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<p>It was a different kind of summer for [player_tooltip player_id='1585573' first='Jalen' last='Nicholson']. For the first time in literally years the all-around 6-foot-7 forward from Central Catholic was healthy enough to get on the court, so he decided to make the most out of it. He suited up for the Rams and on the AAU circuit, playing in front of coaches while finally getting the opportunity to show the type of skills that make him a prospect at the college level.</p>
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<p>"It was my first summer being back after being kind of injured for the past couple summers and it was good to be back out there," Nicholson said. "I played well in June ball with Central and then played a little bit with [program_tooltip program_id='2850997' first='Cascade' last='Kings'] and it went well. I think just kind of improving my pace, getting back to the speed where I was, and feeling a little bit more healthy. I was getting explosive, getting to my spots, just trying to step up as a leader on the team and help the team play together."</p>
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<p>You bet college coaches watched and became enamored with Nicholson's all-around skills - the ability to score both inside and out, rebound, and defend multiple positions. While he still remains a little under the radar, Nicholson has picked up some recruiting attention and notes that he's heard from some Ivy League schools such as Cornell and others such as UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton.</p>
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<p>"It's been tough the past couple years being injured but it felt good to be back out there and getting some interest from different schools," Nicholson said. "Academics is super important to me so I'm looking for a good academic school - playing at the next level and getting a good education is super important."</p>
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<p>Nicholson noted that he's aiming to take some campus visits this fall, mainly on the Pacific Northwest and West Coast. As his recruitment continues to develop and evolve, he's also honed in on this upcoming season - one he has a little different perspective on than many who see Central Catholic as the hands down favorite.</p>
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<p>"You know, I feel like we're underrated this season coming in," Nicholson said. "I feel like we've got doubters out there, people that don't believe that we can make it back to that state championship level. But I know we have the guys and the team and the coaching to get it done. We've just got to come together playing as a team and prove everybody wrong."</p>
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<p>Nicholson currently ranks as the #13 player in the recently updated Class of 2026 rankings.</p>
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It was a different kind of summer for Jalen NicholsonJalenNicholson
6'7" | SF/PF
Central Catholic | 2026 StateOR
. For the first time in literally years the all-around 6-foot-7 forward from Central Catholic was healthy enough to get on the court, so he decided to make the most out of it. He suited up for the Rams and on the AAU circuit, playing in front of coaches while finally getting the opportunity to show the type of skills that make him a prospect at the college level.
Jalen
Nicholson
6'7" | SF/PF
Central Catholic | 2026
State
OR
. For the first time in literally years the all-around 6-foot-7 forward from Central Catholic was healthy enough to get on the court, so he decided to make the most out of it. He suited up for the Rams and on the AAU circuit, playing in front of coaches while finally getting the opportunity to show the type of skills that make him a prospect at the college level.
