It’s all about the Team for Kerry Hicks
Kerry Hicks has made quite a name for herself in high school basketball circles, earning All-State honors as a sophomore, joining the 1,000 point club as a junior and having shown the ability time-after-time to take over a game. But, she’s the first to acknowledge it’s her teammates that have made all of her achievements possible.
“When I think of my basketball career, I instantly think of my teammates, coaches and family,” Hicks said. “My teammates and coaches have allowed me to grow as a basketball player and to achieve what I have and I owe all my thanks to them. My family has supported me throughout all of these years and has never doubted me.”
Hicks touched a basketball for the first time when she was three years old. Ironically, she has never owned a basketball hoop, but she’s been around the game for a long time. “Growing up, I went to every practice and games of my older sisters that my dad coached and played with them and shot by myself,” she said. “This was my first introduction to the sport.”
It was as a kindergartener that Hicks started on her first basketball team. By third grade she was playing one grade up on a travel team, which was her first competitive experience. In sixth grade she began participating in the AAU program, which draws the best players around the country. She made the jump to the Huntington varsity team in eighth grade.
“I gain all my inspiration from a man named Mr. Lynch,” Hicks said. “He was my coach and neighbor who helped teach me the game.” Farrell Peter Lynch was 39 when he perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He worked as a trader for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center. “I always say a prayer to him and think of him before every game,” added Hicks. According to his family, Lynch wanted to retire early and coach high school basketball.
Huntington head coach Brad Reminick enjoys a solid rapport with Hicks, who his refers to as the Blue Devil floor general. “I was lucky enough to build a relationship with Kerry in the classroom as a student in the seventh grade,” he said. “We really had a good time in that class and we didn’t really focus on basketball at all. I think that is the relationship her and I are most proud of. She knows she can talk to me at anytime and discuss situations that don’t have to do much about basketball. To have that type of relationship with your point guard is more valuable than words can describe when it comes to basketball.”
The Blue Devils are a tight knit group and they share the same philosophy. “High school basketball means a lot to me because of my team,” Hicks said. “We are such a close group of girls, which makes the season fun. We all want to achieve and having each other inspiring the others is very motivating. This year what motivates us the most is thinking of the loss in the county finals last year. We all want to win and are striving for that title this year.”
Since her freshman year, Hicks has also played varsity field hockey for the Blue Devils, winning All-Division honors twice in the sport and earning a spot on the honorable mention All-County squad last fall. But, basketball is clearly her love.
“I say things to her that I necessarily cannot say to some other players or the team in general,” Reminick said. “Because of the bond we have with one another the anger or confusion never lasts for more than a minute.”
Around the high school Hicks is low-key and seems to fit in perfectly with the rest of the student body and her teammates. The majority of her free time is spent with her friends and family. But, her mind is never far away from basketball or her team.
“Before every big game, of course I will be nervous but once the ball is tossed into the air for the tip off, my nerves are released when I start playing,” Hicks said. “Rather than focusing on my nervous energy, I become focused on the game and allow myself to play. My nervous energy before a game gets me very excited and ready to play.”
Huntington has played many big games over the past three years, but regardless of the opponent or what might be at stake, the team has been remarkably even-keeled and consistent. The approach to every game seems to be the same.
“Regardless if the game is a blowout or a nail biter, the team only aims to win,” Hicks said. “We don't focus on how much we want to beat a team, we focus on the total outcome and how hard we have worked for the win. It is always exciting to play in a close game but blowouts also allow everyone to play and allow the whole team to be involved. Every athlete wants to win and those are my same goals when I step onto the court.”
Although she’s only a junior, Hicks already has plans to major in business and marketing in college. Where basketball fits into her future is still undetermined. But, wherever she goes and whatever she ultimately decides to do, her place in Blue Devil girls’ basketball history is secure.
“She’s a great person and I bet that most people who have a connection with basketball or the other teams in our league don’t understand how much of a crack up she is,” Reminick said. “She's either in the middle or not too far behind something funny that is going on. She is usually the one that initiates laughter by saying something or doing something funny. You put her and Casey [Scully] in the same room or in the same huddle and you've got to know something funny is going to happen or be said. I am so proud of her. I always will be.”
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office