Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
Laurel Jacqmain is only a freshman, but she is playing way beyond her years for the Nouvel Catholic Central girls basketball team.
Since being implemented into the starting lineup right before Christmas after the Panthers’ only loss of the season against Reese, Jacqmain helped the Panthers win their next seven games, including an upset victory over previously unbeaten Freeland 58-47.
Jacqmain was huge against the Falcons, scoring eight points while causing confusion on defense.
“How about that freshman,” said Nouvel coach Kris Hengesbach. “Laurel is playing well above what we thought our expectations were for her this season, but to watch her grow as a player as the season progresses is pretty special.”
Jacqmain credits her success to her older brothers Mitchell and Tyler pushing her on the court.
Mitchell was a 2012 graduate of Nouvel and is a current Michigan Tech football player, while Tyler is a junior at Nouvel and also an athlete. Both have both offered their younger sister advice and encouragement throughout the year.
“Tyler and I are probably the closest because we are the closest in age, but overall they always have told me to go out, play my best, and do the best I can,” she said. “Ty and Mitch have always been huge supporters of mine.”
Senior Taylor Hengesbach knows what it’s like to be brought up to varsity as a freshman, as she and Paige Albito were in the same position three years ago. Taylor knows it is even harder for Laurel, considering she is the only freshman who was brought up to varsity.
“I had Paige with me, so that made the transition a little easier,” Taylor Hengesbach said. “Overall I couldn’t be prouder of what Laurel has been able to accomplish as a freshman. I have all of the confidence in her to keep it going.”