HINDMAN — All eyes were on three-time defending 13th Region champion North Laurel’s matchup with Knox Central on Saturday.
Not only were the two teams battling for a spot in Saturday night’s WYMT Mountain Classic championship but also to see who reigns supreme in the 13th Region.
The Lady Jaguars entered the matchup as the region’s top-ranked team while the Lady Panthers came in with a No. 3 ranking.
When all was said and done, North Laurel’s showed the road to the 13th Region championship could very well go through London once again.
The Lady Jaguars took charge from beginning to end, handing Knox Central a 73-52 loss while improving to 3-1 during the process. North Laurel is now 105-13 against 13th Region opponents dating back to the 2017-18 season.
“We were really pleased with the way our team responded and played a complete four-quarter game in a 73–52 win over Knox Central,” North Laurel’s coach Eddie Mahan said. “Knox Central is a well-coached team, and Shelbie Mills is one of the best guards in our region. She does a tremendous job controlling the tempo, creating shots, and competing on both ends of the floor, and we have a lot of respect for how hard she plays. I thought our kids accepted the challenge and stayed disciplined defensively throughout the night.
“Defensively, this was one of our better efforts of the early season and really set the tone early after some early offensive stumbles,” he added. “Giving up 52 points may not seem great but at the pace of the game I thought it was a good overall effort. We limited their scoring runs by guarding with energy and purpose. Our ball pressure and help defense were key, and it showed up and allowed us to get out in transition and play to our strengths.”
Mariella Claybrook scored 11 of her team-best 21 points in the fourth quarter while Laylee Phillips continued her impressive play by tossing in 13 points. Bella Mahan knocked down two 3-pointers and finished with a career high 12 point effort while Bella Lewis added 10 points.
North Laurel’s finished with eight 3-pointers and a 7-of-11 effort at the free-throw line.
“Offensively, we shared the ball well and got contributions from several players,” Mahan said. “Mariella Claybrook had a strong night with 21 points and was very efficient around the basket, while doing a great job on the glass with 13 rebounds. We also got solid scoring from Bella Lewis (11), Bella Mahan (13), Laylee Phillips (11), and Haley Combs (9), which really speaks to our balance.
“Overall, this was a good step forward for our team,” he added. “When we defend, rebound, and play unselfish basketball, we are capable of being a very tough team to play. I was proud of our focus and effort, and now the challenge is to bring that same defensive intensity and team mindset every night as we continue to grow. We were down a player with the flu and have had some sickness this week. Hopefully our legs can hold up in the championship game tonight. We will be challenged no matter who the opponent.”
The Lady Jaguars started the game with four 3-pointers in the first quarter while building a 23-17 lead. Their edge grew to 41-27 at halftime, and 56-37 entering the fourth quarter.
Shelbie Mills led Knox Central with 17 points and three 3-pointers while Mackenzie Hensley added 13 points and Kailyn Smith added 11 points.
