South Laurel welcomed Jordan Mabe, its best player, back from an injury in a win over Bell County on Thursday. Harlan played without its best player on Saturday as Kyler McLendon rested an ankle he injured Tuesday at Knox Central.
The Cardinals are 2-0 since Mabe returned, including a 66-41 victory against the visiting Dragons. Without McLendon, Harlan was limited to single digits each of the first three quarters in falling to 6-18 on the year.
South took control early, building a 25-9 lead after one quarter. The Cards’ advantage grew to 41-17 by halftime and 52-23 after three quarters.
Josh Steele scored 16 to lead the 15-9 Cardinals. Landon Howard and Mabe added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Trent Cole was the only Dragon in double figures with 13 points.
South Laurel will play host to Madison Central on Monday and Knott Central on Tuesday. Harlan will be at home against Clay County on Tuesday in a 6 p.m. game.
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Freshman guard Brendan Murphy scored 19 points as South Laurel won 56-35 in junior varsity action. Kamdin Dewees and Brennon Combs each added nine for the Cardinals.
Izack Saylor led the 0-7 Dragons with 12 points. Eli Noe added eight. Eric Evans and Ben Cochran each scored four. Nathan Cochran and Jaxson Perry each added three. Dylan Madden scored one.
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South Laurel (66) — Jordan Steele 6, Blaine Baker 2, Colton Rawlings 8, Jordan Mabe 10, Josh Steele 16, Landon Howard 11, Max Fuller 7, Brandon Murphy 4, Cannon Jackson 2.
Harlan (41) — Trent Cole 13, Dylan Cox 6, Nate Montanaro 3, Jared Moore 9, Jaxson Perry 1, Elie Noe 2, Hunter Clem 2, Eric Evans 3, Izack Saylor 2.

Harlan 9 8 6 18 — 41
South Laurel 25 16 11 14 — 66