HINDMAN — North Laurel’s Brooke Nichelson gave folks a first-hand look of what she was capable of doing on the court when she brings her ‘A’ game during last year’s Sweet Sixteen.
Let’s just say she brought her ‘A’ game to the Lady Jaguars’ first round matchup of Thursday’s WYMT Mountain Classic against Martin County.
Nichelson scored a tournament-record 42 points while also setting another tournament record with nine 3-pointers to help lead North Laurel to a 92-55 win.
The Lady Jaguars also tied a state record by knocking down 21 3-pointers in the win. Louisville Moore also hit 21 back on February, 16, 2007.
“I’m proud of the way we played,” North Laurel coach Eddie Mahan said. “Most will talk about the offense and breaking records, but it was our defense that was the difference-maker in the first half. We struggled some in the first quarter, but was able to extend our defense and it started the run that was the game changer for us.
“It was good to get so many players going,” he added. “Obviously Brooke started out hot, but every player we had contributed and that’s ultimately what we want to see.”
Nichelson caught fire as soon as the game tipped off, scoring four points in the first quarter before adding 20 points in the second quarter which included her knocking down six 3-pointers. She followed with 10 points in the third quarter while hitting another 3-pointer before finishing with 10 points and two more 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
North Laurel led 46-25 at halftime before outscoring the Lady Cardinals, 46-30 in the second half.
Haley Combs also scored in double figures for North Laurel, finishing with 18 points and three 3-pointers. Gracie McKnight added nine points, and three 3-pointers while Chloe McKnight scored six points.
