Student Athlete of the Week Jackson Carano

As one of only two seniors on this year's Niwot High School boys basketball team, Jackson Carano prides himself on being a leader. The third-year varsity forward has his own personal goals, but nothing compares to the value he puts on overall unity.

"The biggest thing I've taken away is the importance of team building," Carano said. "As a team captain this year, that's one of the biggest things that I've wanted to focus on. I think we're doing it pretty well. It's building each other up as a team most of all. We can have the most skilled players but if we don't play together, then we're not going to do well."

Led by Carano, the Cougars are off to a 3-2 start in head coach Walker Bounds' first season. Carano shared that he and his teammates have gelled well together on and off the hardwood.

"I think we're strong on the court, and how we react to each other off the court is really important," Carano said. "When we have team dinners, bus rides, or hanging out, I'm definitely going to miss that."

On the court, Carano is enjoying a fine senior season. Through Niwot's first four games, he's averaging career-highs in points per game (13.8), rebounds (8.3), steals (1.5), and blocks (1.3). His most impressive performance, at least offensively, came on Dec. 2 when he scored half of Niwot's 44 total points on 10-of-13 shooting.

The 6'5" Carano has found other ways to contribute too. In Niwot's season-opener win on Nov. 30, he tallied five steals and three blocks. The very next day, Carano recorded a team-high 12 rebounds in another victory.

"Last year, I was averaging some decent points per game and I wanted to get the rebounds up," Carano said. "This year, I know my goal is to average a double-double. [I'm] playing as big as I can, as athletic as I can, getting the rebounds and doing the dirty work."

Carano's overarching goal, however, is to leave Niwot's program better than he found it.

"My goal for this season is just to make it a winning season," Carano said. "The past few seasons haven't been that great. If we can get more wins than losses, continue improving and leave the program better than I found it, that's my ultimate goal."

With a 3-2 record through five games, the Cougars are on the right track to achieving Carano's mission.

After high school, Carano hopes to study film in college, although he doesn't know where just yet. Carano shared that he's always enjoyed artistic endeavors and recently discovered a "passion" for storytelling.