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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LEXINGTON \u2014 It wasn\u2019t a win, but the North Laurel Jaguars are showing signs of improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Laurel built a 34-28 first half lead against Henry Clay only to see the Blue Devils rally to hand the Jaguars a 64-62 defeat on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Laurel is now 0-5 on the season with hopes of capturing its first win Thursday against 49th District for Oneida Baptist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe put ourselves in a position to get a win against a very good team and came up a little short,\u201d North Laurel coach Nate Valentine said. \u201cOur players and coaches have continued to work extremely hard this week to right the ship. I still have a lot of confidence in this team and we will continue to fight our way out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kole Jervis and Joel Smith each hit 3-pointer in the first quarter while Reece Davidson scored six points to help guide the Jaguars to a 14-11 lead heading into the second quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jordan Rawlings hit two 3-pointers, and scored eight points as North Laurel\u2019s lead grew to 34-28 at halftime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Henry Clay outscored Valentine\u2019s squad 18-7 in the third quarter to take a 46-41 lead, and wrapped up the win by holding off a late rally by the Jaguars in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n