March Madness, two of the best words in all of American sports, 64 teams with a chance to create a legacy forever. Many programs are looking for a Cinderella run for their names to be remembered forever. And just as many don’t get the chance to fulfill such an accomplishment. Those who do include some of Noblesville’s finest athletes. Purdue’s men’s basketball player Aaron Fine, Akron’s Evan Wilson, and Iowa State’s Reagan Wilson, are all looking for the chance to play in March, to help their teams toward the NCAA’s biggest prize, a national championship.
Fine and Reagan Wilson enter college basketball as freshmen as they look to add an NCAA title to their basketball resumes, and Evan Wilson is preparing to leave college basketball as a senior. But all these former NHS athletes share the goal of claiming a championship, though the task will not be easy. These three former Millers are learning what it takes to be a champion.
Iowa State women’s basketball player Reagan Wilson on the impact she may have going into Tournament time:
“Going into the tournament I know our team has the ability to make a long run. We have been putting in the work each day since June and have set a high standard for ourselves. Also, we have very strong team chemistry, which is an important aspect on the court. Because of this, I believe we have what it takes to win it all,” Reagan Wilson said.
Purdue men’s basketball player Aaron Fine on the difference between high school and collegiate basketball:
”I would say the biggest difference between high school and college basketball is the physicality. Everyone in college is so much bigger, stronger, and more athletic in high school, so I’d say that is the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make. But practicing against someone like Braden Smith every day has helped me make the next step in my game, and it’s helped me become a better player,” Fine said.
Akron men’s basketball player Evan Wilson on his best memories in college basketball:
“I have been extremely blessed to have done some amazing things at the University of Akron. One of my best memories was in the MAC championship in 2024. The goal from day one was to win the championship, and all of the seniors had unfinished business from the year before. It was a really great group, and we beat our rival Kent State in Cleveland in the MAC Championship. To be in an environment where there is no stress and pressure with your 14 closest friends is a joy, truly. Not to mention the great weather, the sights, the laughter and late nights with those guys was awesome,” Evan Wilson said.
