Laurel picked up its first Section 2-AA victory of the season against New Brighton.

“It’s a very important win, especially at home,” Lady Spartans coach Jessica Shevitz said. “New Brighton has not won a road game yet this season, we didn’t want start it at our place.”

Battling injuries all season, Laurel (1-2, 3-7) now has won two of its last three games with a relatively healthy roster.


Brooke Dicks finished with a team-high 16 points and five assists despite tweaking her ankle in the first half. Dicks missed four games earlier in the year with a concussion.

“She’s averaging about five assists a game this season. We were fortunate she was able to come back after the ankle,” Shevitz said.

Injuries worked in Laurel’s favor for once this season, as New Brighton star Katelyn Hopkins missed the second half with an ankle injury. Hopkins tallied 13 points inside for the Lady Lions in the first half.

“I thought we were the better team, but I think Hopkins being out was somewhat of a morale boost,” Shevitz said.

Jessica Conrad registered a double-double for the Lady Spartans, grabbing 10 boards and 12 points.

“It’s nice to see her hitting those shots again,” Shevitz said. “I think coming back from vacation and going back to school, we were a little out of sync at times. The bottom line is they came out and got the job done.”