As a sportswriter, I’ve been careful to avoid covering players I’m close to, ensuring no bias or accusations that their recognition stems from our friendship rather than their merit. This principle extends to my son, @JoshuaHicks2026 . I’ve always insisted he earn his achievements through hard work, not my influence or name. I’ve never written about him, shared his articles, or given public recognition. These were between us, in private, in the gym, on the drive home, or after a big game.
Basketball gives, and it takes. And, sometimes, what we love doesn’t love us back. Josh’s high school playing years have been plagued by setbacks: persistent knee issues to begin with, a torn quad, a severely sprained ankle, broken fingers, multiple broken noses, and two broken wrists—one requiring major surgery. Yet, through it all, he has kept his passion for the game alive. Many times, and just hours after a doctor’s visit, he would start mapping out his recovery plan. Often asking what he can do to work around whatever was limiting him. He used his downtime to stay in shape or to build a new skill.
Without complaint, and on multiple occasions, he has embraced the grind, spent months rehabbing, training, and rebuilding his strength to get back on the court and compete. He was finally back to full strength, competing at the level we both envisioned, dropping 22 points in his last game, only for another injury to strike. My heart dropped earlier this week when I received a call from his trainer that I needed to come get him and take him to get checked out; another wrist injury is the latest blow in a relentless string of mishaps.
Covering young athletes, I’ve seen talent derailed by injury and attitude. Josh’s refusal to give up reminds me of what I love about sports: the opportunity to celebrate those who rise above. On too many occasions, and after an injury, I have found him in the gym, watching an old game, or looking at his highlights, and staring at them in silence. “I’ll be back, Dad, this will not stop me” he has said over and over, his voice steady and certain every single time. As his father, these words break me and rebuild me at the same time. He has become my greatest reminder that the spirit is stronger than any injury.
This journey isn’t just about basketball, it’s about facing life’s unfair blows with grit, and the acceptance of tough lessons that will carry him far beyond the court. We have no idea what is next. It takes an incredible amount of energy and time to rise back up. Is the climb worth the view or is it time to hang up the sneakers like all athletes do at some point in their career. We’ll see where the road leads next and embrace whatever comes along that path, he is definitely built for the uncertainty.
Sports mirror life’s unpredictability. Josh’s rollercoaster ride of injuries and recoveries shows that basketball, like life, is unpredictable, and the real lesson is learning to adapt. His story mirrors the ups and downs we all face. As a parent, my pride stems from what the sport has given him rather than what it has taken; lessons of humility, resilience, character, community, hard work, and adaptability. These lessons, forged through the injuries, reflect not only his growth but also the values I hold dear and are the basis for everything I share through my writing and X posts celebrating young athletes. Josh’s path—scarred by injury—make me proud to be his dad and a promoter for all the kids who rise above. Players like him are the reason I started writing, the kids who are working in silence, and often have a story that is bigger than the game itself but are waiting for someone to tell it.
Appreciate the help and care from everyone that has been on this ride with us over the years and helped him mature into the person he is today.
@caleb__south@powerathlete@DCWarriorBball@DCSATHLETICS@all_HEART_bball@MiddieDK@2026Ambition@MidwestBBClub @mbcgrassroots @iancle1@KevinMoses38@LeeAnnHicks13@PhDHoops@CoachDoss20 @coach_dcrawl @CoachTyEnglish@XanderSmart_ @JustinMRay @smbauman22
Finished the weekend strong on Sunday. I am proud of the resiliency of this group and appreciate their coachability and selflessness. It was awesome to see them bounce back and get the opportunity to play in front of some college coaches.
@MiddieDK@KevinMoses38@madehoops
Super excited to get this season started. Bearcat Classic coming up! Coaches, come check us out, we have multiple next level players on this roster! All of our games will be live streamed on Youtube as well!
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@MiddieDK@ChrisHicks513@MidwestBBClub@TheReportOhio
Junior @Reid_Collins3 connected on 40% or more from the three point line for the second year in a row, and was recognized by area coaches for his great season.