In one of the most dramatic games of the 2024 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass opening round, the 18th ranked South Laurel Cardinals (5-0) edged the 3rd ranked Trinity Shamrocks (4-3) 51-49 in overtime. Jordan Mabe was the standout performer, earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors for his 26-point effort that included several clutch moments.
The first half was defined by defensive intensity and offensive struggles, with both teams combining for just 30 points. South Laurel’s 11 points tied the tournament record for the fewest in a half, set in 1997. Combined, the teams fell one point short of tying the record for the fewest combined points in a half, set in 1983 when Jeffersontown and Meade County combined for 29.
Mabe managed just six points in the half, while Trinity capitalized on South Laurel’s shooting woes to build a 19-11 halftime lead. Jayden Johnson and Avery Frasher combined for 13 of Trinity’s points as the Shamrocks took advantage of turnovers and second-chance opportunities.
South Laurel came alive in the third quarter behind Mabe’s aggressive scoring and improved shooting from the field. The Cardinals shot 60% in the second half, with Mabe scoring 12 points during regulation’s final two quarters. Kaiden McQueen added key rebounds, while Colton Rawlings hit a timely three-pointer to keep the Cardinals within striking distance.
Trinity’s Frasher and Johnson continued to pace the Shamrocks offensively, but the Cardinals’ defensive adjustments and timely baskets allowed them to claw back. Mabe hit a three-pointer with 21.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 41 and force overtime. In overtime, Mabe took over. He scored the first basket of the extra period and followed it with a go-ahead free throw with just 11.8 seconds remaining. South Laurel’s defense stood strong, forcing a pair of missed shots by Trinity's Jarden Johnson on the game’s final possession to secure the win.
Mabe finished with a game-high 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting, adding three rebounds and two steals. Rawlings contributed eight points and eight rebounds, while McQueen’s defensive presence proved invaluable in critical moments.
For Trinity, Frasher led with 15 points and five rebounds, while Johnson added eight points and six boards. The Shamrocks shot just 34.1% from the field and committed 14 turnovers, which proved costly in such a tightly contested game.
South Laurel, in their first KOB appearance since 1995, advances to Friday's quarterfinals where they'll meet North Oldham at 9:00pm. Trinity moves to the consolation bracket where they'll play Adair County at 9:00pm Friday.
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