LEXINGTON — They did it again.
The North Laurel Middle School Girls’ Seventh Grade Basketball Team captured their second straight HYPEHER Middle School State Championship on Saturday, upending Belfry, 58-33.
The Lady Jaguars also recorded wins over Boyd County (53-25), Nicholas County (39-16), and Marion County (64-20).
“I’m incredibly proud of these girls and the dedication they’ve shown all season,” North Laurel coach Jared Fields said. “Their hard work, teamwork, and resilience led them to this well-deserved state championship. It’s an honor to coach such a determined, talented group of athletes.
“The team played the best they’ve played all year,” he added. “They played great team ball and outstanding defense. Every player showed up to play and gave it their all on the court.”
North Laurel varsity coach Eddie Mahan said, “the term strength in numbers comes to mind for this group.”
“This team is a very skilled group,” he added. “Two state championships is a special accomplishment, but not a surprising one. When they play together and play on the defensive end then they are extremely hard to beat. If this group keeps working like they have and commits to winning, you will see this group continue to do successful things in basketball.”
Members of the team are: Laylee Phillips, who was named MVP of the tournament, KK Sutton, Addy Fields, Jaslyn Philpot, Ella Root, Karrington Jervis, Paisley Robinson, Kenzie Lawson, Ella Hubbard, and Ryse Anne Joyner.
