Luke Hicks, a rising senior at Shenendehowa High School, is set to break out this upcoming season. The 6’ 4, 180 lb. guard, who is running with the Eastside (Rochester) squad this summer, was a standout this past year.
This upcoming season will mark Hicks’ third at the varsity level, an impressive feat, considering the talent Shenendehowa boasts year after year. During his sophomore campaign, Hicks came off the bench and saw limited minutes. However, he did so willingly, and proved to be a vital piece in their Class AA championship run. He was primarily called upon to handle the ball and to relieve pressure off of the starters. Game in and game out, he showed that he was more than capable of playing with the ball in his hands and controlling the tempo. And, thanks to hard work and dedication, he saw his role change this past year. His numbers increased dramatically. He averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game on a team led by Maryland-bound Kevin Huerter. At times, it seemed as if he saved his best games for the biggest moments. He netted 22 points in a semifinal victory against Christian Brothers Academy, only to tally a season-high 25 in the sectional championship a few days later. Hicks helped lead Shenendehowa to a 49-2 record over the past two years with two Section II titles, two regional titles, and the 2015 state championship.
Hicks possesses a variety of skills on both ends of the court. He can attack the defense with an array of dribble moves, get to the bucket, and finish amongst the trees. He really came into his own as a jump shooter this year, and knocked down an abundance of threes. He is deadly off the catch and shoot, but can knock it down off the bounce with consistency. And, beyond everything else, he’s an exceptional passer. Hicks gets into the teeth of the defense with ease, and has become adept at kicking out to open shooters,dumping the ball to big men down low. He can pass the ball well with both hands and knows where his teammates are at all times. On the defensive end, Luke takes full advantage of his length/athleticism and is an absolute pest. He can guard multiple positions and rebounds the ball well. He’s very disruptive in the passing lanes and has a knack for stripping the ball and getting out in transition. He came up with some timely defensive stops in big games this past year.
With the departure of Kevin Huerter, Luke will undoubtedly become Shenendehowa’s new “go to guy.” That said, he will receive a lot of attention from opposing defenses. Teams will look to slow him down with double teams and will often assign their best defender to cover him. However, with two years of varsity experience and another offseason of playing/working out under his belt, Hicks will certainly be up to the challenge. When asked how he will combat the test, Luke answered, “I think I’ve gotten to the point where if I am getting double teamed or the team is playing some sort of junk defense on me, then I know that someone else on the floor is open and I will find them. I think my unselfishness is another great part of about my game, and is one that is hard to teach. I’d love to score single digits and have a lot of assists. I love seeing my teammates thrive.”
Hicks has received offers to play Divison1 basketball from the University of Hartford, Columbia University, and Army West Point. Luke has collected offers from multiple schools at the Division 2 level and has garnered interest from several other low-tier Division 1 schools, as well. This offseason, Hicks has been working with esteemed trainer Steve “Dags” D’Agostino. He cited “ball handling, passing and shooting” as his main focus points. In addition, he’s been working out with Manny Hernandez, a Shenendehowa grad, to improve his athleticism, among other aspects of his game. Finally, Hicks said he has spent a lot of time in the weight room with Plainsmen assistant coach Josh Koopman.
I had the chance to ask Luke a few questions, as well:
Q: What do you believe are your best skills as a basketball player?
A: I think one of my best attributes as a player is my IQ/knowledge of the game. You can work on every part of your game 24/7, but if you do not know how to play correctly––so to speak––you can only go so far.
Q: Have you set any personal goals for yourself this upcoming season?
A: Of course. One personal goal of mine last year was to be a Section 2 all-star and I accomplished that! This year, I hope to do the same. I’d like to finish a few spots ahead in the voting.
Q: Any team goals?
A: A sectional championship, of course! After that, I would love to win regionals and states, like any other team. However, I think that that is definitely a possibility but I do not want to get ahead of myself. We just need to take it one game/one win at a time.
Q: How are you personally going to help your team achieve those goals?
A: Doing anything I can to help us win. We need to play together as a team. I grew up playing basketball with all these kids, especially the seniors. I think we have a really close group of guys this year, as we do every year. I think this year can be something special.
Q: What are some things you like to do outside of basketball?
A: Outside of playing basketball I like to just hangout with friends, swim, play NBA 2k, and watch Netflix.
Q: Are you involved in any “community-bettering” activities?
A: I am. This week (7/18-7/22) and next week (7/25-7/29) I am working at the Greg Koubek half and full day camps. I love spending time with the young players. Some of them look up to me and it’s pretty cool to know that I’m someone’s role model. I really enjoy coaching them and making them better players.
Q: What kind of student are you?
A: I average a 90 in the classroom and am on the honor roll. I have good relationships with all of my teachers.
Q: What impact do you feel you would bring to a college team?
A: I feel that as a 6’4 point guard who can shoot the three, I’ll be able to space the floor very well. More importantly, the program will get a high IQ player.
Q: Every kid who plays basketball thinks they’re good. What do you think you are?
A: I don’t want to sound cocky and just say I’m “good,” but I have confidence in myself. I feel that I can play basketball with anyone that is on the floor with me. I’m never one to back down from a competition or a challenge.
Q: What is your ultimate goal, with respect to the game of basketball?
A: I hope to play professionally one day. Not necessarily the NBA, because that is a bit of a stretch. I’d like to play overseas somewhere and eventually follow in my father’s footsteps and become a coach.
Danny Cohen-Staff writer
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