Reed Sheppard was all smiles cutting down the net after North Laurel won the 13th Region title. (Les Nicholson Photo)
Nate Valentine admits that North Laurel might have played “way too tough a schedule” this year that included games against nationally ranked teams and many of the state’s best teams.
That’s why North Laurel has “only” a 25-10 record going into tonight’s state tournament matchup against George Rogers Clark.
North Laurel played in six special events in Kentucky as well as the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass, and the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla..
Valentine said he had “second thoughts yes, regrets probably not” and said one of his goals in Kentucky signee Reed Sheppard and his senior teammates’ final season was to give them a “great experience and do things they would never forget” along with making it back to Rupp Arena for the state tournament. What he didn’t anticipate was a number of injuries the team had during the season.
That schedule might help the Jaguars because the blind state draw landed them against GRC, the defending state champion and one of the favorites to win again this year.
Valentine’s team has state experience but GRC is in the state for the fourth straight year and did win the title last season.
“I hope our guys handle the experience a little better than last year (when North Laurel lost 59-51 to Pikeville in the first round),” Valentine said. “Last year we were out of it so quick we did not get to enjoy it. We are a year older. Guys are stronger and tougher.”
Sheppard averages 22.1 points per game for North Laurel and has made 100 3-pointers. Teammate Ryan Davidson adds 17.8 points per game and is a 57 percent shooter from the field. Knox Central transfer Gavin Chadwell adds 11.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game (second only to Sheppard’s 8.7 boards per game).
“Gavin is what we were missing. We just needed an enforcer,” Valentine said. “He is a big, strong kid who is very physical. Gavin has made everybody’s life a little easier. We were really small without him. He gives us a rebounding presence and a little bit of muscle. He brings some toughness and leadership we have missed.”
GRC (27-5) has four players averaging in double figures — Jerone Morton (20.0), Trent Edwards (16.6), Sam Parrish (14.8) and Reshaun Hampton (11.8). Hampton has a team-high 80 3-pointers while Hampton, Edwards and Morton combine for about 20 rounds per game.
“It is going to be a great game. They have a really good team and ran through the regional without much of a challenge. Most of their scores the last two months were very lopsided,” Valentine said. “They can all put it (the ball) on the floor and get to the rim. They are all capable of making shots. We will have our hands full.”
