LONDON — Senior leadership, experience and talent are three main ingredients to capturing a state title, and Chris Edwards’ North Laurel Lady Jaguars possess all three.
North Laurel is looking to capture its first state title since 2001, but must navigate through a bracket that includes defending champion Henderson County and top ranked South Warren.
Even with the tough state tournament field, Edwards is confident in his team’s abilities.
“I do like my teams’ chances again this season,” he admitted. “If you don’t have the confidence that your team can go up there and compete, then there is no reason to go. We will be ready to play against a top ten team in Henderson County but I believe that we are capable of winning the game. That’s the nature of softball. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day.
“Based on RPI the KHSAA puts out, we are either six or seven,” he added. “That is hard to go by because some of these teams we’ve never seen or played against. It’s going to be a challenge for whoever comes out of this as the champions but I’ll take my chances with our group.”
With the talent that’s on his team’s roster, the Lady Jaguars are ready to make another state tourney run that 20 North Laurel teams has done in the past, but only four of those have played in state title games.
“To be a part of this legacy and tradition is something that I don’t take lightly,” Edwards said. “North Laurel leads the state in wins and Region Championships. Some people outside of our area don’t understand how good the softball is in this part of the state. This team and my coaches are very proud to be just a small part of the North Laurel Softball history.
“We are playing good softball right now, so that should be a strength,” he added. “We have played a lot of quality opponents this season and seen a lot of good pitching as well so that should be a strength as well. Our biggest strength could be that we are senior led and have the experience from last season. Everyone that’s playing this season was there last year so they will know the pregame routine and the travel and all of the expectations that we have. I am really looking forward to it.”
