Johnson Central, Martin County and Paintsville each compiled a 4-2 57th District record during the regular season.
That created a three-way tie for the top spot in the 57th District boys’ basketball standings.
Johnson Central: Perennial title contender Johnson Central is a young team, but talented.
Sophomores Austin Slone and Bradyen Shepherd are combining to average over 48 points per game for the Golden Eagles. Both Slone and Shepherd have averaged over 20-plus points per game for Jonson Central throughout the 2024-25 boys’ high school basketball season. Slone and Shepherd form one of the top boys’ high school basketball tandems regardless of class in the state.
Along with the talented duo, Mason McKenzie, Kyle Rose and Dawson Montgomery deliver consistently for the Golden Eagles.
Johnson Central missed out on reaching the 2024-25 57th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament title game but managed to advance to the 15th Region semifinals.
Head coach Tommy McKenzie guides the Golden Eagles.
Magoffin County: Reigning 15th Region champion Magoffin County returned only one starter from last year’s title team and finished 0-6 versus 57th District opponents during the 2024-25 boys’ high school basketball regular season.
But the inexperienced Hornets are improving.
Lone returning starter Walker Russell is leading the Hornets. Through Magoffin County’s first 25 games, Russell was 27.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest.
Parker Bowling, Tayte Hall, Jackson Gilliland, Michael Trusty and Dason Burchett, among others, help to pace the Hornets.
Magoffin County finished runner-up to Martin County in the 2023-24 57th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament.
Head coach Scott Castle guides the Hornets.
Martin County: Defending 57th District champion Martin County captured the 15th Region All “A” Classic boys’ basketball title during the regular season.
Parker Watts leads the Cardinals. Through Martin County’s first 25 games, Watts was averaging 27.5 points per contest.
Along with Watts, Peyton Davis and Bryson Dials excel for the Cardinals. Davis and Dials are combining to average over 30 points per game.
As part of a talent-heavy roster, Devan Maynard, Brayden Estep and Eli Mills also produce regularly for the Cardinals.
Martin County is the defending 57th District boys’ basketball champion.
The Cardinals score a lot regularly. Heading into the postseason, Martin County ranks second behind Lawrence County in scoring among 15th Region boys’ basketball teams.
Head coach Jason James guides the Cardinals.
Paintsville: Four of Paintsville’s five starters average double figures in scoring. Averaging over 20 points per game, Ethan Cole leads the Tigers.
Along with Cole, Paintsville’s productive lineup features double figures scorers Anderson Lauffer, Brock Woods and Jase Kinner. Providing a strong presence inside for Paintsville, Woods leads the Tigers in rebounding.
As part of a capable group which can contend for a title, Parker Helton and Colton Short also contribute for former state champion Paintsville.
Head coach Landon Slone guides the Tigers.
