North Laurel senior Emily Sizemore has had one of the best careers a Lady Jaguar has ever had, and now she’s ready to end her basketball career at North Laurel with a bang.
She’s already scored 1,943 points, and pulled down 976 rebounds in her career, and can’t wait to add to her numbers while hoping to help lead North Laurel to a 13th Region championship.
“As my incoming senior year is here, it truly is bitter-sweet,” she admitted. “I’m so excited to get things into motion and begin my final season of basketball ever. I think that is the hardest reality to accept, that this is truly it for me. To know this is the last chance I get to surrender every talent truly and make this final season memorable. What seems like a lifetime being at North Laurel has truly passed by as quick as a blink.
“I feel it was the other day I was being asked to play up as a seventh grader,” Sizemore added. “It surely has flown by and here I am ready to put that uniform on one last season. The moments definitely hit that it truly is my senior year. If it’s a reminder through the comments in practice, my family talking about it, or my own thoughts processing how I am truly going to lose apart of me at the end of this year. However, I’m excited to see what God has next for me.”
During her career as a Lady Jaguar, Sizemore has accomplished a lot of achievements, but she admitted nothing compares to being a team leader.
“The accomplishments I have obtained over the years include multiple 49th district titles, multiple 13th Region championship game appearances, and one 13th Region title,” she said. “As an individual player, I have accumulated multiple all-district and all-region awards. I hold the school record for both boys and girls for assist and rebounds. I am third all-time leading scorer for the women’s program. However, personal accolades to me is not what I want my senior to be remembered or highlighted by.
“As I enter this season, I have tried to be a vocal leader and presence on and off the court for my teammates,” Sizemore added. “I am trying every day to give them 110% in return, hoping they can give me that for one last ride. I am trying to push each one of my teammates to bring the best version of themselves to this season. Being a true point guard, and creating for others, is what I believe is going to be my most important role.
“I believe this season it is important for me to be a vocal leader, take good shots, be a defensive spark, and create for everyone on the floor,” she continued. “Building from the errors of our last couple of seasons, we are starting fresh with building an effective offense. I believe my role is making sure everyone is on the same page with the mindset of creating a great shot instead of settling for just a good one is important. This sport has been my life ever since I was in second grade. However, a couple years ago, I decided I was going to pursue my softball career in college. So, I have been playing travel softball in the summer while training for basketball the past couple of years. However, I am excited, and I believe prepared for my last and final season as a Lady Jag.”
Sizemore said the loss to Corbin in last year’s 13th Region Tournament semis still stings, and she hopes North Laurel can make another deep postseason run this upcoming season.
“The loss against Corbin was one of the worst losses I have obtained being a Lady Jaguar,” she admitted. “To know you have every piece you need to compete at a state level, but failed, truly is upsetting. However, all we can do is improve from last season, learn from our mistakes, and take it game by game. We can’t dwell on last season, but we can use it to boost our determination. Although, I believe this team this year has a new mindset. I believe instead of being motivated by last season and our shortcomings, we are excited to be on the floor and play for everyone wearing that jersey.
“This season we truly have made it clear this is about us and the girls playing,” Sizemore added. “I believe our motivation is coming out each day playing for someone and something greater than ourselves, which I believe will make a big impact in our success in the post season.
“I do believe with full confidence in this team this year,” she continued. I believe the 13th Region championship is again ours to lose. However, with our eyes on that prize, we are taking every day with importance and building upon each practice and game. This season I believe will be important to take every game seriously to build to our final results in the end which is to be 13th Region champs. I think our chemistry is there and will continue to build, everyone wants each player to succeed, and everyone is buying in to our new system. Each player on our roster is playing for something greater than themselves. I can see the difference of the atmosphere in practice, and it truly makes me grateful. I am glad to leave North Laurel with this group of girls. I would take my Jags over anyone, and I will have full confidence until the end. I have a feeling this is our year and everyone is buying in to play the right way. I am so honored and excited to get the year started.”
