Day one of the 13th Region Girls Basketball Tournament is over, and this is what we know:
• South Laurel eighth grader Shelbie Mills is a star in the making, or heck, she might already be a star — that’s how good she played
Mills hit a clutch 3-pointer to give the Lady Cardinals a one-point lead toward the end of regulation before finishing with 21 points, and four steals. You gotta love the effort she gives. Mills is a fierce competitor, who also is having tons of fun in the floor.
• We’ve talked for the past two years just how good of a player North Laurel sophomore Brooks Nichelson is
She showed in the Lady Jaguars’ 62-38 opening round win over Harlan County, she’s hands down the best defensive player in the region. Nichelson had five steals and six defensive rebounds while leading her team with 23 points.
• No doubt about it, South Laurel’s Emily Cox is a warrior
Cox is a HUGE reason why the Lady Cardinals are two wins away from reaching Rupp Arena.
Her stat line against Knox Central: 15 points, six rebounds, three steals, two assists while hitting 9-of-10 free throw attempts, and believe me, Cox hit some crucial ones.
This isn’t a surprise, though.
Cox has been money for South Laurel the entire season. Whether it’s a big basket, rebound, steal, block or assist, she has answered the call.
• A perfect day for North Laurel’s Chloe McKnight
It was another normal day of work for one of the state’s best post players.
Chloe McKnight knocked down all seven shot attempts she took against Harlan County, finishing with 14 points, two rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and one steal.
McKnight, one of the quietest players on the floor, lets her play do the talking, and on Monday, her play was loud and clear.
• North Laurel continues to impress each time the Lady Jaguars step on the court
You have to like North Laurel’s chances in the tournament after seeing the Lady Jaguars’ 62-38 win over Harlan County.
Eddie Mahan’s squad has been tested early and often this season due to one of the toughest slates in the region, and it has paid off so far in postseason play.
• This we’ve learned, and probably should have learned a whole lot sooner: don’t ever count out a team coached by Chris Souder.
What he has done this season might just be one of his best coaching efforts in his career, and you’re talking about someone who has won multiple state titles, and region titles.
No one knew what to really expect of the South Laurel this season, especially with how young the Lady Cardinals are.
• You hate to see anyone’s season ends, but it’s tough to think Knox Central’s season has come to an end.
Many of us thought the Lady Panthers were talented enough to snap their 25-year streak of not winning a 13th Region Tournament game.
They’ve now lost 18 region tournament games in a row, but we expect that streak to be ended soon with the abundance of talent Steve Warren’s team returns next season.
• Knox Central’s Halle Collins had one heck of a sophomore season come to an end with the Lady Panthers’ 66-62 overtime loss to South Laurel.
Collins was a double-double machine. She recorded 29 double-doubles on the season, which means she recorded a double-double in every game Knox Central played this season.
That’s an awesome feat — job well done.
• Harlan County junior Ella Karst turned in a solid effort during the Lady Black Bears’ 62-38 loss to North Laurel during opening round play.
Karst showed why she’s considered as one of the best players in the 13th Region by scoring 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting from floor.
• If you didn’t catch the audio broadcast of L4 Security 13th Region Media Network’s Knox Central vs. South Laurel game, you missed out.
Quincy Kreitzer, and Edward Hall’s call during the final minutes of the fourth quarter, and overtime was second to none. To be honest, it was electrifying, and they made it seem like you were there in person.
• Shout out to John Henson
If you see Harlancountysports.com’s John Henson out at the boys’ or girls’ 13th Region Tournaments this week, stop and say hello. This year marks his 38th total covering the event, and his 48th overall, going back to 1976 at Union College when he was in just seventh grade.
• A look ahead to Tuesday’s games
Corbin (21-9) vs. Pineville (22-8)
The defending 13th Region Lady Redhounds are ready to take another step toward winning their second straight regional crown, but to do so, they’ll have to defeat a scrappy Lady Mountain Lion squad.
This is the time of the year Kallie Housley thrives, and we expect her to have a big tournament.
If Pineville is going to win, Nadine Johnson, Ava Arnett, Abby Jackson, Rachel Howard, and Kamryn Biliter will have to bring their ‘A’ games.
It should be a good one.
Bell County (23-9) vs. Jackson County (20-9)
This should be a good one.
The two teams met on Feb. 16 with Jackson County coming up with a 59-57 win.
If the Lady Generals are gonna repeat the feat, they must get quality production from Abby Gilbert, and Kenady Ward along with Kylee Shannon, and Maddy Curry.
The Lady Bobcats will counter with one of the region’s top scorers in Gracie Jo Wilder, Mataya Ausmus, Laurin McGeorge, Kairi Lamb, and Kylee Greer-Gann.
