The North Laurel Jaguars squared off with one of the top teams in the country in Freedom Hall but came up a little short, as Imhotep Charter defeated North Laurel 59-54 on Sunday, December 11.
The Jaguars were coming off a tough loss to Bowling Green and were again without Gavin Chadwell and Colton Rawlings, but they battled to the end in front of a packed crowd. Imhotep's Justin Edwards, who is committed to play for the University of Kentucky, set the pace early with 13 points in the first half. However, he was held to just two points in the second half to finish with 15 points for the game.
The Panthers outscored North Laurel 19-15 in the first quarter and held a 30-29 edge at the half. North Laurel’s Reed Sheppard, who is also committed to play at Kentucky, was held to six points in the first half. His teammate Ryan Davidson also added six points, but it was Reece Davidson who led the Jaguars with eight points at the half. Sheppard finished with 14 points on the night. Ryan Davidson also finished with 15 points.
Sheppard and Edwards found themselves defending each other several times during the game, with Kentucky coaches John Calipari and Orlando Antigua watching from courtside.
“It felt awesome,” Sheppard said of playing against his future teammate. “I’m going to enjoy playing with him a lot more than playing against him, but being able to play against him was awesome and I’ll never forget it.”
North Laurel will travel to Florida next week to participate in the City of Palms Classic. They will face Charlotte High (FL) at 7:45 p.m.
Tim Branstetter, Sports Writer for The Kentucky Daily