12th REGION MADNESS: Girls' 12th Region Basketball Tournament Preview

Starting on Monday at Pulaski County High School in Somerset, eight teams will battle for the right to make the trip to Rupp Arena as the 12th Region girls' Basketball Tournament gets underway. With Danville Christian being the reigning champions, can the Warriors go back-to-back to become the first team to win two straight 12th Region titles since Southwestern, or for the third-straight season will a new team hoist the trophy?

Danville Christian

Speaking of the Lady Warriors, Danville Christian again comes into the 12th Region Tournament as a heavy favorite as the 45th District Champions with a record of 22-7 after surviving a scare against Boyle County in the district title game. This team is built around star senior Grace Mbugua, a Louisville commit that missed the first half of the season while recovering from a torn ACL. Since returning in early January, the Warriors have lost just twice, while their star has averaged 22.3 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. They also feature strong three-point shooters in Paisley Metz and Grace Meyer, a great point guard in Alaya Quisenberry, and another strong big in Amauri Blackford, who also is averaging a double-double with 11.6 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Danville Christian has some stellar wins this year over Metcalfe County, Crittenden County and Bethlehem, all in their run to the All "A" state title.

Boyle County

The runners-up of the 45th District with a record of 16-13, the Lady Rebels are an extremely young team but came very close to upsetting Danville Christian in the district finals, falling by just four points. Freshman Addison Yates is going to be one heck of a ball player, as she is averaging 16.3 points per game to help lead her team. There isn't a single senior on this roster, with their second-leading scorer being eighth grader Kensley Leffew at 7.1 points per game.

West Jessamine

The Colts made a Cinderella type of run to the regional finals last season, but make no mistake they are one of the big favorites to cut down the nets this year after winning their first district title. Despite losing starters Ariana McLoney and Isabella Lewis for the year, West Jess has the best record in the region this year at 24-7 and are undefeated in region play, being the only team to down Danville Christian. A big part of that is sophomore sensation Claire Marshall, who averages a double-double with 15.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. They also have a sniper from long range in junior Katie Mastin (37.7%) and a dependable big in junior Kimberly Johnson (7.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game). Additionally, the Colts have quality wins over Pulaski County and Anderson County this season.

Mercer County

The Titans may have saw their streak of district titles come to an end, but will be back in the regional tournament once again under new (but old) head coach Chris Souder. Mercer has struggled through most of the year with a very young team, bolstering a 10-21 record. Most of the offense is ran through sophomore big Izzie Carlton, who averages 13.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Eighth grader Cardin Sickles may be a name to note for years to come, as she has averaged 8.4 points per game this year.

Rockcastle County

The Lady Rockets are once again champions of the 47th District and are playing their best basketball coming into March, go figure with legendary head coach Chrysti Noble at the helm, as they have a record of 22-8 and have won their last 11 games. Rockcastle has a two-headed monster to lead their team with juniors Taylor King and Macy Spivey. King averages 19.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game to go along with a 41.3% shooting clip from deep, while Spivey, after suffering a torn ACL in last year's regional tournament, has bounced back with 16.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. The Rockets have quality wins over Pulaski County (twice), Wayne County, Southwestern and South Laurel.

Pulaski County

It was expected to be a rebuilding year for the Lady Maroons after losing all-time great Sydney Martin, however the Maroons are right back in the regional tournament with a record of 19-11. Junior point guard Madeline Butcher was handed the keys to the offense and has florished, totaling 16.8 points per game. They also feature quality guards Hannah Murray and Taylen Ralston, both capable defenders and shooters, and have a treasure chest full of talented underclassmen such as Lilee Todd, Caroline Heist and Bella Stevens. This team is built to compete for several years to come, but have proven their worth this season with wins over Pikeville, Knott County Central, Whitefield Academy, Rockcastle County, Barren County and Wayne County.

Wayne County

The Lady Cardinals are experiencing one of their best seasons in quite some time, winning their first district title in over a decade en route to a 17-11 record. Junior Adeline Heatherly leads the way with 12 points per game, but both Kelci Debord and Abigail Heatherly can be counted on to score in clutch time as well. Wayne will be slightly hurt by the absence of freshman big Harlow Clark, who is out with an injury, but senior Pandora Hunter has filled in well for her since the injury was suffered. The Cards have a few quality wins this season, over the likes of Southwestern and Cumberland County.

Southwestern

The Warriors come into the regional tournament in the unfamiliar position as a district runner-up, as their streak of 12-straight 48th District titles came to an end. Looking for their first regional title since 2022 with a record of 18-11, don't count out head coach Junior Molden's crew. The Warriors feature a blend of upperclassmen and underclassmen talent, but senior guard Kinsley Molden, one of the top three-point shooters in the region, leads the way with 14.3 points per game. Seniors Ava Jones and Jessalyn Flynn are strong from deep as well, with Flynn being one of the best defenders in the region. The depth of this team is key, as underclassmen Jaelyn Dye, McKaila Monroe, Mollie Osborne, Kylie Dalton, Kenzie Williams and Kiara Scott all see time on the floor. Southwestern has had several quality wins this year, including taking West Jessamine down to the wire in a 60-59 overtime loss, defeating Pulaski County (twice), Perry County Central, Christian County, Wayne County (twice), Corbin, Anderson County and Green County.

The bracket was drawn on Saturday morning, and here are the matchups!

Game 1: Rockcastle County vs Boyle County (Monday at 6:30 p.m.)

The Lady Rockets played the Lady Rebels in December, with Rockcastle winning 49-44. The Rockets have a 5-1 advantage over Boyle since 2011, per the KHSAA.

Game 2: Wayne County vs Mercer County (Monday at 8:15 p.m.)

The Lady Cardinals did not play the Titans this season, with Wayne having a 9-15 against Mercer since 1999, per the KHSAA.

Game 3: Danville Christian vs Pulaski County (Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.)

The Lady Warriors and the Lady Maroons did not play this season and they have only played one time prior per the KHSAA, a Pulaski win back in 2022.

Game 4: West Jessamine vs Southwestern (Tuesday at 8:15 p.m.)

A rematch from West Jessamine's overtime victory in December, the Colts have a 2-7 record against the Warriors dating back to 2012, per the KHSAA, and defeated the Warriors in last year's 12th Region Semifinals.

Games 5 & 6 (Semifinals): Friday at 6:30 & 8:15 p.m.

Game 7 (Championship): Saturday at 7 p.m.

Independent local stories like this are available to capture the essence of local sports. Support my continued independent work solely funded by donations. Local sports stories always deserve full coverage, it is my passion to highlight the talent and hard work put in by our youth. If you feel like donating, my Venmo is @PRATT-3523.