Fresh off winning the 13th Region Media 50th District Newcomer of the Year award just a day before, South Laurel eighth grader Shelbie Mills turned in a game-high 20 points to help guide the Lady Cardinals to a 77-30 win over Whitley County during Monday’s 50th District Tournament.
South Laurel Coach Chris Souder was pleased with his team’s effort against Whitley County after seeing the Lady Cardinals (18-13) control the game from the tip.
Mills set the table early, scoring 15 points during the first quarter while Emily Cox added nine points, and Maci Messer followed with seven points to push South Laurel out to a 34-8 lead.
Things got worse for the Lady Colonels (10-18) in the second quarter with the Lady Cardinals going on a 18-6 run that saw South Laurel’s lead grow to 52-14.
Souder’s team pulled away during the final two quarters of play, outscoring Whitley County, 12-9, in the third quarter to make the score, 64-23.
Jonna Rice led Whitley County with a 13-point scoring effort. Teammates Autumn Sawyers and Alba Castillo-Lopez each scored six points apiece.
South Laurel will now get a chance to repeat as district champions Thursday against Corbin, who defeated Williamsburg, earlier Monday.
