By John Henson
Sports Writer
While district rivals Bell County, Harlan County and Harlan have taken their turns representing the 13th Region at the Sweet Sixteen over the past 13 years, the Middlesboro Lady Jackets have been largely irrelevant since their last district tournament victory in 2011.
The Lady Jackets hope to reverse that trend in 2025 with four starters and several key reserves returning from last year’s 9-19 campaign that included a four-game winning streak to close the regular season.
“Unlike previous years, we are finally an experienced team,” Middlesboro coach Sally Adams said. “With some new additions and our younger girls getting so much playing time in their eighth grade and freshman years, they should be more than comfortable on the floor.”
With a lineup that will likely feature four guards, the Lady Jackets are like many teams in the region that lack size.
“We are still not the tallest team in the region, but we hope to beat that downfall with our quickness and discipline in our game philosophy,” Adams said.
Senior guard Keevie Betts (17.3 points per game last season, 5.5 rebounds) is the most athletic and experienced player on the roster. Betts is dangerous off the dribble and one of the team’s best 3-point shooters, in addition to her skills on the defensive end.
“She is a leader on our team,” Adams said. “She is an athlete that deserves more recognition than she gets for her aggressiveness and execution on the offensive and defensive ends.”
Emily Lambert (6.2), a 5-5 freshman, was second on the team in scoring behind Betts and ranked first in free throw percentage at over 81 percent per game.
“Emily is very aggressive on the defensive end,” Adams said. “She has a bright future ahead of her.”
Morgan Martin (5.0, 3.9) and Millie Roberts (4.5, 2.3), both 5-5 sophomores, also return to the backcourt.
“Morgan is one of our best ball handlers, and she has a high basketball IQ,” Adams said. “Millie will run through a brick wall if I asked her to. She has a great work ethic and determination. She also has a great shot.”
Trinity Partin (2.0, 3.0), a 5-6 junior, and Jenna Baker, a 5-5 sophomore, each played in over 20 varsity games last year in reserve roles and are both in the mix to win a starting spot this season.
“Trinity is another hard match up. She’s very long and can play as a guard or a post with the right matchup,” Adams said. “Jenna will be a good addition to our game plan. She can be physical and can shoot the ball when needed.”
Senior forward Aieza Ahmad played in 15 games last season and should provide depth in the post.
“Aieza is very intelligent and does the little things,” Adams said. “She handles the ball very well for a post player.”
Addyson Larew, a 5-7 junior who sat out last season, could also see action, along with junior center Addison Lucas.
“She is a hard match up for other teams. She can play the post and as a guard,” Adams said. “Addison is a very strong post player for us. She will help us a lot in the paint and has a great positive energy as well.
Sophomore forward Trinity Derossett played in all 28 games last season for the Lady Jackets and was tied for second on the team in rebounds at 3.9 per game.
“She was a great post for us last year, and she will also play a key part in our game strategy,” Adams said. “She didn’t play the summer due to an ankle injury.”
Adams likes the progress the Lady Jackets are making in the preseason.
“Trusting the process is big for these girls,” Adams said. “We’ve changed a lot about our game. The girls have been dedicated since the summer with learning new schemes and to our new strength and conditioning programs. As long as we continue to commit to our non-negotiables, we have the opportunity to be successful.”
Adams says the coaching staff will focus on goals for each player this season in each game.
“We are going to be very aware of a selection of stats this year. Those stats are a part of our goals for each game that need to be met,” Adams said. “That will impact our success in a positive way if we meet those goals.”
To end the string of losing seasons, Adams says her Lady Jackets must find more intensity.
“Our goal is to be the most aggressive and gritty team on the floor each game. I just want the girls to treat every game like it is the biggest game…because it is,” she said. “We should become better after every game, win or lose, because we are going to make sure we are the hardest working team in the region.”

 

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Bell County
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Barbourville
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Magic City Winter Classic
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Thomas Walker (Ewing), VA
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Magic City Winter Classic

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Jenkins
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Williamsburg
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2025 13th Region All A Classic
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J. Frank White Academy (Harrogate), TN
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Harlan County
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Thomas Walker (Ewing), VA
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J. Frank White Academy (Harrogate), TN
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Harlan County
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Jenkins
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McCreary Central
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Oneida Baptist Institute
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Tri-Cities Christian Academy (Blountville), TN
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