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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LEXINGTON \u2014 Survive and advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s the mindset for No. 10 North Laurel as the Jaguars return to the floor at historic Rupp Arena on Friday morning, facing No. 1 St. Xavier in the quarterfinals of the 108th UK HealthCare KHSAA Boys\u2019 Sweet 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. with a trip to the Final Four on the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both teams enter the matchup riding momentum after impressive opening-round victories on Wednesday. St. X (27-7) knocked off No. 2 Covington Catholic, 75-61 while North Laurel (29-7) delivered one of the tournament\u2019s biggest statements, eliminating No. 4 Warren Central \u2014 the state\u2019s top RPI team \u2014 with a 52-38 win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Tigers showcased their offensive firepower in their opener, placing five players in double figures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joshua Lindsay led the way with 21 points, followed by Jermaine Cameron (14), Connor Klein (12), Bryce Johnson (12), and Jordan Jackson (10). St. X was red-hot from the floor, shooting 30-of-48 overall and an eye-popping 12-of-18 from 3-point range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Laurel, meanwhile, leaned on its star power and defensive grit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senior Reece Davidson once again delivered on the state\u2019s biggest stage, finishing with 20 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. The standout senior \u2014 who averaged 38.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in last year\u2019s state tournament \u2014 added six rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Jaguars also received key contributions across the board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corey Cunagin added 11 points and four rebounds, Kaiden Allen chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Jordan Rawlings scored nine points with a pair of 3-pointers. Cooper Elza rounded out the scoring with two points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a team, North Laurel shot 17-of-35 from the floor, including 8-of-16 from 3-point range, and connected on 10-of-12 free throws. Even more impressive was the defensive effort, holding Warren Central to just 14-of-48 shooting and winning the rebounding battle, 29-23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, the challenge gets even tougher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSt. X is another good basketball team,\u201d North Laurel coach Nate Valentine said. \u201cThey are extremely athletic, good on the defensive end and have multiple weapons on the offensive end. They are well coached and shot the ball extremely well yesterday going 12-of-18 from 3 yesterday. We\u2019ll need another good defensive effort tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI believe our schedule has prepared us for this state tournament,\u201d he added. \u201cA team like St. X is very hard to simulate in practice. We have played a good mix of different styles of play this season. Playing Warren Central yesterday was a good preparation game as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYesterday was a very good win for our basketball program,\u201d Valentine continued. \u201cWarren Central is a top five team and was actually No. 1 in the RPI. Our guys play with great poise and persevered thru fatigue late in the game. Our guys were excited about the win but I haven\u2019t gotten the sense they are satisfied. We worked on a lot of recovery yesterday trying to get their bodies right. We\u2019ll have a good day of practice and preparation today to get ready for St. X.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Facing a high-powered St. X offense, Valentine emphasized that the blueprint remains similar to Wednesday\u2019s win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a similar game to Warren Central,\u201d Valentine said. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to limit their transition points and make things tough on them on the defensive end. We won the rebound game vs. Warren Central. We\u2019ll need the same effort from everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With confidence building and momentum on their side, the Jaguars now turn their attention to the tournament\u2019s top seed \u2014 knowing another complete effort could send them back to the Final Four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI like where we are mentally right now,\u201d Valentine said. \u201cOur guys are confident but not arrogant. They have respect for the other team but believe they can compete with anyone. We\u2019ve definitely hit our stride the last two weeks. We\u2019re just taking it 1 game at a time and trying to survive and advance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n