In a matchup of regional champions from a year ago, South Laurel overcome a slow start offensively to win 54-32 on Monday.
“It has been a long time coming getting back on the court,” South Laurel coach Chris Souder said. “So, just getting to play was a win in itself. So slow or fast start we are just grateful to be out there.

“We have a lot of players that have new roles so it is going to take some game time to define those roles. Once we settled in, we played a much better second half — especially defensively.”

The Lady Cardinals were led in scoring by center Rachel Presley, who scored 12 of her game-high 19 points in the fourth quarter. She also hit 6-of-6 free throw attempts down the stretch.

Raegan Jones and Emily Cox each scored eight points apiece while Corbin Miller finished with six points.

South Laurel built a 15-6 lead in the first quarter, thanks to two 3-pointers by Jones and a five-point scoring effort by Miller.

The Lady Cardinals’ offensive struggles began in the second quarter and Central took advantage, cutting its deficit to 17-13 at halftime after outscoring South Laurel 7-2.

Three-pointers by Clara Collins and Kylie Clem along with five points by Cox in the third quarter allowed the Lady Cardinals to build some breathing room and take a 31-20 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Presley dominated during the game’s final eight minutes, scoring 12 of South Laurel’s 23 points to put the game away.
Letcher Central will return to action Wednesday at home against Cordia.

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South Laurel claimed a 56-34 win in junior varsity action as Gracie Hoskins scored 20 and Kylie Clem added 17 for the Lady Cards.
Heidi Bentley led Letcher with 10 points. Kaylee Banks scored eight. Kara Halcomb added six. Jaylin Whitt and Farrah Combs scored four each. Paige Damron chipped in with two.

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South Laurel 54, Letcher Central 32

Letcher Central 6 7 7 12 32

South Laurel 15 2 14 23 54

Letcher Central (32) — Bates 13, Banks 8, Boggs 3, Couch 4, Banks 4.

South Laurel (54) — Howard 5, Jones 8, Collins 3, E. Cox 8, Presley 19, Turner 2, Miller 6, Clem 3.