Senior center Chloe McKnight scored 34 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as North Laurel rolled to a 74-43 win over Bell County on Tuesday.
Brooke Nichelson added 10 points while Gracie McKnight and Mariella Claybrook each scored seven points,
“Bell County is a very good team with one of the best coaches in the region,” North Laurel coach Eddie Mahan said to the 13th Region Media Network. “They also are one of the few teams who can match our size in the region. That’s why I am so proud of my team tonight.  It’s just game one and we have a lot to get better at but I thought we came out and played with purpose tonight.  “
The Lady Jaguars built a 20-9 lead in the first quarter and led 41-17 at halftime before outscoring the Lady Bobcats, 34-26, in the second half.
Gracie Jo Wilder and Lauren McGeorge led the Lady Bobcats (0-1) with 17 points apiece.
“Obviously, North Laurel is one of the better teams in the 13th Region, if not the best team, and they gave us problems, especially on the offense end with their defense,” Bell County coach David Teague said. “We were not disciplined enough and forced things too quickly on many occasions. We have to learn to be stronger with the ball and be mentally tougher against that level of team and have good solid possessions in half-court.
“I thought we battled throughout and we played well in spurts, just have to learn to be more consistent. Foul trouble was a huge problem for us, but again that goes back to players being disciplined. It was a tough opener for sure, but a team like North Laurel can open your eyes quickly to things that we must get better at as a team. We will keep working and I know my group will bounce back. We have lots of room for growth but also lots of potential.”
Bell County will play host to the Knoxville Ambassadors, Tenn., on Friday.
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North Laurel (74) — Black 2, Carl 6, Combs 2, Claybrook 7, McKnight 32, Hubbard 4, McKnight 8, Nichelson 10, Begley 3,
Bell County (43) — Gracie-Jo Wilder 17, Addison Lucas 1, Nevaeh Allen 3, Lauren McGeorge 17, Kairi Lamb 5.

Bell County 9 8 12 14 — 43
North Laurel 20 21 14 19 — 74