CORBIN — North Laurel continued its recent dominance of the 13th Region on Monday night.
The Jaguars defeated Bell County 51-38 to win the 13th Region Boys’ Championship at The Arena in Corbin, claiming their second consecutive regional title and fourth championship in the past five seasons.
North Laurel has now captured five 13th Region titles overall (2012, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026).
The win also served as a measure of redemption for the Jaguars, as Bell County had defeated North Laurel earlier in the season in overtime.
“I’m elated for our players,” North Laurel coach Nate Valentine said. “These guys have worked incredibly hard this season and they never flinched when things got tough. These guys deserve to go back to Rupp Arena. It’s what they have dreamed about since they were little. I’m so proud of our two seniors, Jordan and Reece, to be able to make their third trip to Rupp in four years. Both battled back from offseason knee injuries to get this program back to a championship.
“We are so thankful for North Laurel Nation tonight,” he added. “Our administration and coaches from other sports got all of their teams to come cheer us on and we are forever grateful. Awesome night for the North Laurel family.”
North Laurel (28-7) came out firing Monday night, scoring the game’s first 13 points while holding Bell County (27-7) scoreless for the opening five minutes.
The Bobcats responded with an 11-0 run, cutting the deficit to 13-11 early in the second quarter.
The Jaguars were held without a point for nearly five minutes before finally pushing the lead to 15-11 midway through the period.
North Laurel regrouped and gradually regained control of the game. The Jaguars led 17-14 at halftime before pulling away in the second half.
North Laurel outscored Bell County 34-24 after the break, including a 19-15 edge in the fourth quarter, to seal the championship.
The Jaguars shot 51.7 percent from the field (15-of-29, including a red-hot 7-of-13 effort from 3-point range), and knocked down 14-of-18 free throws, while Bell County was held to 35.9 percent shooting (14-of-39), and 2-for-15 from 3-point range.
13th Region Tournament Most Valuable Player Reece Davidson led North Laurel with 15 points, five assists, three steals and two blocks while Kaiden Allen hit four 3-pointers and finished with 12 points. Corey Cunagin added 12 points, Jordan Rawlings had eight points, and Cooper Elza scored four points.
Joining him on the All-Tournament Team from North Laurel were Kaiden Allen, Corey Cunagin, Cooper Elza and Jordan Rawlings.
Bell County was led by Blake Burnett with 14 points while Ethan Buell finished with 10 points. Jaxson Thomas chipped in five points while Braxton Ferguson finished with four points. Chase Huff scored three points, and Gavin Barton added two points.
Bell County’s Ferguson, Burnett and Buell were also named to the All-Tournament Team.
With the win, North Laurel improved its all-time record in the 13th Region Tournament to 25-12 and is now 5-3 in regional championship games.
