Radnor’s Jackson Hicke rolls over Susquehannock’s Jalen Franklin in the first quarter Tuesday. Hicke had all 17 points in the quarter and 38 overall in the Raptors’ 75-56 victory in the PIAA Class 5A playoffs Tuesday evening. (PETE BANNAN – DAILY TIMES)
By Bob Grotz
After a gut-wrenching one-point loss to Chester in the District 1 final, Jackson Hicke promised himself that Radnor’s PIAA Class 5A state opener Tuesday against Susquehannock would be different.
Hicke scored all 17 of the Raptors’ points in the first quarter, had 23 at the half and finished with a career-high 38 to power his team to a 75-56 romp over the Warriors.
The 6-4 junior could have had 50 points had he not gotten the ball to teammates so selflessly, although point totals obviously weren’t the primary mission on this unforgettable evening.
“The Chester loss stung hard,” Hicke said. “I didn’t want that to happen again. I kind of came out a little soft in the first half against Chester. We all came out aggressive tonight. We didn’t want to go home at this point. My teammates got me the ball in great spots, and I hit a couple shots. It really got us going and then everybody started chipping in.”