LONDON — The latest chapter of the North Laurel–South Laurel rivalry lived up to its billing Friday night, as the Jaguars rode a dominant second half to earn a 56–40 victory in their first meeting since last season’s 13th Region championship game.
North Laurel (1-1) set the tone early, leading 11–7 after the first quarter and 22–15 at halftime before breaking things open during a decisive third frame.
The Jaguars outscored South Laurel 18–7 in the period, stretching their advantage to 40–22 entering the fourth.
North coach Nate Valentine said he liked the way his team answered after Tuesday’s loss to Lexington Catholic.
“I thought we played with great effort tonight and responded from Tuesday’s loss ,” he said. “We are still have a long way to go but I like the progress we made in the last three days.”
That progress was evident in the play of guards Cooper Elza and Corey Cunagin, who combined for 14 points in the third quarter alone. Both players added four more apiece in the fourth as North Laurel maintained control.
Elza finished with a game-high 15 points, followed by Cunagin with 14 and Reece Davidson with 12.
South Laurel (0-1) struggled to find consistent scoring but battled throughout the game.
Kaden Taylor knocked down three 3-pointers and scored 14 points to lead the Cardinals while Isaiah Robinson added 10.
Despite trailing by 20 at one point, South Laurel never quit — something coach Jeff Davis was quick to praise.
“Really proud of our team and the way they battled,” Davis said. “We just had some bad stretches and they were able to gap us a little. We could’ve gave up when we were down 20 but our guys kept playing. Really like this bunch and they will keep working and getting better.”
