Murray State signee Brooke Nichelson, left, is averaging 23.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game going into today’s state tournament game. (X Photo)
North Laurel coach Eddie Mahan admits senior Brooke Nichelson is underrated statewide but blames himself for that.
She has averaged 23.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this year and helped North Laurel win a third straight 13th Region title. The Murray State signee shot 57 percent from the field, including 44 percent from 3.
The 5-10 guard averaged 18 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as a junior and shot 47 percent from 3 when North Laurel finished 29-6.
North Laurel (31-2) opens the Girls State Tournament today in Rupp Arena against 16th Region champion Ashland Blazer (21-10).
“Brooke can score at all levels. She is a true Division I guard,” Ashland coach Stacy Davis said. “She can get baskets, post up. She’s quick going from point a to point b. She’s strong. She is well developed in her all-around game. She will be a tough one to handle.”
She certainly was that in the 13th Region Tournament when she was named the tourney’s most valuable player for the second straight year after amassing 81 points and 23 rebounds in the three wins. She had 29 points and seven rebounds in the title game against South Laurel.
Mahan said because he believes in a team-first approach, Nichelson’s potential productivity has suffered at times.
“For years our team has always tried to get four or five kids into double figures,” the North Laurel coach said. “She was able to shine more this year. We are in a stat-driven age and this year her numbers are more like the player she is.
“When she understands how good she is, she can take over a game.”
Mahan doesn’t mind how often she shoots but would like to see her go to the rim more despite her high 3-point percentage.
“She is definitely unique. We utilize her in the post. We utilize her off the ball,” Mahan said. “Even if she is not shooting, she is a big part of our offense.”
Mahan said Nichelson had “no pressure” on her in 2023 when North Laurel came to the state. Last year he thought the “pressure got to her” in a loss to Franklin County.
“Franklin County took away her ability to score from 3-point range and ability to get to the rim,” Mahan said. “It showed she was not quite ready maturity-wise. What’s so different this year is that she scored 16 of our first 20 points in the regional championship game. No way she was going to let us lose and that’s what you want. The difference between her from junior to senior is her mindset going into the game.”
