Jordan Nicholes can pinpoint the exact moment it happened.
He was reading a story about Luke Ridnour, who at the time was a star point guard at Blaine High School. Then a second-grader, Nicholes soaked up every detail about the Blaine phenom, known for his dazzling passing and dribbling skills, as well as an unquenchable passion for everything basketball.
That did it. Nicholes had to be a basketball player. He had to be like Luke.
These days, of course, Ridnour plays for the Seattle SuperSonics. Meanwhile, 40 miles away, Nicholes (pronounced Nick-uls) religiously hones his game every day in Sultan.
It’s more than a vertical stretch to compare Nicholes, a 6-foot-1 junior guard, to Ridnour (6-2). But the Sultan High standout shares Ridnour’s knack for thrilling crowds.
Through 16 games this season, Nicholes has compiled impressive all-around numbers. He’s averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.9 steals per contest. The third-year varsity player’s scoring average is No. 1 in the Cascade Conference and is also higher than any Western Conference player.
None of it surprises Sultan coach Nate Trichler. It was obvious Nicholes was special the first day of his freshman year.
“He walked into the high school with a different attitude (and) he had a purpose behind what he was doing,” Trichler said. “It’s never swayed. He’s a very purpose-driven kid.”
Nicholes’ ultimate goal: To guide the Turks back to the state tournament before he graduates in 2009.
“That’s what I work for,” said Nicholes, who as a sophomore averaged 18.4 points per game. “That’s something that motivates me every day.”
His ambition isn’t too far-fetched, but consider this: Sultan has qualified for the state tourney only once, in 1961. That’s a 47-year drought.
Unfazed by the program’s modest success, Nicholes dreams of lifting the Turks to the top. It’s what inspires him to show up for open gym every morning at 6:30. It pushes him to perfect no-look passes, full-speed behind-the-back dribbles and a potent array of other offensive moves.
Sultan (4-6 Cascade Conference, 5-11 overall) seems unlikely to return to state this season. It returned just two players with varsity experience and has frequently hung with teams but been unable to win close games.
That hasn’t deterred Nicholes, who constantly strives to become a well-rounded player, Trichler said. The junior does most of Sultan’s ballhandling yet is also expected to score often. He leads the squad in points, assists and steals, and he’s No. 2 in rebounds.
“He plays a real complete game. It’s almost unfair to ask that much of one kid,” said Trichler, who added that Nicholes’ quick moves and shakes make him an “unbelievable” mid-range scorer.
Lakewood coach Ron Thorvilson has seen plenty of Nicholes this season. Thorvilson watched Nicholes score a total of 64 points in two games versus Lakewood.
Nicholes does a solid job of carrying the scoring load while keeping his teammates involved, Thorvilson said: “He’s going to get his points and he’s going to get his shots (but) he plays under control. He’s a fun player to watch.”
Said Nicholes, “I’m glad that our team believes in me and my ability.”
Need proof?
Senior center T.J. Cotterill, one of Nicholes’ teammates, praised Nicholes in a November paper Cotterill wrote for leadership class. According to Cotterill, the star guard’s influence extends beyond the court.
Nicholes “is the most influential leader of this school and the most inspirational person I have ever met,” Cotterill wrote.
Through hard work, dedication and vocal encouragement, Nicholes inspires the Turks to improve, Cotterill said.
Added Cotterill, “So even though we know he is the best player in the state, and he knows he is the leader of our team he continues to make his teammates better.”
Writer Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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