Athlete of the Week: Hudson High School junior Jake Loewen

By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer

Hudson’s Jake Loewen is rarely seen without a basketball. Photo/Submitted

Team: Hudson High School boys basketball

Coach: Mike Mercuri

Notable Stats: 21.8 points per game this past season, ranking him fourth among all Central Mass Boys Basketball players. Sixth in overall points.

How long have you been playing basketball? What are some of your earliest memories?

“I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old. My earliest memories are playing with my dad out in the driveway. We would play Horse and one-on-one, and it really helped me develop a passion for the game.”

What was it like to have such a great season statistically?

“It was a great season, and the stats just come with hard work. My teammates really did a nice job looking for me, hitting me in stride, and letting me get my shot.”

Which past or present teammate of yours has pushed you the most along the way?

“Some teammates who have pushed me have been the kids on my AAU team (Boston Warriors.) We all hold each other to a high standard of play, and it forces you to play your best. This past season all of my Hudson High teammates worked hard, and pushed me and all the other starters, so we were ready on game day.”

Which coach has given you that push?

“My AAU coach, Stu Murray, and my dad, who also used to coach me. Both gave me a great push because they always expected my best, and wouldn’t except anything less. This year, Coach [Mike] Mercuri would take me aside and let me know what I was doing wrong, or right, and that would allow me to better my game.”

What is your favorite memory from this past season?

“My favorite memory was against Lunenburg. I got hot towards the end of the game, and hit 4 straight three-pointers (finished with 30 points). Our crowd there was goings nuts, and it was a huge win for us.”

What is your favorite class in school?

“My favorite class in school is Physics because we do a lot of cool labs, like launching rockets, and the information we learn is useful.”

Do you want to play basketball in college? Have you started to look at any schools?

“I do want to play in college, and I am starting to look at some options, but I haven’t narrowed it down to any particular school yet.”

What do you want your legacy to be at Hudson High?

“I want my legacy to be that I’m the all-time points leader at Hudson High, and that I was a great leader on and off the court.”

Who is your favorite NBA player?

“My favorite player is Deron Williams from the New Jersey Nets, because he attacks the basket well, and has a great mid-range shot, like I do.”