Both Macy Nilsen and Jack Middleton started their basketball life at Creek Valley Elementary
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STALWARTS FOR TWO GREAT BASKETBALL TEAMS By Dan Arom
GIRLS & BOYS BASKETBALL SENIORS
he 2018-19 Hornet basketball season marks the end of the careers for two stalwarts that started their basketball life at Creek Valley Elementary together. Macy Nilsen and Jack Middleton are both in their second year as team captains and are hoping to lead their teams to deep runs into March.
The girls’ team is a senior laden group that has played together since they started EBA travel basketball. With ten seniors, Coach Nilsen described this group this way, “I have watched this group of seniors grow up. Really, since preschool for some, they have literally grown up before my eyes. This group of young women has really come together. For such a large group to be as cohesive as they are is unique. They genuinely care about each other, and really look after their underclassmen teammates. Each player has their own unique personality and skill set to add to the team. Some are more outgoing, some are laid back. Some live and breathe basketball, some are three sport athletes (and are involved with music, community service, faith based participation, part time jobs, and so on). I am very proud of each one of them. It is an honor that I can claim that I was their high school coach. These student-athletes are going to succeed well beyond high school. It will be fun to follow them in their next adventures.” The boys’ team, led by Coach Joe Burger, is a well-balanced team with strong inside and outside presence. The boys’ team has a large contingent of seniors as well. Burger also spoke of the uniqueness of this team. “I think this year’s team is pretty tight and works so well together because of our eight seniors. A lot of these guys grew up playing together through elementary school in the EBA – that makes the team element pretty special as they compete together one last time their senior season. They’re so coachable, they’re fun, and their competitiveness sets the tone for the younger guys as an example of how we want our program represented.”
Jack and Macy have decided to continue their basketball careers in college--Jack at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Macy at Jamestown University. We got a chance to talk with Jack and Macy about their basketball careers and about what made them the players they are today. Here are ten questions for Jack and Macy:
Q: Who was the best player you have played against at EHS or AAU? Macy: Paige Bueckers Jack: Tre Jones and Matthew Hurt Q: What is your postgame go-to celebration meal? Macy: Tavern on France Build Your Own Burger Jack: Chipotle
Q: Who was the most influential teammate you’ve ever played with? Macy: Tori Nelson, my AAU teammate,
is undoubtedly the most influential teammate I have played with. Tori is never rattled or frustrated on the court. I admire that because it’s something I’ve struggled with. At Nike Nationals in Chicago this past summer, walking onto the court from a timeout Tori told me she would rather play defense than offense. I was surprised at first because she is ridiculous at scoring. Tori said, “I feel so much better after a stop on defense than scoring because everyone can score but not everyone can defend and lock down a team’s best player.” Tori is not only the most skilled player I have played with, but the smartest. I am fortunate enough to have been her teammate for the past five summers and am glad I had the chance to learn and play with her. Jack: Luke Glenna (EHS 2018). He was such a hard worker. Showed me what being a leader is. He does all the little things you need to win a game.
Q: What is your favorite memory playing for Edina? Macy: Hitting a half-court shot at our first
Q: What is the best advice that a coach has ever given you? Macy: Everything will come in time, noth-
ing is easy. You just need to work hard and the path that is for you will come. Jack: Coach Burger always says that nobody cares when you mess up. You just have to keep a level head and keep working hard and being positive. No reason to pout.
Q: Who wins in a game of HORSE between you, your sister, and your parents? Macy: Me, easily. Jack: Me. My sister AJ might give me a couple letters.
Q: What advice about playing sports would you give an 11 year old version of yourself? Macy: Enjoy it! It goes by faster than you think. Jack: Work hard all the time and good things will come your way.
Q: As a two year captain, what do you feel is your most important responsibility on the court? Macy: Embrace the tradition! We lost sight
of that last year, but our culture is stronger than ever! Jack: Keep everybody together and lead by my actions.
Q: If you could trade spots with any other person in another sport for a season, who would it be and what sport? Macy: Nia Diaby, Pole Vault Jack: Quinn Carroll, Football. I would like to feel what it’s like to be that big.
Q: What advice would you give an upcoming underclassmen on how to succeed playing for Edina and Coach? Macy: It’s about WHAT he says not how he says it. Jack: Work hard all the time and good things will come your way. ■
home game of this year. My teammates reacted like we won the state championship. Although it was an incredible feeling. Jack: Beating Cretin Derham and Apple Valley in the same week last season and making it to #1 in the rankings.
Senior photos by Linhoff Photography
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