LEXINGTON, KY — George Rogers Clark used a strong second half to turn a close game into a 55-46 win over North Laurel on Thursday at Rupp Arena in the 2026 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16®. North Laurel led 25-22 at halftime, but GRC outscored the Jaguars 33-21 after the break.

North Laurel controlled much of the first half. The Jaguars shot 56% and got 10 first-half points from Mariella Claybrook and 10 more from Laylee Phillips. North Laurel led 13-12 after one quarter and 25-22 at halftime.

George Rogers Clark’s offense never fully found its rhythm. GRC shot 35% from the field and made just 1 of 11 from 3-point range. The Cardinals forced 30 turnovers, scored 29 points off those turnovers and finished with a 10-5 edge in second-chance points from their offensive rebounds.

After trailing by three at halftime, George Rogers Clark outscored North Laurel 15-8 in the period to take a 37-33 lead into the fourth. GRC shot 7-for-14 in the third, and the Cardinals began to gain control with their 2-2-1 press and buckets in the paint.

Clark finished the game at the foul line. The Cardinals made only two field goals in the fourth quarter, but they went 14-for-21 on free throws in the period and built their lead to as many as 14 points. GRC’s last field goal came with 4:50 remaining, but the Cardinals stayed in control by continuing to get to the line.

Teigh Yeast led Clark County with 14 points and six rebounds, with all 14 of her points coming in the second half. Kennedy Stamper and Kyleigh Chestnut added 11 points apiece, while Eliyah Strode finished with nine points, five rebounds, five steals and two blocked shots. Jylin Edmondson added four points and three assists off the bench.

North Laurel was led by Claybrook, who finished with 28 points and 16 rebounds on 11-of-14 shooting.

George Rogers Clark will play Franklin-Simpson on Friday at 8:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals.

Watch the postgame press conference here: