MCKEE — A focused and well-prepared North Laurel Jaguar squad turned in one of their best efforts of the season, capturing the 49th District championship on Thursday with a 73-61 win over Clay County.
Led by Reece Davidson’s 28 points, North Laurel seized control of the contest in the first quarter and pulled away in the second half.
“I’m so proud of our guys tonight,” North Laurel coach Nate Valentine said. “They were locked in all day and came out and played with such great poise. This was a total team effort. Every player and coach in the program had a hand in tonight. Huge thanks to our cheerleaders and band for their continued support. North Laurel Nation showed up tonight in a big way.”
Davidson scored eight points in the first quarter while Jordan Rawlings added five points to give the Jaguars a 15-12 lead.
Davidson added nine points in the second quarter while Kole Jervis added seven points as North Laurel held a 33-30 edge at halftime.
The Jaguars knocked down four 3-pointers in the third quarter as Rawlings hit two, and scored six points while Davidson and Jervis both hit one apiece to help their team take a 54-45 lead in the fourth quarter.
Davidson and Cooper Elza scored six points apiece in the fourth quarter while RJ Noble added five points and Jervis scored two points as North Laurel pulled away in the final eight minutes.
Adon Grubb led Clay County with 19 points while Ethan Jackson and Aiden Wagers added 12 points apiece. Jerrod Roark finished with 11 points.
Photos by Tanner Hoskins; Team Photo and Aaron Grubb Photo by Gabs Melton
