Defense steps up

Jags limit Pineville to only two field goals in second half

The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — By Les Dixon / Sports Editor

NORTH LAUREL — The North Laurel Jaguars stepped things up on defense when it needed to most Tuesday by limiting Pineville to two-of-19 shooting in the second half during their 50-40 win.

The Jaguars (16-12) found themselves staring down a double-digit deficit (30-20) at halftime before rallying to pick up the 10-point victory.

“We came out flat,” North Laurel coach Brad Sizemore said. “I knew Pineville was going to put that big lineup out there and try to pack the lane in and they did a good job and they scored on us on the inside and we dug ourselves a hole and we played really good in the second half.”

North Laurel trailed 14-6 at the end of the first quarter and only connected on two-of-12 shooting from the floor, but the Jaguars managed to cut their deficit to only four points (24-20) with 3:36 remaining in the first half after going on a 14-6 run.

But the Mountain Lions took North Laurel’s best punch and answered with a 6-0 run to close out the second quarter and led 30-20 at halftime.

“You’ve got to give them (Pineville) credit,” Sizemore said. “They’ve got a good team. They return everybody back for next year. If you’re not moving, they pick you apart.”

Both teams struggled offensively in the third quarter, but the Jaguars did manage to outscore Pineville 12-4 and found themselves only trailing 34-32 heading into the final period of play.

North Laurel hit only three-of-14 shot attempts during the third quarter, but forced the Mountain Lions into nine turnovers and one-of-eight shooting.

The outcome was still in doubt with four minutes remaining in regulation, but two free throws by Marcus Carson gave his team a 39-38 lead as his team used a 14-2 run to wrap up the win.

“These kids didn’t want to lose,” Sizemore said. “I thought we let it all hang out in the second half. Win, lose or draw or in between, we’re trying to get better and prepare for next week. We’ve got to win and advance beginning next week.”

North Laurel finished the game with only seven turnovers and hit 17-of-55 shot attempts while the Mountain Lions turned the ball over 18 times and hit on only 14-of-42 from the floor, including a one-of-11 effort in the fourth quarter.

The Jaguars’ Carson led all scorers with 19 points. North Laurel will be back in action Friday on the road against Knox Central.

North Laurel 50, Pineville 40

Pineville       14  16    4   6  40

North Laurel  6  14  12  18  50

Pineville (40) - Philpot 4, Collett 3, Jeffrey 3, Asher 8, Skinner 8, Simpson 14.

North Laurel (50) - Carson 19, Shears 2, Allen 8, Eversole 3, Henson 10, Thompson 6, Rush 2.