LOUISVILLE — South Laurel made a statement on a big stage Friday, handing No. 8 Taylor County its first loss of the season with a 54-47 overtime victory in the Queens of the Bluegrass Tournament.
The Lady Cardinals (7-1) handed Taylor County its first loss of the season by refusing to lose when the momentum swung late.
South Laurel controlled much of the game, building a nine-point lead in the closing minutes of regulation, before Taylor County fought back and forced overtime with a tough late bucket.
That’s when the Lady Cardinals took over for good.
South Laurel stormed through the extra period with a 10-3 overtime advantage, turning defense, composure, and clutch free-throw shooting into separation when it mattered most.
“Big win for our program as we defeated No. 8 Taylor County handing them their first loss of the season,” South Laurel coach Tod Windlan said. “We played very well for 28 minutes and built a nine point lead with less than four minutes to play then we made some poor decisions on both ends and Taylor County made a tough shot to send it into overtime.
“I was proud of how we lost the lead and momentum but came out and dominated the overtime, 10-3, that showed me how mentally tough we can be,” he added. “Ryleigh Bretz got us started in overtime with a transition basket off a Maci Messer steal and then Callie Jones followed that with a short jumper in the lane. We then closed it out going 6-of-8 from the free throw-line and 17of-22 for game.”
Maci Messer led the way with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds while Callie Jones delivered a poised all-around performance with 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Skeeter Mabe had nine points, eight rebounds, and six assists, and Ryleigh Bretz added nine points and five rebounds, including the spark that ignited overtime. Aubrey Bundy chipped in six points.
South Laurel also leaned on key bench contributions when the game tightened.
“Got great minutes from Shelby Smith,” Windlan said. “She scored four points and Kenzie Fannin had three points off the bench.
“We play at 5 p.m. Sunday in the semifinals against Cooper,” he added. “Proud of our program and South family. Go Cards.”
