The Lady Lions return three starters from last season’s 51st District champions and they and coach Russell Thompson hoped to continue to build on the success from last year. But it was North Laurel that came out pushing the ball up the court every chance they got as they jumped out to an early lead held off a late Pineville charge.
The Lady Jaguars controlled the first quarter on the sharp shooting of guard Jessica Crawford, who finished up with 15 points for the game. The Lady Lions found themselves down by seven as the quarter came to an end with the North leading 17-10.
Pineville started showing signs of life in the second quarter as they used their presser man-to-man defense as well as their full court press to hold the Lady Jags to 11 points. Senior Robin Smith hit a big three from the right wing as the buzzer sounded to bring the Lady Lions within 28-21 at halftime.
That momentum carried over to start the third quarter as Pineville opened with an 8-3 run that included two bit 3-pointers from junior guard Chelsey Smith.
North Laurel would put a stop to the run with a 3 from Kelsie Smith, who would lead the Lady Jags with 22 points. North clung to a 43-37 lead going into the fourth.
The Lady Lions mounted a charge in the final period behind the excellent play of Chelsey Smith. She carried Pineville with basket after basket and also finished with 22 points.
Unfortunately that Lady Lion charge was a little too late and they couldn’t close the six point deficit they started the quarter with. When the final buzzer sounded it was North Laurel holding on for the nine-point win.
Pineville (0-1) returns to action Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Cordia Tip-off Tournament while North (1-0) is off until they visit Jackson County on Dec. 8.
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Pineville 10 11 16 11 — 48
North Laurel 17 11 15 14 — 57
PINEVILLE (48): Chelsey Smith 22, Victoria Knuckles 10, Whittney Partin 6, Robin Smith 5, Lacey Brooks 4, Rebekah Brooks 1, Brittany Smith 0, Kristen Brock 0, Stephanie Epperson 0, Morgan Orr 0.
NORTH LAUREL (57): Kelsie Smith 22, Jessica Crawford 15, Cheyenne Madden 15, Rachel Seidel 2, Katie Hartney 2, Ashley Woolum 1.
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