Rosemount forward steps up early on the court

Nelson, a forward, knew he would be counted on to provide more offense for the Irish boys' basketball team this season, and has fulfilled that role early on. Here is our conversation with Nelson:

The best movie I've seen in the last year? "Fast Five."

Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Quiet; intense; competitive.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? I try to get my homework done before or right after practice.

How did you get started playing basketball? I started in first grade through the Rosemount in-house program. I fell in love with basketball then and have played ever since.

At my first varsity practice, I felt ... excited and nervous.

What did you work on in the offseason? Strength and shooting consistency.

To get focused for a game, I ... go over the game plan again. I try to stay loose and relaxed.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete so far? Beating Eagan, the second seed in the first round of sections last year.

Who is your school's biggest rival, and why? Eastview. When their school was created they split from our school.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? Minnesota Timberwolves. They are the team I have always watched and cheered for.