Nick Bailey is an 8th-grade student at St. John Neumann Regional Academy. He is a great kid with an awesome smile. Nick is very well behaved and rather soft-spoken. I have known Nick for a few years, and he is one of my favorites. My man comes to every contest, and I will always go out of my way to give him a chest bump.

Nick is obsessed with the game of basketball. He was unfortunately sidelined earlier this year with an injury. But Nick still comes to all of the practices. He remains a key part of the Junior High team. Nick often wears his jersey to support his teammates. He is always there with a compliment. Nick usually sits right behind our bench during the Varsity games and leads the cheering section. He is our biggest fan.

“I love basketball,” my young friend told me. “I really enjoy coming to see you guys play. The older guys are so talented. I love it when Davion dunks, Hanief makes a steal, or Jerval grabs a rebound. Those guys are my friends. I was there when you guys scored 100. I was going nuts. So was the crowd. It was awesome.”

St. John Neumann offers a very unique experience. The JH kids are in the same building as the older students. My guys are fantastic with the younger players. Nick tells me they always say hello or give him a high five when they see him in the hallways. It truly is one big happy family. Nick pleaded the fifth when I asked him for a favorite player. Smart kid.

“That’s tough,” Nick continued. “I really don’t have one. Honest. They are all like my big brothers. After the games, I usually get pictures with Jerval, Davion, and Hanief. I will then post them on Instagram.”

Nick isn’t the only youngster who does this. When we have a road game, it sometimes turns into madness. Davion Hill seriously signed 25 autographs at Muncy. Hanief and a few others also pose for pictures. Home games too. Sometimes the opposing JV kids will ask for a quick selfie. Our guys never say no. It is a beautiful thing. OK. Maybe I am a tad jealous.

After our first playoff win, I talked with some of my friends in the media. My man Nick walked up to say congrats. Davion already had a line, and Hanief was holding court. Then my young friend asked, “HEY COACH. CAN I TAKE A PICTURE WITH YOU?” Stop the press. This has never happened. ABSOLUTELY. This little guy made my entire season.

Kudos to young Nick, as I have been thinking of him lately. Yes. Nick is on the mend with that knee as he is finishing up his rehab. But he and his family have been in my prayers. In fact, the entire NEUMANN nation is still pulling for him. You see, Nick lost his father Chuck to cancer a few months back. He was also a great fan, and he would always sit at center court. The circle of life is hard. Nick and his mom Toni were dealt with a major curve. Nick is doing his best. I could only imagine. I am very proud of Nick Bailey, and I am honored to call him a chum. He is one of my all-time favorites. Some may think that this is just a random photo. But I will cherish this one forever, boys and girls. Thanks, Nick, for the Instagram shout. Cheers.