The George Rogers Clark Lady Cardinals (26-7) will clash with the North Laurel Lady Jaguars (32-2) in the quarterfinals of the 2025 KHSAA Sweet 16 on March 14 at 11:00 AM at Rupp Arena. George Rogers Clark’s balanced scoring facing off against North Laurel’s potent offense and suffocating defense. Both teams have earned their spots with impressive postseason runs, making this a highly anticipated battle for a semifinal berth.
Team Overviews
George Rogers Clark Lady Cardinals (26-7)
- Nickname: Lady Cardinals
- Coach: Robbie Graham
- Region: 10
- District: 40
- Record: 26-7 (11-0 in Region 10, 8-0 in District 40)
- RPI: .66208
- Scoring: Averages 64.0 points per game (2113 points in 33 games)
- Defense: Allows 41.9 points per game (1382 points allowed)
- Path to the Quarterfinals: The Lady Cardinals dominated the 10th Region tournament, defeating Mason County (77-37), Campbell County (68-34), and Bishop Brossart (71-36) to claim the title. In the Sweet 16 opener, they routed Franklin-Simpson 64-42. Notable regular-season wins include Simon Kenton (69-34), Franklin County (53-42), and Assumption (66-53), though they faced setbacks against strong out-of-state teams like Archbishop Mitty and Sacred Heart.
North Laurel Lady Jaguars (32-2)
- Nickname: Lady Jaguars
- Coach: Eddie Mahan
- Region: 13
- District: 49
- Record: 32-2 (14-1 in Region 13, 6-0 in District 49)
- RPI: .72001
- Scoring: Averages 64.2 points per game (2182 points in 34 games)
- Defense: Allows 37.1 points per game (1261 points allowed)
- Path to the Quarterfinals: The Lady Jaguars secured the 13th Region crown with wins over Pineville (73-25), Corbin (71-53), and South Laurel (48-37). They advanced past Ashland Blazer 51-42 in the Sweet 16 first round. Their season highlights include a Smokey Mountain Christmas Classic title and victories over West Jessamine (70-65 in OT), Madison Central (65-53), and Franklin County (63-57), with losses only to Pikeville (52-53) and South Laurel (36-40).
Key Players
George Rogers Clark
- Kennedy Stamper (So.): Leads with 11.5 points per game, shooting 42.9% from the field and 40.0% from three (38/95), plus 3.2 rebounds per game.
- Teigh Yeast (Jr.): Averages 10.5 points per game, with 45.6% field goal accuracy and 32.6% from three (29/89), adding 3.7 rebounds per game.
- Jailenn Green (Sr.): Contributes 9.9 points per game, shooting 48.8% from the field and 27.4% from three (20/73), with 2.5 rebounds per game.
- Ciara Byars (Sr.): Adds 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 19 appearances, shooting 41.4% from the field.
North Laurel
- Brooke Nichelson (Sr.): A dominant force at 23.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, shooting 57.1% from the field and 44.4% from three (83/187).
- Bella Sizemore (Sr.): Scores 10.0 points per game, with 48.3% field goal accuracy and 40.1% from three (67/167), plus 2.7 rebounds per game.
- Mariella Claybrook (So.): Adds 9.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, shooting 50.2% from the field.
Statistical Breakdown
| Category | George Rogers Clark | North Laurel |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 64.0 | 64.2 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 41.9 | 37.1 |
| Field Goal % | 44.0% | 50.3% |
| 3-Point Field Goal % | 31.2% | 38.3% |
| Free Throw % | 68.5% | 68.1% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 27.9 | 32.2 |
- Offense: Both teams score nearly identically (64.0 vs. 64.2 PPG), but North Laurel’s efficiency stands out with a 50.3% field goal percentage and 38.3% from three, compared to George Rogers Clark’s 44.0% and 31.2%.
- Defense: North Laurel’s defense is elite, allowing just 37.1 points per game, while George Rogers Clark gives up 41.9.
- Rebounding: North Laurel holds a clear edge, averaging 32.2 rebounds per game to George Rogers Clark’s 27.9, which could dictate possession and pace.
What to Watch For
- Nichelson vs. GRC Defense: Brooke Nichelson’s scoring prowess (23.7 PPG) will test George Rogers Clark’s ability to contain her. Expect the Lady Cardinals to double-team or disrupt her rhythm to limit her impact.
- Balanced Scoring vs. Elite Defense: George Rogers Clark’s trio of Stamper, Yeast, and Green must find cracks in North Laurel’s defense, which holds opponents to 37.1 points per game.
- Rebounding Battle: North Laurel’s advantage on the boards (32.2 vs. 27.9) could lead to extra possessions and second-chance points, putting pressure on George Rogers Clark to box out effectively.
- Three-Point Shooting: North Laurel’s superior three-point accuracy (38.3%) could stretch the floor, while George Rogers Clark’s shooters (31.2%) will need to heat up to keep pace.
- Clutch Moments: Free-throw shooting is nearly even (68.5% vs. 68.1%), so late-game execution could hinge on composure at the line if it’s close.
The Stakes
George Rogers Clark brings a battle-tested resume, with wins over top Kentucky teams and a perfect 11-0 region record, tempered by lessons from seven losses against strong competition. North Laurel’s 32-2 mark, high RPI (.72001), and dominance in Region 13 signal their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Both teams have thrived in regional tournaments and their Sweet 16 openers, making this a showdown of resilience and execution.
Final Thoughts
This quarterfinal promises a compelling contrast: George Rogers Clark’s balanced attack against North Laurel’s star-driven efficiency and defensive tenacity. Can the Lady Cardinals neutralize Nichelson and capitalize on their depth, or will the Lady Jaguars’ rebounding and shooting precision prove too much? Tip-off is at 11:00 AM on March 14 at Rupp Arena—don’t miss this clash of Kentucky’s finest!
