Fillies down cross-town rival Uniontown, 46-37, for first win of season
Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard
Laurel Highlands’ Kylie Miller takes a shot during Wednesday’s Section 3-AAAAA game against cross-town rival Uniontown at Harold “Horse” Taylor Memorial Gymnasium, as teammate Megan McDonald looks on.
Uniontown's Kelsea Rose looks to pass to a teammate while being watched by Laurel Highlands' Taylor Smith on Wednesday in Section 3-AAAAA play at Harold "Horse" Taylor Memorial Gymnasium. The Fillies' Allison Lowery watches the play develop.
Uniontown's Kelsea Rose goes to the hoop while being guarded by Laurel Highlands' Kylie Miller during Wednesday's Section 3-AAAAA game at Harold "Horse" Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
Laurel Highlands' Megan McDonald gets ready to make a move while being guarded by Uniontown's Myrical Wilson during Wednesday's Section 3-AAAAA game at Harold "Horse" Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
Uniontown's Mya Murray looks for an opening as Laurel Highlands' Taylor Smith puts up a hand during Wednesday's Section 3-AAAAA game at Harold "Horse" Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
Laurel Highlands' Kylie Miller looks to pass to a teammate during Wednesday's Section 3-AAAAA against cross-town rival Uniontown at Harold "Horse" Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
Uniontown's Kierra McCargo looks to put up a shot while Laurel Highlands' Lori Miller attempts a block during Wednesday's Section 3-AAAAA game at Harold "Horse" Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
Uniontown's Malaysia Ellis can't keep her footing but gets a pass off to teammate Myrical Wilson during Wednesday's Section 3-AAAAA game against cross-town rival Laurel Highlands and Harold "Horse" Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
It was the perfect way for Laurel Highlands coach Mark “Mookie” John to get his first win leading the Fillies.
John guided Laurel Highlands to a 46-37 Section 3-AAAAA victory over cross-town rival Uniontown on Wednesday at Harold “Horse” Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.
“We played a complete game from start to finish,” said John, who is a Laurel Highlands grad. “It’s easy to get up for the Uniontown game because it’s such a storied rivalry. We did a great job jumping out to an early lead and keeping it, and we did a great job managing the clock in the fourth quarter.”
The Fillies (1-1, 1-6) held an 8-3 advantage over the Lady Raiders (1-2, 3-4) after the first quarter, and pushed it to 22-14 at halftime. LH dominated the third by outscoring Uniontown, 14-6, to hold a 36-20 advantage going into the fourth.
The Lady Raiders held a 17-10 edge in the fourth, but they had dug themselves too big a hole.
“We scored 70 points on Monday, but we couldn’t score tonight,” Uniontown coach Penny Kezmarsky said. “They were on and we weren’t. I got my first taste of what the cross-town rivalry means to these two schools tonight, and I believe it was hard playing away and kind of intimidating for our girls, even if they say it wasn’t.
“We did come on there at the end, but you have to play well for four quarters. We have played three games in a row and I think the girls are a little exhausted, but you have to come ready to play. We are definitely going to enjoy the Christmas break to rest up.”
The Fillies’ Kylie Miller led all scorers with 12 points on four field goals, including two 3-pointers, and was 2 of 3 at the foul line. Teammate Taylor Smith was also in double figures with 10 points on four field goals and was 2 of 5 at the foul line. LH’s Megan McDonald added eight on three field goals and was 2 of 2 at the foul line.
“Allison Lowery pulled down about 17 rebounds for us and Taylor Eagle had 10,” John said. “Our strong bench play was a huge deciding factor as well. Olivia Glusica came off the bench and hit two huge shots (one 3-pointer). It’s a heck of a way to get our first win of the season. We played well for four quarters.
“Taylor Smith did a great job managing the game, and our two senior guards played like the leaders they are.”
The Lady Raiders’ sister combination of Kierra and Kelsea Rose each scored a team-high 10 points. Kierra made three field goals, including her team’s lone 3-pointer, and was 3 of 7 at the foul line. Kelsea put in three field goals, and was 4 of 6 at the foul line. Teammate Mya Murray added nine on three field goals, and was 3 of 7 at the foul line.