LONDON — When it comes to winning, defending 13th Region champion North Laurel has an impressive track record.
Over the past six years, coach Eddie Mahan’s team has amassed a record of 164-38, boasting a remarkable .811 winning percentage.
Against 13th Region teams during this time, the Lady Jaguars have been dominant, with a record of 83-10, with five of those losses occurring in the 2017-18 season. In the past five years alone, they have an outstanding record of 69-5 against 13th Region opponents.
Additionally, they have achieved two region championships and made two appearances in the Elite Eight at the Sweet Sixteen.
But the success doesn’t stop there.
North Laurel has also secured a program record of six consecutive 49th District titles in the past six years. They have been nearly unbeatable in district play, with a record of 44-1 against 49th District opponents. Currently, they are on a 43-game win streak against district opponents.
They’re coming off another 30-win season with hopes of repeating as 13th Region champions.
“Last year was a tremendous season and one we won’t forget but that was a different team,” Mahan said. “This team has many of the same pieces, but they will all be asked to play a different role. This team will be more athletic, and we have more length than we have ever had at North Laurel previously. However, it will be how this team does with adversity that will be the biggest factor of our success. Emily Sizemore was such a key piece to us in pressure situations and now we have players that will need to be able to perform when the team is depending on them this year.
“Summer ball has been different the last few summers for us,” he added. “It used to be a building block that we used to help improve our team. However, over the last few years we now primarily use it to assist in our players recruitment. We spend most of our time either practicing, lifting or going to team camps at Universities that I know are looking at our players. “This year we went to Coastal Carolina and ETSU who both had been active in recruiting North Laurel players,” Mahan continued. “We are always looking for ways to improve the players, but a huge part of our program now is also helping our players earn scholarships. I was able to see improvement in our team and it was great for our team to spend so much time together at camps and on the beach. That team unity will pay off for us this season.”
Mahan said this year’s version of the Lady Jaguars could be the most-talented team he’s had, noting that he has four players that has started various times over the course of the past two years.
“Brooke Nichelson obviously had a break out season last year that ended with her being the talk of the state tournament,” he said. “Her athleticism is unmatched and if we can get her to keep working on her game, both physically and mentally, she could be one of the best to have ever gone through the 13th Region. However, that will take her putting in the work. It will also be important how she handles the pressure this year. Last year the leadership on the team went through Emily and now Brooke will have to be a player who looks to put more of the team’s success on her shoulders this season.
“Chloe McKnight in my opinion is one of the best players in the region, but she will need to be consistent to not only get the respect she deserves but for us to separate ourselves from other teams in the region,” he added. “Colleges really began looking at her this offseason as they would come to our workouts. Her presence could be the deciding factor of our success. It’s not in her personality to be aggressive or selfish but she will have to learn to be a little of both for her to be the dominate player I know she can be. I think a lot of eyes will be on her this season and if she can be that unique piece that takes us to another level.”
Mahan believes Gracie McKnight, Jaelyn Black, Haley Combs, Mariella Claybrook, and Emma ClArk will play big roles for the Lady Jaguars this season.
“Gracie McKnight is an all-around player who can really help us this season,” he said. “She started the majority of games two years ago and I expect her to be that solid player and leader this year. She is so coachable and will fit most roles you ask of her. Jaelyn Black is a player who we will be looking to take a bigger step this season. She started all of last year but will be asked to take over some of the roles and responsibilities that Emily had last year both on and off the court. She is handling the ball much better this offseason and that will help us tremendously if that continues to progress.
“Haley Combs is a big-time player that will turn heads this season,” he added. “She is very athletic and uses that on both ends of the floor. She has solidified herself as the frontrunner to start at point guard for us this season. I think as she learns all that I expect of her she will begin to feel even more comfortable and by the end of the season everyone will know just how good she is. Mariella Claybrook is a freshman and already holds college offers including a D1 offer. Her versatility makes her very unique. At almost 6’2, she can player multiple positions of us. She can handle the ball well enough we will even be running her at point guard at times this season. Right now, her defense is farther along than her offense but as her confidence grows, I think you will see that side improve as well. Emma Carl is just an eighth grader, but her defense and athletic ability will play a role in our success as well. Her along with players like Abby Hubbard, Bella Mahan, Paisley Kilburn, Eden Begley and others will be supplying some depth for our team.”
“Versatility, athleticism and length are all strengths for North Laurel, according to Mahan.
“We can go with a very big lineup or a change it up and go with a very quick lineup,” he said. “It’s this team’s ability that I think can set it apart from some of my other teams. “It’s also our ability to defend that I think will make a huge difference this season. So far in practice, it looks like our defense could be very special for this team.”
When it comes to concerns, Mahan said pointed out his team’s consistency.
“Consistency is my biggest concern going into the season,” he said. “We have multiple players who can all have huge games but each and every one of them has dealt with consistency issues in the past.
“It is a focus for us right now to work on the metal aspect of our team to help rectify that issue,” he added. “I think if we can get consistency, it will be the biggest difference make for us. The biggest key for us is adapting as a new team. With so much talent and leadership last season, at times we were able to hit cruise control and still be successful. With this team, it might be more talented, but I do not think we can be successful without some growth in an our mentality and work ethic.”
Mahan said he always tries to put together a schedule that will prepare his team for the 49th District, and 13th Region Tournaments.
“We always try and have a challenging schedule. It is one of the main contributors to our success over the years,” he said. “This season has no easy games, and we will not be able to relax at any point.
“No teams will know you any better than your district teams,” he added. “It is the great equalizer that always led to competitive games in the district. Clay County will always be a challenge and they have some good young talent. Jackson County has some tremendous talent and they hit their stride in the postseason last year. That could easily make them one of the district and regional contenders this season.
“I feel that we are always at or near the top of the region but the great thing about our game is none of that really matters,” Mahan continued. “We have been preseason favorite and lost, and we have been the underdog and won, so rankings are great, but they don’t win you championships.”
