A slam dunk for friendship
Nolan Kliewer (left) and Mac Terry (rught) bump fists for their senior photo for the 2024 Rock Canyon graduation class.
Double trouble or double double? While some of us may have no idea what these basketball terms are, Nolan Kliewer and Macoy “Mac” Terry are two boys well versed in all things basketball. From pre-k to varsity, they have stayed teammates, and are heading to South Dakota School of Mines & Technology this fall to continue their basketball journey at a Division II program.
Nolan, a Vacquero resident, and Mac, of the Knightsbridge neighborhood, have been teammates since they were 4 years old; they met on the basketball court before the first grade. The pair played with Castle Pines Athletics – basketball and soccer – and it did not stop there. They continued on to play for the Gold Crown Foundation and then played varsity basketball at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS).
“I would have had a very different experience in basketball if we didn’t play together,” stated Nolan. “Mac’s dad, Rob Terry, was my coach for most of the teams I was on through middle school. I don’t know where I would be without them.”
Their friendship brought the game to the next level. Mac stated that he and Nolan were on the same team nearly every year since kindergarten, giving them plenty of time to build a close relationship. In addition to school teams, Mac said that they played club basketball each season.
Mac stated, “We have become great friends on and off the court and have adapted to each other’s play styles and have great chemistry.” He also mentioned that college will be a “new chapter and a chance to prove [himself] in not only the next level of basketball, but life.”
And they have a decent track record. For the 2023-2024 basketball season at RCHS, the Jags had a record of 20-6, which advanced them to the Great 8 in the Continental League, the most competitive league in the state. Nolan and Mac were starters in every game and were huge contributors to the success of the team.
Though the buzzer may have rung on their high school season, the duo is far from done. As they embark on their next chapter, the boys will always have someone to pass the ball to. Having a friend on and off the court should make college for the young men an easier transition. As Nolan stated, “I’m very excited that we get the opportunity to play together in college; it will be a lot of fun. It definitely makes me feel a lot better knowing Mac is going with me.”
Nolan (left) and Mac (right) started on their first Castle Pines Athletic team in 2011.
By Marly Holsman; photos courtesy of Jen Kliewer and Izzy Holsman
