An upstart and emotional Laurel team upset New Brighton in a Section 2-AA matchup.

It was senior night for the Lady Spartans (4-7, 6-15), who took control in the second quarter, outscoring New Brighton, 18-10, to take an 11-point halftime advantage. Seniors Becca Kerr and Cassie Yough led the way. Kerr scored a game-high 19 points and snared 12 rebounds, while Yough played exceptional defense against New Brighton’s main post player, Kaitlyn Hopkins. Yough also grabbed 12 boards.

“Becca is playing so well, and our team in general is playing great, to end the season,” Laurel coach Jessica Shevitz said. “It’s a shame we didn’t start this earlier.”

Marisa Wallas scored 11 of her 13 points in the first half for the Lady Spartans, and Brooke Dicks contributed 14 markers. Shevitz, though, talked about the defense, especially by Yough.

“Cassie Yough gets so little recognition, but she’s hands down our best defensive player,” she said. “We put her on Hopkins, who’s 6-2, and Cassie is 5-6. She held her to two points.”

Kiyonna McFrazier posted 11 points for New Brighton (6-6, 7-12).