Jaguars had three players score over 20, Six Patriots in Double Figures
HINDMAN – January 24, 2021 – BRENDON D. MILLER
Knott hosted the high-scoring North Laurel Jaguars from the 13th Region on Saturday evening at the Morton Combs Athletic Complex. North Laurel came to Hindman undefeated (6-0) on the season and averaging 96.5 point a game with their lowest scoring output being 89 twice in the six games, and having topped the century mark two times.
The Jaguars boast super-talented Sophomores Reed Sheppard (34.0 PPG) son of former Kentucky basketball greats Jeff Sheppard and Stacey Reed, and Ryan Davidson (21.0). The Patriots entered at 6-1 with their only loss coming to 15th Region power Belfry on the road. The Patriots were not at full strength in this one as Senior forward Scott Shepherd was sidelined with an injury.
North Laurel opened the game on fire, putting up 31 points in the first period, while Knott scored 18. The Jaguars continued to increase their lead in the second period out-scoring the Patriots 24-20, for a 55-38 lead at intermission.
In the half, the Jaguars hit 19 of 36 (52.8%) shot attempts, including 9 of 18 (50%) from beyond the arc. Knott shot 17 of 27 (63.0%) and was 2 of 3 (66.7%) on 3-pointers. Incredibly, Knott shot over 60 percent in the half, but trailed by 17, at the half.
Both teams continued their hot shooting in the second half with the Jaguars 18 of 36 (50.0%) in the half and 7 of 14 (50.0%) on 3-pointers. While Knott was also 16 of 32 (50.0%) and 8 of 17 (47.1) on threes.
For the game, North Laurel was 37 of 72 (51.4%) from the field and 16 of 32 (50.0) on threes and 11 of 12 (91.7%) from the line. Knott finished 33 of 59 (55.9%) from the field and 10 of 20 (50%) on threes, but 3 of 10 (30%) from the line.
You will see very few games in which both teams shoot over 50% from both the floor and the three point line as we did in this one. The difference was that North Laurel was able to get up 13 more shots than Knott.
Reed Sheppard was outstanding for North Laurel with a stat line of 28 points, 14 assits, three rebounds, 14 assists, one steal, and one block. Davidson had 22, while Junior Clay Sizemore had 22 on six 3-pointers and Sophomores Chase Dotson and Brody Brock each had three 3-pointers.
Knott received big double-double performances from Josh McGuire (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Jayden Huff (10 points and 12 rebounds, also six assists). Senior point guard Kent Damron has returned from his early-season shoulder injury, and had 17 points and five assits.
| Scoing by Quarter | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total |
| NORTH LAUREL | 31 | 24 | 19 | 27 | 101 |
| KNOTT CENTRAL | 18 | 20 | 16 | 25 | 79 |
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
NORTH LAUREL – Reed Sheppard 28, Ryan Davidson 22, Clay Sizemore 22, Chase Dotson 14, Brody Brock 9, Kyler Elza 3, Cole Messer 3.
KNOTT CENTRAL – Josh McGuire 17, Kent Damron 17, Kizer Slone 13, Colby Napier 11, Drake Slone 11, Jayden Huff 10.
NEXT
North Laurel will host cross-town rival South Laurel on Friday.
Knott has a full week as they host 53rd District rival Letcher Central on Tuesday, Breathitt County on Wednesday, travel to Wolfe County on Friday, and host Powell County on Saturday. BSN will have both the Breathitt and Wolfe Games LIVE this week!