Reed Sheppard, North Laurel advance to 13th Region semifinals

Reed Sheppard had his fingerprints all over North Laurel’s dominating 81-55 win over Lynn Camp on Thursday night at Corbin Arena. The victory advances North Laurel to the 13th Region semifinals.

The future Kentucky Wildcat was ultra-efficient early and often. Sheppard poured in a total of 28 points on an elite shooting clip of 12-13 with just a single made 3-pointer. The 6-foot-3 junior guard also added six rebounds, seven assists, one block, and two steals without turning the ball over once. He went 3-4 from the free-throw line, as well.

At one point in the second quarter, Sheppard scored 13 straight North Laurel points and was responsible for 19 in a row as the Jaguars quickly blew the game wide open. The class of 2023 UK commit is considered a top 25 player in the country, according to the On3 Consensus, and sure did look the part in his 13th Region Tournament opener.

Jags by 26 🏀 pic.twitter.com/fR8eM9ixsj

— North Laurel Boys Basketball (@NorthLaurelBB) March 4, 2022

Lynn Camp did its best to stay close in the first quarter, but North Laurel had far too many offensive weapons to account for. The Jags took a 23-14 lead into the second frame, were in front by 17 at the halftime break, and won the second half to secure the 26-point victory. Sheppard’s impressive showing was aided by 19 points and seven rebounds from Ryan Davidson, along with 11 points from Chase Dotson. Lynn Camp was led by 25 points from Gavin Allen on a perfect 11-11 shooting mark while the team’s usual leading scorer, Micah Engle, was held to 15 points on 6-14 shooting.

With the win, North Laurel will take on Bell County for the first time this season during Saturday’s semifinals matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EST back at Corbin Arena. Bell County was able to take down Corbin in the game prior to North Laurel-Lynn Camp, earning a 57-45 win with a shot to knock out a Sheppard in the next round.

The 13th Region championship is scheduled for Monday, March 7 at the same venue. Tipoff has been set for 7:00 p.m. EST with the winner moving on to the 2022 UK Healthcare Boy’s Sweet 16 state tournament.