LONDON — South Laurel junior Jordan Mabe is known for his relentless defensive skills, particularly when matched up against some of the state’s top players.
However, his offensive skills shouldn’t be underestimated.
This was evident in the thrilling last-second victory against Christian Academy of Louisville (CAL) on Friday.
In a nail-biting championship game of the Legacy Nissan Dribble Drive Challenge, with his team trailing 56-55, Mabe delivered a clutch shot with only 0.6 seconds remaining to secure a 57-56 win for the Cardinals (6-2).
He finished with 23 points, and scored six of those in the fourth quarter. Colton Rawlings added 17 points and hit three 3-pointers while Jordan and Josh Steele scored five points apiece.
Blaine Baker added four points, and Max Fullmer scored three points.
“It was a big win for us and for our confidence and to be able to get a win over a really really good team,” South Laurel coach Jeff Davis said. “This bunch is a really good bunch of guys that are about each other and not about themselves. When one of them are down, there is a whole team there to pick them up. I really like how this bunch has come together and the way they get along.”
South Laurel held a 29-27 lead at halftime, and 47-38 entering the third quarter before the Centurions rallied to take a 56-55 lead late in the game.
The 56 points is the second lowest point total CAL has scored this season.
“CAL is a team that will compete for a regional title, and they are just getting their football guys back and they are going to only get better,” Davis said. “Coach Hill does a great job and they are talented. This was a big win.”
