Get To Know Him – Max Nielson

This week will we feature three student-athletes and "Get To Know" them. On Friday we will roll out a questionnaire to test your knowledge and learn facts about some of the players around South Dakota.

What's His Name?

Max Nielson

Where Is He From?

Nielson is from Volga and goes to Sioux Valley High School.

A Few Fun Facts About Nielson

• He won five out of six state championships in the Elks Hoop Shoot growing up. The only time he got beat was when he came in second to his little buddy Matthew Mors.
• His dad was a high school girls basketball coach when he was born. There was also a basketball hoop in his crib. He always remembers just being in the gym.
• He loves the spicy crab roll. It's bite size. 
• Basketball obviously his favorite sport. 

Where Have You Heard of Him?

Nielson was the starting point guard as a sophomore for the Cossacks that made it all the way to the state tournament thanks in part to his scoop shot with under 12 seconds to seal the win against Flandreau to advance to the Round of 16. During the season he averaged about nine points per game, one board, and had a team-high eight dimes a game. He was pretty effective on the defensive side as well making the opposing guard work to get open. He shot about 50 percent from the field. He was lights out from the line, shooting 80 percent. This season he will be more of a focal point on the offensive side after the graduation of Trevor Hanson and Trevor Olson. Along with basketball, Nielson competes in cross-country and track. So far this cross-country season he ran placed sixth (18:59) at the Deubrook Invitational. Last year he competed at the SDHSAA Class A State Meet and ran a personal best 17:37.7 to place 29th overall. During the track season last year he qualified for the state track meet in two events (Sprint Medley & 1600m). He ran a 5:11.25 and placed 22nd in the 1600m run and ran the 800m leg of the SMR where they placed 13th in prelims (3:54.30). 

Quick Hits

Any superstitions?

MN: I always use a foam roller before every game. 

Who Is Max Nielson on and off the court?

MN: The person on the court is calm and cool and the person off the court is a lot more outgoing. 

What's the story behind your number?

MN: I was No. 12 because that was the only number that would fit me as an 8th grader. This year, I will be wearing No. 5. I had that in club ball when I was younger, and it is a number that has been worn by two of my favorite players ... Tyus Jones and Jordan McCabe.

Who is your favorite athlete?

MN: My favorite current NBA player is Kyrie Irving, but my all-time favorite is Steve Nash. Kyrie due to his speed and handles along with being from Duke. Steve Nash did things right as an undersized point guard.