Ashland Blazer Kittens recap 42-51 loss vs North Laurel in 2025 Sweet 16 Opener
North Laurel Jaguars Basketball Recap WIN vs Ashland Blazer
The Ashland Blazer High School cheer squad performs during the in-game cheer competition at the 2025 KHSAA Sweet 16 state tournament at Rupp Arena.
The North Laurel High School cheer squad performs during the in-game cheer competition at the 2025 KHSAA Sweet 16 state tournament at Rupp Arena.
North Laurel Outlasts Ashland Blazer in Sweet 16 Thriller, 51-42
March 12, 2025 – In a hard-fought battle at the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Girls’ Sweet 16® tournament, North Laurel emerged victorious over Ashland Blazer with a final score of 51-42. The game, which showcased standout performances and a gritty defensive effort, saw North Laurel pull away in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Game Recap
The contest was a tale of momentum swings, with seven ties and five lead changes keeping fans on the edge of their seats. North Laurel held the lead for 14:06 of game time, while Ashland Blazer controlled it for 11:08. The score remained tight through three quarters, with North Laurel clinging to a slim 37-35 advantage heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter proved decisive. North Laurel’s defense clamped down, holding Ashland Blazer to just seven points, including a dismal 1-for-13 shooting performance (7.7%) in the frame. Ashland’s last field goal came at the 2:16 mark—a layup by Kenleigh Woods—while North Laurel closed the game without allowing a field goal in the final 3:01. A steal by Emma Carl with five seconds remaining sealed the deal, capping a 14-7 fourth-quarter surge for North Laurel.
Brooke Nichelson was the star of the night for North Laurel, pouring in a game-high 28 points on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. Her layup with 3:01 remaining (44-38) marked North Laurel’s last field goal, but her presence in the paint—where the team scored 32 points—kept the Jaguars ahead. Mariyah Claybrook added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Bella Sizemore chipped in 9 points, including 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
For Ashland Blazer, Kenleigh Woods led the charge with 23 points, including 4-of-11 from three-point range, but her team struggled overall, shooting just 23.6% from the field (13-of-55). The Maroons leaned heavily on Woods, who accounted for over half of their scoring, but couldn’t find consistent offense elsewhere. Brogan Duckwyler added 7 points and three assists, while Jenna Delaney grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.
Key Moments
- Third Quarter Surge: Ashland Blazer briefly took a 7-point lead (34-27) at the 3:02 mark, their largest of the game, fueled by Woods’ scoring outburst. North Laurel responded with a 10-0 run to close the quarter, regaining control.
- Fourth Quarter Lockdown: North Laurel’s defense shone brightest in the final period, forcing turnovers and limiting Ashland to 0-for-5 field goals in their last five attempts. A free throw by Sizemore with 11 seconds left stretched the lead to 51-42, putting the game out of reach.
- Turnover Battle: Ashland capitalized on North Laurel’s 23 turnovers for 21 points, but the Jaguars’ 14 steals—led by Carl’s four—helped them generate 11 points off 17 Ashland miscues.
By the Numbers
North Laurel shot an impressive 48.6% from the field (18-of-37), dwarfing Ashland’s 23.6% (13-of-55). While Ashland hit more three-pointers (5-of-24 vs. North Laurel’s 1-of-7), North Laurel dominated inside, outscoring the Maroons 32-12 in the paint. The Jaguars also recorded nine blocks compared to Ashland’s three, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Rebounding was nearly even, with Ashland edging out North Laurel 35-32, including a 21-9 advantage in offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points. However, North Laurel’s efficiency and clutch free-throw shooting (14-of-20, 70%) proved the difference.
Standout Performances
- Brooke Nichelson (North Laurel): 28 points, 10 rebounds, 3 turnovers—her all-around dominance earned her the team-high in points.
- Mariyah Claybrook (North Laurel): 14 points, 11 rebounds—a double-double that anchored the Jaguars’ interior game.
- Kenleigh Woods (Ashland Blazer): 23 points, 4 three-pointers—a valiant effort that kept the Maroons in contention.
What’s Next
With the victory, North Laurel advances in the Sweet 16 tournament, riding the momentum of a balanced attack and stingy defense. Ashland Blazer’s season continues to be defined by Woods’ brilliance, but their campaign ends here, finishing with a respectable showing against a tough opponent.
The game was a testament to North Laurel’s resilience and ability to close out tight contests, setting the stage for an exciting run in the tournament.
