No. 18 Lexington Catholic upsets No. 7 North Laurel 59-48 to tip off 2025-26 season

Amid a frenetic UK football coaching change and a battle of blue bloods at Rupp Arena, high school basketball tipped off this week in the Bluegrass.

No. 7 North Laurel (0-1), fresh off a KHSAA Sweet 16 appearance the year prior, is led by Reed Sheppard’s cousin Reece Davidson, who led all scorers on Tuesday night with 21 points. But No. 18 Lexington Catholic‘s (1-0) balanced scoring attack and dominance on the glass spoiled his fun to snag the upset victory, 59-48, in front of the home crowd.

“We went to North Laurel last year and got 30-pieced,” said Lex Cath head coach Brandon Salsman. “They were sheep to the lions last year and this year, we’re grown men.”

In the first half, the two teams traded baskets and turnovers (both teams had at least six), as the Knights held a 28-22 lead at the break. Lex Cath spread the love, with seven players scoring a field goal.

But in the second half, three Knights emerged as stars to seal the win: Everett Stuart, Hank Woodall, and Max Meagher. Stuart was a spark plug, as he scored two three-pointers and slammed down an alley-oop dunk. Woodall provided solid scoring in the paint with eight points, and Meagher grabbed eight rebounds to help the Knights win the game’s rebound battle 34-21 and the second-chance points battle 10-2.

Lex Cath consistently and slowly pulled away. They won every quarter, but the highest they outscored the Jaguars in a quarter was three. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Knights knifed the dagger in the Jaguars when Meagher tossed a lob to Stuart trailing the baseline, who slammed it down to a roaring student section. Stuart immediately stole the ball and drew a foul as he tried for the layup. He only made the second free throw, but the Knights extended their lead to 53-40, their biggest of the game so far.

North Laurel would fight back, getting the lead back to single digits with threes from Brayden Hampton and Davidson, but it was too little too late as the Knights held the Jaguars off and won 59-48.

Lex Cath had five players with at least seven points, but Stuart and Woodall led the team with 15 and 14, respectively. Meagher was one point away from a double-double, as he finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.

“That’s Catholic basketball,” said Salsman. “We value the fact that our great teams have all been evenly led in scoring… On any night, any one of them can lead you in scoring.”

These two teams have met six times since 2021, and the series is now tied at 3-3.

Next Up:

• No. 18 Lexington Catholic is playing an opponent to be announced at Mercer County on Dec. 4.
• No. 7 North Laurel hosts county rival South Laurel on Dec. 5.