It would be an understatement to say it has been a long time since the North Vermilion girls basketball team had reached the state tournament.

A very long time.

But behind the guidance and leadership of coach Jack Leblanc, the Patriots did it this season. North Vermilion went 27-4 overall and earned a share of the District 4-4A title and advanced to the state semifinals for the first time in four decades. Throughout the season, the Patriots had three winning streaks of at least six games with the longest being 11.

For his efforts and the success of his team, Leblanc was named the Acadiana Advocate’s girls’ basketball Coach of the Year.