Disney ranked 1-2 on the team in rebounding last season.

Male

Coach: Maurice Ponder (fifth year)

Last season: 16-13, lost to Sacred Heart 76-45 in Seventh Region quarterfinal

Player to watch: Kalani Brock, a 5-7 senior, is the top returning scorer after averaging 5.2 points and 4.0 rebounds last season.

Other top players: MaKiya Humphrey (5-10, Sr.); Kamiya Verble (5-8, Fr.); Aubrey Bradshaw (5-9, Jr., 2.1 ppg); Lilly Holt (5-10, Sr.); Curstine Ellis (5-5, Jr.); Amiya Civiils (5-6, Fr., 2.4 ppg).

Outlook: The Bulldogs will look to replace their top eight scorers from last season, losing six to graduation and two to transfers. The biggest loss was top scorer Amirah Jordan (11.8 ppg), who is now a freshman at Sacred Heart. Ponder expects Brock and Humphrey to be leaders. Humphrey averaged 5.0 points and 4.9 rebounds as a sophomore but did not play last season. Ponder is looking for one or more of the underclassmen to emerge as reliable scorers.

27^th District

Atherton

Coach: Wayne Turner (fourth year)

Last season: 10-12, lost to Assumption 58-7 in Seventh Region quarterfinal

Player to watch: Tabor Boggs, a 5-7 sophomore, is the top returning scorer after averaging 8.2 points per game last season. She also chipped in 3.5 rebounds per game.

Other top player: Genesis Yarbrough (5-9, Soph., 3.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg).

Outlook: Boggs and Yarbrough are the only returning players who got significant varsity experience last season. The Ravens have qualified for the Seventh Region Tournament in three of the past four seasons.

Highlands Latin

Coach: T.J. Taxley

Last season: 11-14, lost to Sacred Heart 75-6 in 27^th District semifinal

Player to watch: Kara Lasoi, a 5-7 senior, returns after leading the Highlanders in scoring (7.0 ppg) last season and adding six rebounds per game.

Other top players: Mollie Robson (5-2, Soph., 2.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg); Juliet Gilbert (5-6, 8^th); Paige Prentice (5-7, Sr., 2.8 ppg): Anna Moran (5-8, Sr., 1.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg); Coco Magar (5-10, Soph.); Stella Railey (5-8, Soph.)

Outlook: Taxley replaces Eric Browning, who is now the head coach at Ballard. This will be the fifth varsity season for the Highlanders. “We will be a young, scrappy team,” Taxley said. “I think we will shock some people around the city.”

Sacred Heart

Coach: Donna Moir (33^rd year)

Last season: 36-3, beat McCracken County 68-53 in Sweet 16 championship game

Player to watch: ZaKiyah Johnson, a 6-foot junior guard/forward, is the top player in the state after winning back-to-back Gatorade Player of the Year and Sweet 16 MVP honors. She averaged 22.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.0 steals last season and improved from the 3-point line (39.6%). She has narrowed her college choices to a list of 12: Arizona, UConn, Georgia, LSU, Louisville, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, South Carolina, Southern California, Tennessee and UCLA.

Other top players: Reagan Bender (5-10, Sr., 15.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg); Angelina Pelayo (6-3, Sr., 11.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg); Claire Russell (5-7, Sr., 4.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg); Amirah Jordan (5-5, Fr., 11.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg at Male); Emi-Lee Howe (5-8, Sr., 2.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg); Addison Kincaid (6-0, Jr., 4.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg at Christian Academy); Morgan Frey (6-0, Jr., 1.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg).

Outlook: The Valkyries are the state’s clear No. 1 team as they chase a fourth straight state championship, a feat that’s never been accomplished in Kentucky. Johnson, Bender, Pelayo (North Carolina-Wilmington commit) and Russell are returning starters who understand their roles. The top newcomer is freshman point guard Jordan, who starred at Male last season and must fill the big shoes of the graduated Triniti Ralston. The Valkyries have won 44 straight games against Kentucky competition. A national schedule will feature trips to the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix and the St. James Martin Luther King Classic in Springfield, Virginia. Good showings in those events could propel the Valkyries up the national rankings — and be a sign for big things to come in March.

Seneca

Coach: David Girton (third year)

Last season: 8-16, lost to Atherton 37-30 in 27^th District semifinal

Player to watch: Arionna Tunstall, a 5-9 junior forward/center, returns after leading the team in scoring (9.1 ppg) and rebounding (10.1 rpg) last season.

Other top players: Justice Parks (5-7, Fr., 6.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg); Janell Julue (5-7, Fr., 5.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg); Timiah Harlan (5-7, Soph., 2.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg); Carliale Pollard (5-5, Jr., 1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg).

Outlook: The Redhawks return five of their top seven scorers from last season. Parks and Julue were significant contributors last season as eighth graders.

Waggener

Coach: Glennisa Nichols (second year)

Last season: 3-27, lost to Highlands Latin 50-32 in 27^th District first round

Player to watch: McKenzie Sweasy, a 5-2 junior guard, returns after scoring a team-high 7.5 points per game last season. She also shot 37.2% from 3-point range (35 of 94).

Other top players: Kamaria McCants (5-4, Jr., 7.0 ppg); Zarayiah Brison (5-6, Sr., 7.4 ppg); Nyla Railey (5-6, Sr., 3.2 ppg); Maryann McQueary (5-8, Jr., 2.5 ppg); Lillie Gernert (5-5, Soph., 2.6 ppg).

Outlook: The Wildcats return their top six scorers from last season’s team that started 0-16 before getting its first win, 44-30, at Cloverport on Jan. 14. Waggener is rebuilding after not having a varsity squad during the 2020-21 season.

28^th District

Ballard

Coach: Eric Browning (first year)

Last season: 9-22, lost to Manual 86-36 in Seventh Region quarterfinal

Player to watch: Trinity Armour, a 5-11 senior forward, averaged 8.8 points and 8.3 rebounds last season. She has offers from Campbellsville-Harrodsburg and Rose-Hulman.

Other top players: Makayla May (5-6, Sr., 5.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg); Chandler Duncan (5-10, Sr.); Serena Lyons (5-6, Jr., 1.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg); Bella Horvatinovich (5-9, Jr.); Myah Koralia (5-7, Jr., 2.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg); Kendall Taylor (5-7, Soph., 4.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg); Ari Rogers (5-7, Soph., 7.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg).

Outlook: Browning was the head coach at Highlands Latin last season and previously was an assistant at Male and Pleasure Ridge Park. The Bruins are seeking their first winning record since going 17-12 in 2017-18. “I know we will play hard and be competitive,” Browning said. “I think our strength will be our depth, and my concern is they haven’t had much success lately. Getting them some confidence will be key.”

Christian Academy

Coach: Byron Wilkins (second year)

Last season: 20-10, lost to Central 58-47 in Seventh Region quarterfinal

Player to watch: Brianna Wilkins, a 5-8 guard, is one of the state’s top sophomores. She averaged 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds last season and hit a team-best 41 3-pointers. She holds an offer from Northern Kentucky.

Other top players: Savannah Gardner (5-6, Sr., 10.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg); Bailee Duck (5-6, Jr., 9.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg); Ella Daniels (5-6, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg); Maggie Hydes (5-2, Jr., 1.6 ppg); Ava Moore (5-8, Soph., 6.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg); Jaida Allen (5-7, Soph., 3.9 ppg).

Outlook: The Centurions lost two key transfers — senior Mariah Knight (15.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg) to Butler and junior Addison Kincaid (4.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg) to Sacred Heart — but there’s still plenty of high-level talent on the roster. Gardner has committed to Eastern Kentucky and returns after playing three games last season because of an ankle injury. “She’s a walking double-double and will be a dark horse to be an All-State player,” Byron Wilkins said. Duck has offers from Northern Kentucky and Bellarmine, Moore has an offer from Bellarmine and Daniels has signed with the University of Tampa. “This team will play fast and be able to score at multiple positions,” Byron Wilkins said.

Eastern

Coach: Brandy Middleton (first year)

Last season: 4-24, lost to Ballard 43-34 in 28^th District semifinal

Player to watch: Santaizia Thomas, a 5-6 senior, is the top returning scorer (5.0 ppg) and rebounder (4.8 rpg) from last season.

Other top players: Savannah Weihe (5-10, Sr., 1.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg); Kamora Howard (5-6, Soph.).

Outlook: Middleton replaces Madison Clements as the Eagles’ head coach. Eastern lost its top three scorers from last season to graduation: Sophie Arnold (8.1 ppg), Ava Foos (5.4 ppg) and Sarah Argabright (5.1 ppg).

Kentucky Country Day

Coach: Kristen Grogan (fifth year)

Last season: 4-13, did not compete in postseason

Player to watch: Zaylee Madison, a 5-7 freshman point guard, will see an increased role this season after averaging 1.6 points as an eighth grader. “She’ll be very instrumental as the primary ballhandler, and she can shoot from outside,” Grogan said. “She didn’t play a lot last season, so we have to get her more comfortable.”

Other top players: McKenzie Doss (5-9, Fr., 2.7 ppg); Kennedy Harcourt (5-5, Sr.); Amie Ladd (5-2, Sr.); Edie Daughtery (5-9, Sr.).

Outlook: Sophomore Eleanor Beam led the team in scoring (8.4 ppg) last season but did not return in order to focus on lacrosse, Grogan said. The Bearcats will not participate in the 28^th District Tournament.

Independent

Grace James

Coach: Armond Wilson (first year)

Last season: No varsity team

Player to watch: Faith Mosley, a 5-5 eighth grader, led Western in scoring (17.4) as a seventh grader last season. She added 3.1 rebounds per game and tied for the team lead in 3-pointers (24).

Other top players: Alicia Mangrum (5-9, 8^th, 5.3 ppg at Male); Takenzie Young (5-6, 8^th, 14.1 ppg at Southern); A’Maria Pegues (6-0, 8^th, 1.5 ppg at Western); Alexandria Brittle (5-4, 8^th); London Woods (5-8, Fr.); Aryden Brewer (5-6, Fr.); Trinity Reed (5-10, Fr.)

Outlook: This will be the first varsity season for Grace James, an all-girls school with an Afrocentric-based curriculum. The school’s nickname, Gems, is an acronym for “Girls Excelling in Math and Science.” Grace James will rely on freshmen and eighth graders, but several gained varsity experience at other Jefferson County Public Schools. Mosley and Young led their respective teams in scoring. “Our strength will be our speed and defensive intensity,” Wilson said. “My major concern will be our lack of experience.” The KHSAA has not yet assigned a region or district for Grace James.

More girls basketball: Get to know the top teams and players in the Sixth Region

Reach Jason Frakes at jfrakes@courier-journal.com and follow him on X @kyhighs.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA girls basketball: Top teams, players in 7th Region for 2023-24