LEXINGTON — Whether it was good defense or bad offense or something in between, the North Laurel Jaguars earned a trip to the Elite Eight in the UK Health Care Sweet 16 by making shooting difficult for 4th Region champ Warren Central on the way to a 52-38 victory Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena.
The Dragons were limited to 29 percent (14 of 48) shooting in only their fourth loss in 30 games this season. Warren Central hit seven of 21 3-point attempts for 33 percent but only 26 percent (seven of 27) on shots inside the 3-point line.
“We talked about making them take tough shots,” North Laurel coach Nate Valentine said. “I’m super proud of our guys.”
“They made shots, and we didn’t,” said Warren Central coach William Unseld. “We got open shots. We just didn’t make them. Their defense was good, but we missed wide open shots. When your top three players are a combined four of 20 from the field you know you are in trouble.”
It was the second straight first-round win in the state tournament for the 29-7 Jaguars, who have represented the 13th Region at the state tournament in four of the last five years. Senior forward Reece Davidson picked up where he left off in last year’s tournament with a 20-point game. Corey Cunagin and Kaiden Allen, both sophomores, added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Senior guard Jordan Rawlings scored nine points on three 3-pointers.
The 26-4 Dragons were led by Kauran Johnson with 13 points.
North Laurel will advance to play St. Xavier on Friday at 11 a.m. in the quarterfinals. St. Xavier advanced with a 75-61 win over Covington Catholic in the opening game of the tournament.
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North Laurel (52) — Cooper Elza 2, Jordan Rawlings 9, Kaiden Allen 10, Reece Davidson 20, Corey Cunagin 11, Cam Anderson 0, R.J. Noble 0, Brayden Hampton 0.
Warren Central (38) — Armani Byrd 3, Kaleb Prince 5, Jeremiah McCombs 6, Dominique Anthony 3, Kauran Johnson 13, Bryce Cousin 6, Randal Hulbert 2, Ryan Hulbert 2, Kash Carter 0, Jadis Duncan 0, Ian Daniel 0, Tevaris Hoosier 0, O’ Jare Murrell 0, Donovan Bradford 0, Damarice Smith 0,
North Laurel 13 13 11 15 — 52
Warren Central 12 4 12 10 — 38
