2024 Yanders Law G, Brady Nicholson is living up to the name that put Ash Grove basketball on the map.

6’2 shooting guard Brady Nicholson has become a pivotal piece for Yanders Law’s 16u squad. This is no surprise after the 2024 grad was listed on Rob Yanders’ list of top players in Southwest Missouri.

Basketball fans from the area may recognize the Nicholson name. Ash Grove hoops has been buoyed by Nicholsons often over the last several decades. Brady Nicholson is doing that for his squad as well.

“Oh yeah,” says Nicholson when asked if he draws inspiration from his family. “All my family has been helpers and role models. I try to be as good or better than them. I’m just trying to keep the Nicholson tradition going for Ash Grove and make it to the next level as well.”

All-Conference and All-District as a sophomore, Nicholson is already well on his way to setting an impressive legacy of his own.

Brady Nicholson has Division I basketball aspirations, which is a big part of why he currently plays for the Yanders Law 16u team. The results over the last several years are difficult to ignore, and Nicholson believes that his squad is already looking great.

“We have improved a lot from last year,” Nicholson says. “It’s already been fun and this summer will be too as we keep going and finish it out.”

Yanders Law squads play near and far to ensure local players get to face elite competition. The travel portion is an aspect that could be a nuisance to some, but Nicholson relishes it.

“I’ve been doing it for a long time, usually with a lot of these same guys,” Nicholson says. “It’s been a blast doing it with good friends. Travel is easy when you get used to it… of course, it is better when you’re winning too.”

The 16u squad has been doing some winning. Asked about his takeaways from the new level of competition, Nicholson referenced the phrase “we over me” and applauded his teammates for gelling so willingly.

“We are learning what it takes to play together; we have to to beat these teams,” Nicholson says. “We get good wins when we play together, shoot good shots, and avoid 1-on-1 ball.”

Nicholson and his teammates are getting to play for Coach Rob Yanders this year. This is a transition that seems to separate the toughest players from the pack. Brady seems up for the challenge.

“He’s awesome,” Nicholson says of Yanders. “He’ll get on to you sometimes but it to improve you as a player. His goal is to get us to the next level, and that is what we all love about him. He cares for us.”

With college aspirations, Nicholson has his goals set high. He shares our belief that he is in the right place to make it happen.

“To make it to the next level I have to trust the process and trust Coach Rob,” Nicholson says. “It has worked for past players but, of course, that doesn’t mean it’ll come easy. I have to work hard and do my best.”