What has been the biggest focus for you personally this season?

“The biggest focus for me this season is to be a leader and push my teammates to the best they can be. While also making sure we get a State Championship.“

What’s one area of your game you’ve seen the most improvement in?

“One area of my game that I’ve seen improvement in is on the defense side of the ball, I feel like my mindset on defense has been more intense than previous seasons.“

What does your team do well when you’re playing your best basketball?

“When we are unselfish and not caring about stats we play our best basketball and it truly is beautiful to watch.“

Who’s a teammate that deserves more recognition?

“ Cooper Strande Cooper Strande 6'1" | PG Sioux Falls Christian | 2028 State SD is a teammate that I think deserves more recognition because he’s an extremely hard worker and does all the gritty stuff for our team.“

How do you stay locked in during the grind of the season—especially on tough weeks?

“Staying locked in can be difficult for sure, but remembering what the goal is at the end pushes me to be my best every single day in whatever way that is.“

What’s something your coaches emphasize that really shows up on game nights?

“Playing hard for the whole game is something the coaching staff emphasizes heavily. Having that mindset of bringing it to both halves really shows how dangerous we can be.“

What’s the biggest lesson basketball has taught you?

“Basketball has taught me so many great lessons, but I feel like the most important thing is to remember your why and to have fun every time you touch the rock.“

What has been your favorite moment of the season so far?

“My favorite moment of the year so far has been the relationship with the guys and just being a leader on and off the floor, which has helped me greatly for the next level.“

Favorite gym to play in (besides home)?

“My favorite gym to play in has got to be Lennox, they always got trash talk going on and it’s the first game, so always a packed crowd.“

What are you hoping to accomplish before postseason play begins?

“My biggest hope to accomplish in postseason basketball is a State Championship and going back-to-back. I think we can do it and have a lot of doubters behind us, so that makes it even more exciting to accomplish.“

Carson is one of the best cutting/slashing guards in the state, all classes. He’s great and knowing when and where to be on offense. This elite skill makes him just as effective from deep. You have to know hwere he is at all times. He sees the court well and make good reads. Nickles played more of a combo guard type role last year, but has the pieces to play PG at the next level. Carson has a big season ahead of him.

-9 points, 1 triple

-Warwick was down most of the game, dramatic comeback win

-Looks to have added muscle since I saw him last

-Cut-n-score at the cup

-Another inside score, cut & finish at the hoop

-Drilled a big-time 3-point shot in the 2nd half

-Scored at the basket again, sneaky & smart cutter

Nickles always does well in these free-flowing events where he has more freedom to show off his game. He may be a little restricted at SF Christian as he defers to mix in the ball to the top talent around him.

Nickles is coming off the bench for #1 Sioux Falls Christian. I think he’s their best ball-handler and a highly-skilled prospect. He can make all the passes and is one of the top three-point shooters in the state. On this team — with so much talent — he doesn’t assert himself as much or play as freely compared to him in the Summer and at showcases. He didn’t get many scoring opportunities in the game, but he didn’t play bad either.

Nickles has grown to 6’2” and he’s looking good as the starting point guard for Sioux Falls Christian, with a team with a bunch of ball-handlers. He’s showing an elite handle and poise, and elite distribution. That’s to go along with being one of the top three-point shooters in the state. He scored 14 points in the blowout win over Elk Point-Jefferson.

Nickles is a confirmed and legitimate 6’2”, so that has him looking solid in that department. He’s been highly assertive lately as a shot-maker and playmaking, assisting passer. He’s pulling up a ton and taking and making those opportunistic in-rhythm shots. If you’re on his team, anytime he’s taking a shot from three, it’s most likely a good shot for your team. He’s already had a visit with D2 Winona State University.

Nickles is up an inch or so and he’s now listed at 6’2” from 6’1”. He was also an All-Expo performer. He now has adequate size to get serious next-level attention. The skill has always been there and I think his impact on a game with the ball in his hands as a distributor, shooter, and scorer, warrants him to he rated above the two bigs in the 2026 class.

I’m officially on the Carson Nickles Carson Nickles 6'1" | PG/SG Sioux Falls Christian | 2026 State SD train. So smart, so skilled. Handles, passing, shooting on a poised and level-headed level. The game comes easy. Was setting up teammates and easily pulling up from three-point land. Consistently produced on a per-minute basis as a shot-maker and playmaker. I think he’s a top 10 2026 at this point. Could have been considered most impressive. Confidence in himself and his time and ability seem evident.