Feb 5, 2022 By The 2 min read

Rodney Gallagher was contemplating a potential undefeated regular season for the Laurel Highlands boys basketball team but the junior guard shifted his focus to team goal No. 1 as the Mustangs headed into Friday night’s Section 1-AAAAA game against second-place Albert Gallatin.

“To win the section title again is big to us,” Gallagher said. “That’s the first thing we have to do before thinking about going undefeated. If we beat AG then we’re the section champs.”

Laurel Highlands took care of that task at Harold “Horse” Taylor Memorial Gymnasium.

Brandon Davis and Keondre DeShields both topped 20 points as the Mustangs defeated the Colonials, 78-49, to wrap up first place in the section.

Davis finished with a game-high 25 points with DeShields adding 21 for Laurel Highlands (8-0, 18-0). Gallagher contributed 18 points to the victory.

The night didn’t get off to a great start for the Mustangs’ though.

Albert Gallatin (5-3, 8-8) jumped out to 16-13 lead in the first quarter, but LH roared back with a 32-14 advantage in the second quarter for a 45-30 halftime lead.

The Mustangs’ lead grew to 65-44 after three quarters.

Nick Pegg led Albert Gallatin with 13 points. Blake White finished with 11.

Laurel Highlands extended its section winning streak to 18 games. The Mustangs’ last section loss came at Greensburg Salem on Feb. 4, 2020.