LONDON — It’s March, so it must mean one thing — Eddie Mahan is preparing his North Laurel Lady Jaguars to make a run for the school’s first-ever state championship.
Laurel County is known for its success at winning state titles in the sport of girls’ basketball, and Mahan is hoping to keep the tradition alive when the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16 tips off at Rupp Arena on Wednesday.
North Laurel will enter Wednesday’s game against Franklin County with a 29-5 record while repeating as 13th Region champions.
“Every season seems so long as you are going through the growing pains of a season but at this point looking back it really went fast and was really enjoyable,” Mahan said. “It has been a great group of players to coach. They are everything you ask for when it comes to a great team. This season has had its challenges with the growth of some young players and some changing roles in my older players but they did a great job adjusting this season.”
This week’s trip to Rupp Arena will mark North Laurel’s third since 2019, but each 13th Region championship has had a different feel for Mahan.
“The first championship in 2019 was difficult as we were just learning how to get over the proverbial hump and learn how to be a champion,” he said. “Last season was a challenge but with so much experience we knew what we needed to do to win and that probably made it the least challenging of the three.
“This season though was probably the hardest of all,” Mahan added. “First I thought our team had some growing to do before we would be able to win, then the field was probably the deepest it had been in the 13th region in a long time. I truly thought multiple upsets could have happened in this year’s tournament.
“The winning starts with talent but the hard part is chemistry,” he continued. “Getting talented players to sacrifice for a team goal is hard but these teams are teaching each new generation of players what our team expectations are. When you a player led team you can bet that they will be successful.”
The Lady Jaguars possess a talented roster that brings different things to the table, according to Mahan.
“Chloe McKnight for years has shown glimpses of being that dominate player and this season she consistently showed just how good she is. Her focus has really came a long way and you can see that confidence develop,” he said. “Brooke Nichelson is the most athletic player I have ever coached. I don’t think most people realize just how good she is until you see her in the biggest of stages. The biggest problem for her sometimes is she doesn’t realize how good she is. I can walk into the state tournament as a coach and I can truly feel like I have the best player on the floor in practically every game.
“Haley Combs had to learn our system and adapt to playing with a new team,” Mahan added. “I couldn’t ask for a better player to keep the tradition of great point guards going in our program. She is a great defensive presence but has some great offensive skill as well. When we get her fully comfortable in our program you will see her really emerge.
“Mariella Claybrook is developing into a major D1 player and has so much versatility in her game,” he continued. “We utilize her 6’2 frame to not only create mismatches in the paint but she can actually come out and play on the perimeter too. That gives us so much to work with. Gracie McKnight is such a hustler and can play great defense. She can also stretch the floor for us with some great shooting. Jaelyn Black is a leader and very good offensive player. The one part of her game that had been a weakness in past seasons was her defense. She progressed so much in that area that she now is often assigned the opposing teams better guards. Emma Carl has so much athleticism she reminds me of a young Brooke. Her defense is tremendous already and has she develops her skill level will be a star. In her role for us right now though I believe she could guard anyone’s best player at multiple positions.”
While possessing one of the best teams in the state, Mahan feels his Lady Jaguars can make a run at the state title this week.
“I am sure some teams might be more talented than us but I believe this team can compete with anyone,” he said. “They also seem to rise to the occasion which many teams do not always show the ability to do. I like our chances as long as we stay focused.
“We always feel like we can make a run,” Mahan added. “I know my staff will do everything possible to get them ready and from there it will be up to our players to execute. I for one don’t doubt them.”
