Catasauqua’s Aalani Nix discovered how to gain confidence in one’s basketball career can take time.

Nix, a sophomore, has developed into one of the Rough Riders’ key offensive players, being the team’s second-leading scorer averaging 13.1 points per game.

A late bloomer to the game, Nix’s confidence level grew over time.

“I started dribbling a basketball when I was three, but I really didn’t start playing until when I was in fifth grade,” recalled Nix. “I wasn’t very confident, but I started getting comfortable with my game at the end of middle school.”

Over the past year, Nix has developed his game, but he also continues to realize his state among his teammates. He does appreciate the constant support from his mother, Aja Bressant-Jones, and uncle, Kenton Nix, as well as his teammates.

“I see my role as someone that contributes to the team, scores, passes, plays defense, and also being a leader,” said Nix. “I haven’t been doing a good job of being a leader because I get nervous.

“I’m the only sophomore that starts, but I can’t use that as an excuse. I feel very comfortable this year because (head) coach (Eric Snyder) talks to me about how I have to step up and that I’m a big part of this team. He is very confident in me as well as my teammates.”

Nix has cherished the guidance from the upperclassmen.

“It wasn’t the easiest being the sophomore stepping in with the seniors because they are more experienced and they know what varsity basketball is already,” noted Nix. “But they just told me everyday to be myself and everything is going to come to me. I just have to be patient.”

Head coach Eric Snyder has been impressed with Nix’s rapid development.

“Aalani Nix has progressed tremendously throughout the year,” beamed Snyder. “He has become one of our biggest threats. Aalani can pass, catch, dribble, shoot, rebound, and block shots. He has a lot of skill and all the skills are necessary to be successful.”

Knowing Nix is only a sophomore, Snyder knows Nix can only improve his game.

“The biggest problem is that he has to play inside because he’s one of our taller guys,” said Snyder. “He has to play against bigger guys, meaning height-wise and more so weight-wise, he’s not exactly a big guy. His jumpshot has improved, and he goes to the basket.”

Nix sees the bond among his senior teammates Frankie Pujols, Hamaad Jenkins, and Reece Lopez growing stronger. The Roughies recently were beaten by Northwestern in the Colonial League final, and they will open district play next week.

Against Northwestern, Nix had a team-high 17 points.

“I’ve been playing AAU with them for a couple years now so our bond hasn’t changed,” said Nix. “When I started playing varsity, things were a little shaky. But they told me they always got my back and that we’re all family.”