Radnor’s Jackson Hicke is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (April 3-9)
The senior wing was the Central League’s Most Valuable Player, averaging 19.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 4 apg this past season for the Raptors (29-1). He finished his career with 1,154 points, helped Radnor capture the District 1 5A title and Central League championship this winter (while setting a team record for wins), and as a junior helped the Raptors advance to the District 1 final and the Sweet 16 of the PIAA state tourney for the first time since 1961. Radnor boys’ basketball head coach Jamie Chadwin said, “Jackson is as elite of a competitor and athlete as you can hope to coach. What’s even more impressive is his humility and confidence. He brings everyone together. Jackson has meant a great deal to Radnor basketball, but he has had an even bigger impact on the Radnor community. He was connected with fans, young and old and has given future generations of Radnor basketball players the vision to dream to be great.” Off the court at Radnor, Hicke participates in Students Helping Students, Beat Buddies, Future Business Leaders of America, and varsity spring track. Next winter, Hicke will play basketball for Princeton University.
Q: What did it mean to you to be named the Central League’s Most Valuable Player?
A: It was awesome to achieve that accomplishment and to be recognized, but it really just speaks to the success that our team as a whole had this year. Our chemistry and unselfishness put us in positions to win games, which is ultimately what allowed me to be considered for that award.
Q: What is your favorite memory of your just-completed Radnor basketball career?
A: My favorite memory was the Central League Championship win this year over Lower Merion. To win our first Central League championship as a school especially against our rivals who typically find success against Radnor was incredible. The game atmosphere and intensity were so fun to be a part of, and to come out as Central League champions was a great way to leave our mark.
Q: What aspect of your game do you feel you improved the most this season? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I think the aspect of my game I improved most this year was consistency. The aspect of my game I’m currently working on is lateral quickness.
Q: You mentioned last year that Jamie Chadwin, Jason Fisher (AAU coach) and Austin Carroll all have improved your game. Can you tell us a little about how each one improved your game?
A: There have been many influential mentors and coaches in my life that have helped me improve in the game of basketball but specifically those three have really helped me grow on and off the court. Coach Chadwin has helped me become a better defender, stressing off the ball positions and fundamentals within my stance. Coach Fisher helped me become a better ball handler and be confident with the ball in my hands. Ace has helped me get stronger and finish more efficiently and in a variety of ways around the rim. They all also know the game very well and passed on much wisdom about work-ethic, focus and teamwork to me.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Radnor? What do you think you’d like to major in at Princeton? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: My favorite course at Radnor was Economics. I plan on majoring in Economics at Princeton and eventually finding a career within the business world.
Fun facts – Jackson Hicke
Favorite book: Foul Trouble by John Feinstein.
Favorite TV show: The Office.
Favorite movie: The Blind Side.
Favorite pre-game pump up song: Firework.
People I admire most and why: “My parents because they are great role models and support me no matter what.”
Family members: Parents Ryan and Terri, younger siblings Emma, Conor, Lucy and Calvin.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
