LONDON — Nate Valentine’s North Laurel Jaguars got off to another slow start, but this time they were able to overcome it, fighting back to defeat Middlesboro, 65-53.
The Jaguars trailed 12-10 at the end of the first quarter, and 28-25 at halftime before rallying and outscoring the Yellow Jackets, 40-25, in the second half.
The win allowed North Laurel to hit the .500 mark at 13-13 for the first time this season after starting with a 0-5 record.
“We got off to a slow start again but found a way to get back in it,” Valentine said. “Middlesboro plays extremely hard and physical and it took us some time to adjust. I’m proud of our guys for weathering the storm and finding a way to get the win.”
Jordan Rawlings had the hot hand from outside the arc on Monday, knocking down five 3-pointers while finishing with a team-best 19 points for North Laurel. Kole Jervis followed with 16 points, and Joe Smith added nine points.
Middlesboro (8-16) was led in scoring by Trey King’s 22 points while Jerimah Beck and Joseph Killion scored eight points apiece.
