LOUISVILLE — South Laurel closed out a demanding four-day stretch in impressive fashion Monday, defeating Bullitt East 57-49 to claim third-place honors in the prestigious Queen of the Bluegrass Tournament.
The Lady Cardinals finished the tournament with a 3-1 record, playing four games in four days while improving to 8-2 overall on the season.
South Laurel set the tone early, leading 13-9 at the end of the first quarter and 25-18 at halftime before extending its advantage to 43-32 entering the fourth quarter.
Bullitt East made a late push, but the Lady Cardinals answered at the free-throw line to secure the win on the Chargers’ home floor.
Callie Jones led South Laurel with 16 points, while Maci Messer added 13. Skeeter Mabe chipped in 10 points, and Ryleigh Bretz turned in a strong all-around performance with eight points and 10 rebounds. Aubrey Bundy scored six, and Kenzie Fannin finished with three.
Bretz, Mabe, and Jones were all named to the tournament’s All-Tournament Team for their performances over the four-day event.
“Won a tough game playing a very solid Bullitt East on their home floor to complete the tournament 3-1,” South Laurel coach Tod Windlan said. “Really proud of my team and going against three ranked teams, and the other was a region finalist.
“We led the entire game and Ryleigh Bretz got us going with seven points in the first quarter,” he added. “We built the lead to 13 and took one more surge by Bullitt East but hit some late free throws to put the game away. Great experience for our team and blessed to be their coach. Go Cards.”
