CORBIN — South Laurel turned in one of its best defensive performances of the season Friday, holding Knox Central to its lowest point total of the year while cruising to a 56-31 victory in the semifinals of the 13th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament at The Arena.
With the win, the Lady Cardinals improved to 26-6 and earned a berth in the 13th Region championship game for the eighth time in school history. Knox Central finished its season at 24-6.
“Proud of our kids tonight for locking in on the game plan and implementing it,” South Laurel coach Tod Windlan said. “Thought Callie Jones, Aubrey Bundy and Maci Messer did a great job of taking Mills completely out of the game.
“We were not happy at halftime with our defensive talk and rebounding,” he added. “We were very good in second half on both of those and the score indicated that, holding Knox to 11 second half points. Skeeter Mabe was very good defending No. 21 and getting to rim on offense and finding the open man.
“We are where we want to be playing in the championship of the 13th Region and wanting to stay hungry and achieve more,” Windlan continued. “Our kids will go compete and play hard and represent South Laurel very well. Go Cards.”
South Laurel set the tone early, jumping out to a 16-8 lead after the first quarter behind strong defensive pressure and efficient scoring.
The Lady Cardinals continued to control the tempo in the second quarter and carried a 28-20 advantage into halftime.
Knox Central was unable to get much offense going in the second half as South Laurel’s defense tightened even more.
The Lady Panthers were held to just 11 second-half points, including only two points in the fourth quarter, as the Lady Cardinals steadily pulled away.
South Laurel extended the lead to 39-29 after three quarters before closing the game with a dominant 17-2 run in the final period.
Maci Messer led the Lady Cardinals with 18 points while Skeeter Mabe finished with 10 points, and McKenzie Fannin chipped in 9 points.
Shelbie Mills led Knox Central with eight points while Kaylynn Smith added five points and 10 rebounds.
South Laurel finished the night shooting 40.5 percent (17-of-42) from the floor and outrebounded Knox Central, 32-28.
The victory adds another chapter to South Laurel’s strong regional history.
The Lady Cardinals now own a 27-14 all-time record in the 13th Region Tournament and will be playing for their fourth regional championship after previously winning three titles.
Knox Central fell to 19-37 all-time in the regional tournament.
