MOUNT VERNON — Brooke Nicholson turned in a 26-point scoring effort while Chloe McKnight added 13 points and Haley Combs chipped in 12 points to lead North Laurel past Rockcastle County with a 66-53 win.
Nichelson shot 9-of-20 from the floor which included knocking down two 3-pointers. McKnight hit 6-of-12 shot attempts while Combs turned in a 3-of-6 shooting effort while going 6-for-6 at the free-throw line.
“Tonight was a very good team win,” North Laurel
Coach Eddie Mahan said. “You could see that it was our third game of the week as we seemed a little sluggish in the second and third quarters. We had to dig deep to make the run we did in the fourth.
“Gracie McKnight and Jaelyn Black was a big reason for a good start for us,” he added. “They showed what happens when you help too much off of them. Both of them are good shooters and when you get them going early you know our offense is going to have a good day. Haley Combs and Mariella Claybrook had a good game. Haley is tough to stop from getting to the basket and Mariella had some great moves in the post when Chloe was out of the game.
“Chloe McKnight’s numbers might not have been dominant but she was when she had the opportunity,” Mahan continued. “Post players are abused often and the double and triple teams tonight was allowed to be very physical. She made great decisions and dominated when she had the right opportunities. Brooke Nichelson won player of the game with a 26 point and 12 rebound night. Coach Chrysti Noble is one of the best coaches in our area. Playing at Rockcastle is always a challenge and tonight was no different. They are very talented and they know how to play to their strengths. This is definitely a challenging week this week as we have our fourth game in the last 6 days with a good in region team in Knox Central at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.”
The game was close throughout as the Lady Jaguars (14-3) built a 16-11 lead in the first quarter behind six points from McKnight and 3-pointers by Jaelyn Black and Nichelson.
Nichelson added seven points in the second quarter to help boost North Laurel’s lead to 32-25 at halftime.
Both teams scored 13 points apiece in the third quarter before Nichelson added 10 points while Combs hit six free throws to wrapup the Lady Jaguars’ win.
