With three starters returning along with one of the top players in the region transferring, many can see why Nate Valentine’s North Laurel Jaguars are tagged as the team to beat once again in the 13th Region.
It’s been one wild ride of an off-season for the Jaguars but one thing is for certain, they possess the best basketball player in the state in Reed Sheppard.
Sheppard, who is the front-runner to win Mr. Basketball this season, signed with the University of Kentucky earlier this month, returns along with starters Ryan Davidson and Brody Brock.
And, let’s not forget about the transfer of Gavin Chadwell, who is also one of the top players in the region. He was named the 13th Region Tournament’s Most Valuable Player during his freshman season, and will be a valuable asset for the Jaguars.
“We are once again very optimistic about this year’s team,” Valentine said. “We return three starters as well as several other guys that got meaningful minutes last season. I have been pleased with our team’s improvement thus far. The guys are working really hard and are excited to compete against someone else.
“We just have to continue to improve each day throughout the season,” he added. “Our schedule is going to challenge us and make us better. This year’s schedule is exactly what we need. If we aren’t ready to play, we probably aren’t going to like the result. To get where we want to go with this program we must continue to play the best.
Outside a very talented 13th Region schedule, we are playing in two of the best events in the country — The City of Palms in Ft. Myers, Florida, and the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. We will also play in one of the top Christmas tournaments in the state — The Traditional Bank Classic at Lexington Catholic, and we will play Lyon County in the White Greer and Maggard Classic.”
Valentine said he hopes the schedule he has put together prepares his team for postseason play.
“We wanted to play the best of the best and see where we are,” he admitted. “Reed, Ryan and Brody continue to anchor us. We expect many of our contributors from last year to have an enhanced role this year, including Colton Rawlings, Kyler Elza and Kole Jervis. Chase Keen had a very good preseason and is expected to be a contributor. “Freshmen Reece Davidson, Jordan Rawlings and Kaiden McQueen continue to improve and develop,” Valentine added. “Gavin Chadwell will give us a much-needed inside presence.”
Even though his team is considered a heavy favorite to repeat, Valentine feels the 13th Region will be challenging once again.
“I would consider the 13th to be one of the best in the state this season,” he said. “Whoever wins the 13th Region Tournament is going to have to play three really good games to advance.
“Our guys are a year older now and have matured in their approach to the game,” Valentine added. “They know what’s at stake and what it is going to take to get this program to the next level. I’m really proud of the culture of our locker room and the character of our players right now. This is a fun group to coach and grow with. We are looking forward to spending the next five months together to see where this thing ends.”
