HARLAN — Both Harlan and South Laurel hooked up in a defensive battle with the Lady Cardinals coming out on top, 51-40.
“Got off to a poor start as we were a step slow on defense and missed a lot of easy shots,” South Laurel coach Todd Windlan said. “Our defense got a lot better after first quarter giving up only 23 points in last three quarters. The lay off and kids not going to school and out of routines clearly showed at the start of the game.
“Ryleigh Bretz was outstanding for us tonight as she was all over the place while scoring eight points while having eight rebounds and five steals,” he added. “Jamie Buenaventura had a solid game grabbing 10 rebounds to go with 10 points. Maci Messer led us in scoring with 15 points.
“Callie Jones was very solid as she had 13 points with 5-of-9 shooting with 2-of-4 from 3,” Windlan continued. “Aubrey Bundy sparked us off the bench with her toughness and grit, drawing a big charge to get us going in second quarter. Proud of our fight and happy to always get a 13th Region win. Go Cards!”
The game was high scoring in the first quarter as the Lady Green Dragons led 17-15 entering the second quarter, but things began to change in the second quarter.
The Lady Cardinals limited Harlan to only eight points in the second quarter, and led 28-25 at halftime.
South Laurel began to build a cushion in the third quarter, using a 16-5 run to take a 44-30 advantage into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Green Dragons continued to fight, outscoring the Lady Cardinals, 10-7, but it was too little too late.
South Laurel had three players score in double figures with Macie Messer’s 15 points leading the way. Callie Jones followed with 13 points while Jamie Buenaventura added 10 points.
Kylie Noe scored a game-high 16 points for Harlan while Aymanni Wynn added 10 points.
