LAUREL – The train slowed down Friday night in Laurel and it was effective enough to help the Locomotives to a 42-36 win over Billings Central.
Starting in the first quarter, and continuing on several occasions throughout the game, Laurel decided to swing the ball back and fourth around the perimeter burning up to a minute off the clock per possession.
The strategy helped Laurel to an 8-0 lead after the opening period, a dry spell from which the Rams would not recover. The Locomotives also double-team Olivia Moten-Schell much of the night, effectively shutting down Central’s inside game.
Locomotives’ junior guard Aspen Cotter had 15 points at halftime contributing to a 23-13 lead. Laurel increased it to 30-18 after three quarters.
Central then doubled it’s output from the first three quarters by scoring 18 in the fourth.
Laurel remains on top of the Eastern A standings with a 5-0 conference mark (7-5 overall). The Rams fall to 3-2 in league play.
The rivalry continues Saturday night when Laurel’s boys (7-4, 3-1) host Central (6-3, 2-2) at 7:30 p.m.
