2023  Nicole Melious is a freshman phenom at Susan Wagner High School. 

The 5'8" guard is already a Purdue women's basketball commit that came into her freshman season with high expectations. Prior to committing, she had over 25 offers with seven of them from Power 5 conferences. She is ranked in the top ten in her class by multiple scouting services.

This season, Nicole Melious did not mind wearing the "young" label as he navigated her way through high-level competition while wearing "the next big thing label"

In her freshman campaign, she is averaging 28.1 ppg, 7 rpg, and 6 apg. Nicole has helped her team to a 23-2 regular season record, has scored over 700 points, and has had a streak of eight 30 point performances.  Wagner HS is currently ranked 13th in NYSAA and won the District PSAL Championship on Senior night behind Nicole Melious, 24 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. 

According to Coach Tom Rizzo, Staten Island is being treated to something special. Nicole has seen box and 1's, triangle and 2's (both face guarding her), and she still does not get flustered, she has great poise and takes what's given to her.  Melious understands that these gimmick defenses will allow her teammates to get easy baskets and her team will still win. 

Despite putting up big numbers, Melious  combats pressure of living up to the hype of being the top point guard in the 2023 class by putting her team first, working hard, and crediting others. 

"I don't feel like there's pressure because I just keep working." Melious said. "I'm not one of those players that thinks she's already made it. I know I have to get better on both ends of the court. As long as I keep that midset of always wanting to improve I'll be fine."

She credits Gerry Mosley for teaching her to get her shot from different spots with the correct angles.  Azeem Wilkerson for helping her get quicker and stronger both physically and mentally. Sal Fabozzi for teaching her how to be more shifty and how to finish around the basket with different moves. 

Melious, also credits AAU Coach Bryan Williams and Wagner head coach Tom Rizzo. She said Williams has believed in her at an early age and always goes out of his way to help her.  She credits her head coach, Tom Rizzo, for trusting a freshmen to play,  allowing her to make mistakes and having her back. She says she has been lucky to have great coaches. 

Nicole takes the court again Sunday in the PSAL Quarter Finals vs. an opponent to be decided. She said, her goal is to play in the PSAL Championship game at Madison Square Garden this year and help the Seniors go out as champions. 

Player Page: https://www.worldexposurereport.com/nicolemelious