North Laurel’s 37th consecutive 49th District win wasn’t as easy as many might have expected.
The Jackson County Lady Generals hung tough throughout Tuesday’s matchup with the Lady Jaguars finally pulling away in the final minutes with a 55-48 win.
North Laurel (12-4 overall, 3-0 vs. 49th District opponents) trailed at the end of the first quarter, 19-17, before taking a slim 28-26 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
The Lady Jaguars maintained a two-point lead (36-34) entering the fourth quarter before seeing Jaelyn Black score eight of her nine points during the final eight minutes to help North Laurel pull off the win.
Black nailed two key 3-pointers while during the fourth quarter while Emily Sizemore added four points, and Brooke Nichelson finished with three points during the period.
Emily Sizemore, and Chloe McKnight led the Lady Jaguars with 16 points apiece while Nichelson, and Mariella Claybrook each finished with five points apiece while Bella Sizemore added four points.
Abby Gilbert led Jackson County (14-4, 1-1) with 16 points while Kylee Shannon added 11 points. Maddie Curry finished with eight points while Kenady Ward had six points.
North Laurel will be back in action Friday at home against Clay County at 6 p.m. while Jackson County will hosts Oneida Baptist Thursday at 6 p.m.
