Michael Muldoon
mmuldoon@eagletribune.com
---- — After getting off to a 4-6 start, Salem had won seven of its last eight games heading into the weekend.
One of the big reasons has been the play of 5-7 junior guard Emily Hickey, one of the area’s top scorers at 16.9 points a game with 47 3-pointers.
Hickey, a three-year starter in basketball and soccer, says the Blue Devils’ play this season hasn’t surprised her one bit.
In this week’s Around the Horn, the sharpshooter talks about eschewing the family tradition of attending Central Catholic, her unusual clothing superstition and playing along side her best friend.
Did you think you could have a season like this with wins over perennial powers Londonderry and Pinkerton? “Honestly, I didn’t doubt it for a second. Last year we really grew. This year we knew we were going to take off.”
You’ve averaged 64.2 points a game in the last 10 games. What’s it like playing in such a fast-paced offense? “I love this kind of offense. It’s really great. We have the right type of team for that.”
What’s it like playing for one of the state’s youngest coaches in 26-year-old Annie Alosa? “I think it’s great. She’s really enthusiastic. She gets us pumped up. With her young age, she brings positive energy.”
What’s your favorite personal athletic achievement? “This Christmas I made the All-Tourney team for the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney.”
You’re a three-year starter in soccer. Which sport do you like better? “I definitely like basketball more than soccer.”
Coach Alosa said there was a tight-knit group of top scholars with you, Brenna Blakslee and Amanda Bickford? “It’s great to be able to play along side Brenna and Amanda. They make me the player I am. We’ve been playing basketball together since we could walk.”
Who was your first coach? “It was Austin Kolbert along with my dad, Tim Hickey. I think it was second grade.”
Give us the specifics on your academics? “Amanda is No. 19 in the junior class, I’m 11 and Brenna is No. 1. So we are three smart girls.”
How close are you? “Brenna and I have been best friends literally since age 2. We still are. Amanda, we’re very close with, too.”
Where does the academic success come from? “Academics are extremely important to me.”
Do you play any other sports besides soccer and basketball? “In middle school I did track and gymnastics.”
Your dad was an Eagle-Tribune All-Star sprinter. Do you have his speed? “I have some of it.”
What’s been the lowest point of your career? “I dislocated an ankle coming into my freshman year. It was my last AAU game of 8th grade. I had to take the summer off.”
Do you work? “It’s hard with school and basketball. Those are like my job.”
What’s something people don’t know about you? “I’ve worn the same Spandex and sports bra to every game since sophomore year.”
Your sister Mikayla, who is playing soccer at Seton Hall, went to Central Catholic and your father is in the Central Hall of Fame. Did you think of going there? “I did. I just didn’t want to leave Salem. I just thought Salem was more of my place.”
What’s your dream job? “I’d like to be a lawyer. My aunt, Kathy Hickey, is a lawyer and we talk about it.”
Who’s your dream date? “Zac Efron.”
What is your pet peeve? “Tapping of the pencils.”
Do you have a nickname? “Hick.”
Do you have any pets? “A dog named Sandy, a Boxer.”
What is the most embarrassing song you have in your iPod? “I own the whole ‘High School Musical’ soundtrack.”
If you were named principal, what’s the first thing you’d do? “No homework!”
HICK’S FAVORITES
Group or singer: Hunter Hayes
Song: Wanted by Hunter Hayes
Book: The Hunger Game series
Website: Instagram and Twitter
App: Wanelo
Actor-actress: Jim Carrey
Movie: The Lucky One
TV show: NCIS
Athlete: Paul Pierce
Food: Fries at McDonald’s
Car: Silver Porsche
Restaurant: 99
Teacher: Mr. (Harold) Sachs
