CORBIN — Defending 13th Region champion North Laurel continued its strong early-season play with a 58-34 win over Corbin in the Redhound Christmas Bash, improving to 6-1 on the season and extending its winning streak to six games. Corbin slipped to 4-2 with its second straight loss to a 13th Region opponent.
North Laurel’s defense set the tone from the opening tip, limiting the Lady Redhounds to just 10 made field goals in the game.
“I thought our defense really set the tone from the start,” North Laurel coach Eddie Mahan said. “Holding Corbin to 34 points is a credit to our effort, our rotations, and how locked in we were on that end of the floor especially early on.”
The Lady Jaguars jumped out early, leading 17-4 at the end of the first quarter behind five points from Bella Mahan, who also knocked down a 3-pointer. North Laurel continued to build separation in the second quarter, taking a 34-16 lead into halftime as Haley Combs, Mahan and Mariella Claybrook each scored four points in the period, with Mahan connecting on her second 3 of the half.
Claybrook made her presence felt on both ends of the floor throughout the night.
“Mariella Claybrook was dominant in the paint. Thirteen points, eleven rebounds, and nine blocks don’t happen by accident she controlled the game defensively and gave us a huge presence around the rim,” Mahan added. “Haley Combs does so many things that don’t always show up in the box score, but tonight they did. Five assists and constant pressure on the ball really helped us play at our pace and create scoring opportunities for others.”
North Laurel pulled away even further after the break, pushing its advantage to 49-21 entering the fourth quarter. Bella Lewis and Paisley Kilburn each hit a 3-pointer during the third quarter as the Lady Jaguars maintained control.
“We shared the ball well and got contributions from several players,” Mahan said. “Bella Mahan, and Bella Lewis, stepped up offensively and gave us great balance.”
Claybrook led North Laurel with 13 points, while Combs and Mahan added nine points apiece. Lewis finished with eight points, Laylee Phillips scored seven, Kilburn had six, and Jasslyn Philpot chipped in two.
“I was pleased with our overall efficiency,” Mahan added. “We shot 42 percent from the floor and did a good job attacking the paint, especially in the first half when we were able to build separation. We have to get in better shape to keep our defensive intensity and I am going to have to figure out some better rotations for us to really become the team I know we can.”
For Corbin, Lydia King and Aubree Clemens led the Lady Redhounds with six points each.
