GATLINBURG, TENN. — Make it two tournament championships in two weeks for Eddie Mahan’s North Laurel Lady Jaguars.
North Laurel steamrolled Russell County, 71-46, en route to its championship win in the Smoky Mountain Classic.
The Lady Jaguars had just won the WYMT Mountain Classic the week before.
Led by Brooke Nichelson’s 32 points and 10 rebounds, North Laurel built an 18-10 lead in the first half, and led 46-25 at halftime before securing its 25-point victory.
Mariella Claybrook added a double-double as well, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Emma Carl chipped in 10 points.
“We came out focused for a 10 a.m. championship game,” Mahan said. “Our offense really started getting better in the second quarter and we were able to extend our lead up to 36 in the third quarter before subbing and allowing our bench to get some more minutes.
“It’s always great to win the championship of any tournament you are in,” he added. “Hopefully the two that we have won so far will prepare us for postseason play.”
