![](\"https:\/\/www.13thregionmedianetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_4207-1-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LONDON \u2014 North Laurel will be making its third appearance in four years at the Sweet 16 Thursday with hopes of bringing home the program\u2019s first state championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But first things first, the Jaguars will need to find a way to get past a red-hot Breathitt County squad that defeated Hazard, 61-59, in the 14th Region finals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur guys have been confident every step of the way,\u201d North Laurel coach Nate Valentine said. \u201cWhen our guys step on the floor, they truly believe they can beat anyone because of the work they have put in and the belief they have in one another. Everyone is talented when you get to the State tournament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe went through a challenging field to get to this point, and I think that can benefit us,\u201d he added. \u201cWe\u2019ve been focused on the task at hand all season and we will continue with the same approach. Our focus is on Breathitt County.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both teams enter Thursday\u2019s contest playing some of their best basketball of the season, reeling off five wins in a row apiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI thought we played well down the stretch and finally had some breaks go our way,\u201d Valentine said. \u201cWe have continued to get better defensively all season and that must continue. When you can make the other team take tough shots and limit them to one shot per possession, you usually have a chance to win the game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valentine also credits a tough slate of games preparing his team for the battles they\u2019ve faced in postseason play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think our schedule has certainly helped prepare us to this point and can only help as we move forward,\u201d Valentine said. \u201cWe\u2019ve played many contrasting styles that have forced us to adapt. Breathitt County brings new challenges for our team. They have a Division I guard in Austin Sperry, that leads the way. They have good shooters and post players to go along with him. They are extremely well coached and don\u2019t beat themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sperry leads the Bobcats with a 23.5 scoring average. He\u2019s also averaging 6.5 rebounds per game. Braxton Terry is averaging 10.5 points per game while turning in a team-best 8.4 rebounding average. Payton Collins averages 7.6 points per game while Canaan Gross and Aaron Stallard are averaging an identical 7.0 points per game. Joseph Honeycutt is averaging 6.6 points per game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Laurel counters with junior Reece Davidson, who is averaging 20.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Jordan Rawlings is averaging 10.1 points per game while Kole Jervis (8.2), RJ Noble (7.9), Cooper Elza (6.6), and Corey Cunagin (3.8) follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have to continue to do what we\u2019ve done all season long, and that’s continue to work and get better,\u201d Valentine said. \u201cThis will be another physical game, and we have to get in the fight from the tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n