Much like the 5th Region Boys Basketball for the next season, the 5th Region Girls could be going through some changes, but outside of a few changes, it still looks very familiar despite a few moves here and there. Not even a day removed from Sacred Heart’s exciting win over Marshall County for the 2021 KHSAA Girls State Championship game, everyone is looking forward and yet it stay may look like this season.
Bethlehem looks to be the favorite again after making three straight Region Final appearances and although the Banshees most likely will lose only two senior starters, they are big ones in terms of importance. Both Amelia Hodges and Ella Thompson will leave a pretty big hole in the puzzle, but head coach Jason Clark will still have a lot to work around thanks to a pretty good supporting cast. Senior’s-to-be guards Kasey Spalding and Bailey Bishop will be back as well as Carlie Thurmond will had a fantastic freshman season. Inside threats Xaviara Smalley and Emma Filiatreau will fill the post and Clark will expect more production from Ashlyn Miles, Tessa Miles, Kensey Clayton, Hallie Hurst and
Khloe Young.
Central Hardin shouldn’t be too far behind thanks to coach Kristina Covington-Jones development of scorers Monica Lindsey and Alyssa Lindsey as well as the other group of sisters Kaniya Kendricks and Kaiden Kendricks as well. Covington-Jones also got plenty of production from Mallory Reed and Kathryn Gray in the Lady Bruins defensive minded attack. With the Kendrick sisters gone, the Lady Bruins will look for more playing time from Khania Jones and Julianna Stith if they are to make another Region Championship appearance.
Elizabethtown may have surprised many with their 23-0 start, but those around the Lady Panther program know better than to overlook head coach Donnie Swiney’s team as they almost always seem to be well prepared no matter how many starters they lose. This time around, things may be a bit different despite another great season, it was the finish that was disappointing. Still, if Leah Macy has a another great season along with Kenzie Franklin and Sarah Clark and Swiney can find some replacements for departed Freeman, Dornan and Presley Payne then they can have another winning season.
For the second straight season, Bardstown had Regional Semi-final exit and coach Amber Courtney will lose two seniors from the team, but she should still be in great shape if Jaileyah Cotton (one of the Area’s most dangerous scorers) and outside shooter Kadence Walls have another great season, the Lady Tigers should make another run towards the Region Title.
Chris Blaydes had another successful season for Green County, but after a 14-8 season and a semi-final’s appearance in the Region Tournament, next season could be a rebuilding one. The loss of five seniors could greatly impact the Lady Dragons and with only Tanlee Hudgins returning, Blaydes will be looking for starters in a lot of positions.
Campbellsville will return four starters from a team which coach David Petett piloted to 14-wins and a first round appearance in the Region tourney. Briante Gowdy led the team in scoring and rebounding while Lainey Watson was tops in three point shooting. Kylyn Smith and Rylee Petett are also returnees.
Coach John Burd has led the Hart County Lady Raiders to three straight Region Tournaments and will have a very talented team next season with the return of all five starters. Haley Sturgeon is the team’s leading scrorer and top rebounder and Dea Bradley is right behind her. Kiley Adcock is the top three point shooter and junior’s-to-be Kenly Christy and Emma Smith will also be back.
Marion County weathered a rough transition period under coach Kelly Wood and although they struggled at times with a 9-6 record, the Lady Knights will return four starters from that team. Deyera Spalding led the team in scoring and rebounding, while Lily Thompson was the best outside shooter. Keke Adams and Adrianna Gordon round out the returning starters.
Nelson County made some major improvements with a 12-13 record and an appearance in the Region tourney and coach Mike Menifee will return four starters from that team including guard Macy Runner, who led the team in scoring and rebounding. Shaylah Redmon, along with Avery Wilson, and Alivia Morris will round out a great and talented bunch.
