LONDON — Two 13th Region heavyweights met at The Cardinals’ Nest Thursday with No. 3 South Laurel hosting No. 1 Bell County.
The Bobcats entered the game as the hottest team in the region despite having a 10-day layoff.
The Cardinals continue to show why they’re one of the best teams in the region by pulling off a 56-49 win over Bell County while snapping the Bobcats’ 10-game win streak.
“First, I want to thank Coach Sizemore for coming and playing, so we could make sure we had a senior night for our guys,” South Laurel coach Jeff Davis said. Also, I want to say how great it is to have him, Ashley and the baby home from the hospital. Been a stressful time for them and it says a lot that the day they get to come home, he comes and plays a game. First Class.
“Another tough battle against a really disciplined and well-coached team,” he added. “They are tough to defend because you have to stay focused all the time and then you have to finish the possession off with a rebound.
“Proud of our guys, been a touch stretch of games and they have battled through it well,” Davis continued. “Happy for our seniors, they mean so much to me and this program and was glad we got to honor them tonight.”
Brad Sizemore’s squad led 12-11 at the end of the first quarter but played catch-up the remainder of the game with South Laurel holding leads of 25-21 at halftime, and 38-31 entering the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals secured the win in the final eight minutes by hitting 12-of-14 free throw attempts. Bell County knocked down 11-of-12 shot attempts from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.
“I thought our kids played hard tonight in a tough environment on the road,” Bell County coach Brad Sizemore said. “I think this game will help us moving forward heading into postseason play. Coach Davis did a really good job having his kids ready to being and I thought South’s size bothered us at different times in the game, but I’m really proud of our guys for not quitting. I love our group and think we got the pieces to make a good run in the tournament.”
Bell County’s Blake Burnett led all scorers with 22 points while Cameron Hall added eight points, and Braxton Ferguson finished with seven points.
Jordan Mabe continued his impressive play, finishing with 19 points while Josh Steele added 14 points, and Colton Rawlings scored 11 points.
