St. Luke's Sophomore Selected For Jr. NBA Court of Leaders

St. Luke’s sophomore Mackenzie Nelson has been selected as one of 10 girls for the inaugural Jr. NBA Court of Leaders, an NBA-sponsored program for the best 15-and 16-year-old basketball players in the United States.

The Storm guard impressed spectators, both on and off the court, while playing for her AAU basketball team, Empire State Blue Flames, at the Jr. NBA Global Championship in 2019.

The Jr. NBA Court of Leaders provides promising young men and women with the resources to develop as leaders and a platform to amplify their voices, within their communities and across the youth basketball landscape.

Nelson is grateful to be given the opportunity: “It is such an honor to be a part of the Jr. NBA experience. Going to the Jr. NBA is a once in a lifetime experience. However, I got the opportunity to go twice. Now, on top of that, I get to be a part of this leadership group. This is an amazing experience and a tremendous honor to be selected from among many other great players.”

St. Luke’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Ward believes Nelson is extremely deserving of the honor: “Mackenzie is the definition of leading by example. She is so passionate about the game and joyful on the court that it raises the level of play for everyone, on the court and in the arena.
This is the perfect recognition for her, and one that will help her continue to grow as a leader, including off the court."

St. Luke's is a secular (non-religious) private school in New Canaan, CT, for grades 5-12. St. Luke's mission is an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. St. Luke's Center for Leadership advances our mission by helping students develop exceptional leadership ability. Learn more.