NORMAN — The news came at the start of Thursday’s practice, and it shook a tight Norman North team to its core. Sisters Leandra and Andrea Marris, two pieces of a well-honed six-man rotation, were leaving Norman due to family circumstances and wouldn’t be able to finish out the school year.
“It was a bad deal,” coach Jeff Blough said. “They were a big part of our team. They brought great attitudes and were great teammates. We’ve got to pick up the pieces.”
It was a major setback on the court for the Timberwolves, who have thrived this season on playing the same core of players. But even without the pair, North has rallied to win its last two games in decisive fashion, taking down Westmoore 43-32 on Friday and following that up with a 49-37 win at Moore. In both games, Blough has gone deeper into this bench than ever before, playing as many as nine players, many of them freshmen or sophomores.
“The other night, I looked up and realized I had three freshmen and a sophomore on the court,” he said. “In a way, that’s a good thing, but it’s also scary for a coach.”
One of the biggest reasons the T-Wolves have been able to offset the loss has been the play of sophomore Julian Mougell, who stepped into the starting lineup against Westmoore and has provided an added element to the Timberwolves on both ends of the floor.
Mougell, who stands 6-2, played only sparingly just a few weeks ago. But Blough took note of her improvement in practice this season and was confident that she could handle a starting role.
And she hasn’t disappointed. In her first game as a starter, Mougell recorded eight blocks and six rebounds to go along with four points. She followed up that performance with another strong game against Moore, and Blough is more than satisfied with what she’s brought to the team.
“She’s been playing really well and she knew it was time to step up,” he said. “She’s always been a big body, but it’s amazing how far she’s come this year.”
Having Mougell on the block has changed the way North runs its offense, and that has opened up more scoring opportunities for the team.
“It’s tough to double down on Julian,” Blough said. “If they don’t, she’s strong enough to lay it in, but if they do, she will find one of our guards for a shot.”
For her part, Mougell is just trying to grow more comfortable with her teammates on the floor and adjust to the speed of the game.
“I was really nervous because they left such big shoes to fill,” Mougell said of the Marris sisters. “The first game was hard, but I calmed down once we got the lead.”
Corbin Hosler 366-3528 chosler@normantranscript.com
