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<p>One loss doesn't define a team or a season. A varsity season isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. The best teams don't panic, they regroup, refocus, and get better.</p>
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<p>Here are <strong>3 teams who took an early hit but responded with resilience, toughness, and big time performances</strong>.</p>
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<p>Yes, they took a loss… <strong>but look at how they bounced back!</strong></p>
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<p>North Laurel responded in a major way after dropping their opener to a very talented Assumption squad! Coach Eddie Mahan and the Lady Jaguars showed exactly why they're built for a big season with a strong statement victory over Hazard.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747655' first='Mariella' last='Claybrook']</strong> is averaging 11.0 ppg and 13.5 rpg, leading the team on the glass and setting the tone on both ends. Her scoring, rebounding, and physical presence give North Laurel an advantage every night.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493157' first='Haley' last='Combs']</strong> is stuffing the stat sheet with 7.5 ppg, 6 steals, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. She stretches the floor with her shooting, but she can also attack the rim or pull up in the midrange, making her a constant problem for defenses.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1274577' first='Laylee' last='Phillips']</strong> is averaging 11.0 ppg and 5.5 rpg while shooting an elite 55% from three. She's already a polished scorer and her ability to knock down multiple threes adds a huge spark for the team.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1109605' first='Bella' last='Lewis']</strong> is averaging 6.0 ppg and 3.5 rpg. She is one of the team's most reliable defenders, a dependable shooter, and a quietly efficient scorer.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133142' first='Bella' last='Mahan']</strong> contributes 3.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg and brings energy, shooting, smart decision-making, and strong ball handling to the floor.</p>
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<p>⸻</p>
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<p>Adair County also bounced back after two early losses against tough competition, then responded in dominant fashion with a <strong>60-point win</strong>. Coach Hunter Cundiff's Lady Indians are improving every week and proving they're built to compete.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1176090' first='Reese' last='Bardin']</strong> continues to be a deadly shooter with veteran poise even as a sophomore. She scored 16 in the win, including two threes, and added two steals.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1056295' first='Kinzlee' last='Akin']</strong> is a dynamic scorer off the catch or off the bounce. She finished with 14 points and 4 assists, showing her versatility.</p>
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<p><strong>Ila Loy</strong> plays like a point guard far beyond her eighth-grade age. She sees the floor, scores at all three levels, and finished with 10 points and 2 assists.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903167' first='Callee' last='White']</strong> is an underrated forward who brings toughness and impact in all areas. She tallied 6 points, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds in a well rounded performance.</p>
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<p>⸻</p>
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<p>Logan County bounced back from a tough opener to win their next two games by double digits. Coach Dedra Adler's Lady Cougars are showing they're primed for a breakout season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='965789' first='Brenley' last='Adler']</strong> is the engine of the team, bringing strength, skill, and matchup versatility every night. She's averaging 16.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg and is the steady leader that makes everything flow.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1172538' first='Reese' last='Wetton']</strong> leads the team in field goal percentage, three point percentage, and free throw percentage while averaging 10 ppg and 3.3 rpg. Her efficiency is a huge asset.</p>
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<p><strong>Alissa Hampton</strong> is adding 4.7 ppg and ranks fourth on the team in rebounds, giving productive minutes on both ends.</p>
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<p><strong>Addison Holloway</strong> continues to take advantage of her opportunities. After finishing top three in rebounding last season, she is once again proving how valuable she is on the glass.</p>
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<p></p>
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One loss doesn't define a team or a season. A varsity season isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. The best teams don't panic, they regroup, refocus, and get better.
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