CORBIN — Defending 13th Region Tournament champ North Laurel got off to a fast start in its quest for a repeat, scoring the first 19 points Tuesday on the way to a 73-25 rout of Pineville in the final first-round game at The Corbin Arena.
Senior guard Brooke Nichelson poured in 25 points to lead the 29-2 Lady Jaguars. Bella Sizemore, also a senior guard, added 15 points. Junior point guard Haley Combs contributed 11 points.
The 11-18 Lady Lions were led by junior center Rachel Howard with nine points.
North Laurel will play Corbin in the semifinals on Friday.
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North Laurel (73) — Haley Combs 11, Emma Carl 9, Bella Sizemore 15, Brooke Nichelson 25, Mariella Claybrook 2, Bella Mahan 5, Bella Lewis 4, Abby Hubbard 2.
Pineville (25) — Ava Arnett 5, Kamryn Biliter 3, Rachel Howard 9, Madison Johnson 3, Addison Arnett 0, Kaelyn Burnett 3, Clara Strange 2.

Pineville 6 7 6 6 — 25
North Laurel 27 21 17 6 — 73