St. Charles North’s Cooper Mellican confirmed that he’s not the most vocal person in the world.
That didn’t stop North Stars coach Tom Poulin from pushing Mellican to become more assertive this season, putting him in the unfamiliar position of running the team during fall ball.
“I definitely knew that was a role I was going to have to step into,” Mellican said. “My personality is not super loud. I’m not going to be screaming and yelling at practice.
“But coach put me in a position to step out of my comfort zone and lead some younger guys as well as people I’ve been with before.”
Mellican continued his breakout season Tuesday night with a 32-point, 12-rebound performance for host St. Charles North in an 82-59 nonconference victory over Bartlett.
Braden Harms added 12 points for the North Stars (9-12), while Jake Love and EJ Mondesir each had 11. Joey Cwik led Bartlett (6-17) with 14 points. Andy Meloche and Owen Oliver, a pair of freshmen, contributed 10 points apiece.
Poulin started to figure out what we had on his hands in Mellican over Thanksgiving when the senior forward was averaging in the range of 25 points and 10 rebounds.
It’s why Tuesday night’s output didn’t shock his coach.
“I think he’s really flying under the radar,” Poulin said of Mellican. “People don’t realize how good he is. You’re not shocked anymore when he gets 20 and 10.
“I remember the Thanksgiving tournament and you’re like, ‘Man, is he this player?’ He’s consistently been that guy, and we need him to be.”
For his part, Mellican remained humble when discussing his breakout. Offseason work helped boost his confidence both on and off the court, and it has been showing up in a big way.
“People are going to talk,” he said. “I’m just trying to stay consistent and get wins and work our way toward a regional championship. I’ve just been really dedicated and focused.
“That’s gotten me to where I am today.”
Mellican started to knock that door down last season. On a senior-laden team, he still forced his way into the starting lineup.
“I built a lot of chemistry with those guys,” Mellican said. “Yeah, they were seniors, but they saw me put in the work. They trusted me to do my thing.”
And look at him now.
“As a junior, he showed that he should start,” Poulin said of Mellican. “Then as a senior, he’s taken another step. He’s gone from, yes, you’re good enough to start and contribute to where a lot of times before a game I’ll tell him he’s the best player on the floor. Teams just don’t know it.”
Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith was certainly aware.
Mellican was at the top of the scouting report Tuesday. The rugged 6-foot-5 Mellican shot 13 of 19 from the field anyway. He scored 19 points as the North Stars built a 39-26 halftime lead.
“The issue with him is if you play too close, he’s going to rip and pick a side and he can go left or right,” Wolfsmith said. “Once he gets going downhill, you either have to turn him or somebody has to step up and take a charge.”
Poulin saw Mellican’s maturity grow as the offseason went on.
“When I said I need you to be in charge of the fall league, I was really proud when I saw him leading the huddles,” Poulin said. “I think it’s helping his development as just a person.”
Mellican agreed, and he’s happy Poulin gave him that chance.
“It definitely gave me more confidence just being more comfortable with myself,” Mellican said. “That’s helped me in a lot of parts of life outside of basketball.
“I’m very grateful for that opportunity. I worked a lot for this, so I’m very grateful.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
