LONDON — She might seem quiet, but North Laurel senior Haley Combs lets her play on the court do the talking.
Combs’ performance throughout the season helped propel the Lady Jaguars to their fourth straight 13th Region championship while further establishing North Laurel as one of the top programs in the state.
“Haley has grown so much since she first joined the program,” North Laurel coach Eddie Mahan said. “She’s always had a great feel for the game, but over time she’s developed into a more complete player. Her confidence has grown and she’s taken on more responsibility as a leader for this team.
“The only unfortunate thing is I believe the last month she has hit a completely new level,” he added. “One, I have always seen in her but she would only show flashes of. The way she is playing right now is not just a good point guard but what I believe is playing at a level that makes her one of the best players in the state. The scoring, defense and ability to see the floor right now is elite.”
Combs’ play has been huge for the Lady Jaguars, according to Mahan.
“It’s been huge for our team,” he said. “Everyone notices the scoring, but the strides she’s made defensively have been just as important. She’s embraced that challenge and really worked to become a more complete player. Her raise has also I believe inspired others to play even harder here the last few weeks of the season.
“Haley’s biggest strength is her basketball IQ and her ability to make plays,” Mahan added. “She can score, she can create opportunities for others, and she understands how to control the pace of the game. Having someone like that on the floor is incredibly valuable. However, seeing her take her scoring to another level has taken our entire team to another level.”
Combs out together a three game stretch in this past week’s 13th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament that led to her being named MVP.
She finished the tournament with 42 points, 15 assists, and a tournament-best 21 steals.
“She played at a really high level during that stretch,” Mahan said. “Those tournaments are always intense and every possession matters, and she did a great job of stepping up when we needed her.
“Haley brings leadership, confidence, and competitiveness,” he added. “She’s the type of player who wants the ball in big moments right now and isn’t afraid of the pressure. That is a big rise in her mentality.”
