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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With three starters returning along with one of the top players in the region transferring, many can see why Nate Valentine\u2019s North Laurel Jaguars are tagged as the team to beat once again in the 13th Region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s been one wild ride of an off-season for the Jaguars but one thing is for certain, they possess the best basketball player in the state in Reed Sheppard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheppard, who is the front-runner to win Mr. Basketball this season, signed with the University of Kentucky earlier this month, returns along with starters Ryan Davidson and Brody Brock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, let\u2019s not forget about the transfer of Gavin Chadwell, who is also one of the top players in the region. He was named the 13th Region Tournament\u2019s Most Valuable Player during his freshman season, and will be a valuable asset for the Jaguars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are once again very optimistic about this year\u2019s team,\u201d Valentine said. \u201cWe return three starters as well as several other guys that got meaningful minutes last season. I have been pleased with our team\u2019s improvement thus far. The guys are working really hard and are excited to compete against someone else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe just have to continue to improve each day throughout the season,\u201d he added. \u201cOur schedule is going to challenge us and make us better. This year\u2019s schedule is exactly what we need. If we aren\u2019t ready to play, we probably aren\u2019t going to like the result. To get where we want to go with this program we must continue to play the best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside a very talented 13th Region schedule, we are playing in two of the best events in the country \u2014 The City of Palms in Ft. Myers, Florida, and the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. We will also play in one of the top Christmas tournaments in the state \u2014 The Traditional Bank Classic at Lexington Catholic, and we will play Lyon County in the White Greer and Maggard Classic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valentine said he hopes the schedule he has put together prepares his team for postseason play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe wanted to play the best of the best and see where we are,\u201d he admitted. \u201cReed, Ryan and Brody continue to anchor us. We expect many of our contributors from last year to have an enhanced role this year, including Colton Rawlings, Kyler Elza and Kole Jervis. Chase Keen had a very good preseason and is expected to be a contributor. \u201cFreshmen Reece Davidson, Jordan Rawlings and Kaiden McQueen continue to improve and develop,\u201d Valentine added. \u201cGavin Chadwell will give us a much-needed inside presence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though his team is considered a heavy favorite to repeat, Valentine feels the 13th Region will be challenging once again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would consider the 13th to be one of the best in the state this season,\u201d he said. \u201cWhoever wins the 13th Region Tournament is going to have to play three really good games to advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n