![](\"https:\/\/www.13thregionmedianetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_3385-1-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LONDON \u2014 North Laurel coach Eddie Mahan recognizes talent when he sees it, and he knew from the very first time he watched Lady Jaguar senior Brooke Nichelson play in an elementary school game that she was destined to be a standout athlete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy wife still loves recalling the time I first saw Brooke play for her elementary school team,\u201d he said. \u201cI came home raving about this young girl’s incredible potential. Even back then, her athleticism stood out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nichelson continued to improve as a basketball player throughout her career, and has now established herself as one of the best players in the state after securing two 13th Region Player of the Year awards this past week while capturing her second 13th Region Tournament MVP award on Saturday after guiding the Lady Jaguars to their third consecutive 13th Region crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt’s been an absolute joy to witness her growth from that eager youngster to the dominant force she is today,\u201d Mahan said. \u201cThe past few years have been a thrilling ride, and I feel fortunate to have been able to watch her evolve into the exceptional player she’s become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWatching Brooke evolve into one of the state’s top players has been truly remarkable,\u201d he added. \u201cInterestingly, her biggest hurdle wasn’t refining her skills, but rather recognizing her own potential. At times, she seemed unaware of her capabilities on the court. As her confidence grew, so did her exceptional performance, unlocking the full greatness of her game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nichelson showed what she could do during Monday\u2019s 13th Region Tournament championship against South Laurel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She scored the Lady Jaguars\u2019 first 12 points while totaling 81 points and 23 rebounds during North Laurel\u2019s three games, which included her 29-point, seven-rebound effort in the title game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBrooke Nichelson is an incredibly versatile player, and I genuinely believe there’s nothing she can’t accomplish on the basketball court,\u201d Mahan said. \u201cHer biggest challenge might be trusting her own abilities, but once she taps into that self-confidence, she’ll be nearly unstoppable. The best thing about Brooke and her value to the team is she is like a Swiss Army knife, and can really help in just about any situation. Her scoring, rebounding or defense can change a game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDespite her dominant performance, Brooke might say she still didn\u2019t play to her full potential,\u201d he added. \u201cAnd I think she’s right \u2014 we’re only just beginning to see the incredible talent she possesses. I’m excited to see her continue to grow and improve as she takes her skills to the next level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n