On March 8, senior Sam Sponheimer announced his commitment to Stockton University Mens Basketball. Sponheimer is the first member of the boys basketball team to announce their college commitment.
Stockton University, located in Galloway, New Jersey, competes in the Division 3 New Jersey Athletic Conference, playing against the likes of Ramapo College of New Jersey, TCNJ and Rowan. A part of the public higher education system in New Jersey, Stockton offers students various programs including business administration, health services and psychology.
“Stockton came to me pretty late in the recruiting process but their coaches showed a lot of interest and really showed me a great environment to strive in that I wanted to be a part of,” Sponheimer told The Fanscotian.
Sponheimer competed on the varsity level his sophomore through senior year, being a threat behind the arc while also in the paint. His senior season, Sponheimer led the Raiders in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, while also being a team leader on and off the court. Although not a huge part of his game, Sponheimer developed his three point shot throughout his career and added it to his skill set.
Sponheimer averaged 8.5 points his final season as a Raider, a statistic that doesn’t fully represent his game. While most players are represented by how many points they score, Sponheimer is a team-first player, and always looks for his teammates before driving to the rim. The SPF offense ran through number five, and Sponheimer was the key to their success on the hardwood.
“Beating teams like Westfield, Elizabeth and Ridge were all great things that happened on the court but the bus rides home after wins were my favorite moments,” Sponheimer said. “They were unmatched and I’m really going [to] miss that.”
The Stockton Ospreys played well this past season, when they advanced to the NJAC Championship and also made it to the Division III NCAA Tournament. Sponheimer will add his ball hawking skills along with his ability to navigate through defenders to the Stockton squad next winter when he suits up in the Sports Center.
“I definitely want to win the NJAC conference. Stockton is almost always in the finals and I want to bring [the championship] back,” Sponheimer said.
Sponheimer will be sure to make his teammates and supporters at SPFHS proud during his collegiate career and is bound to continue his habits of being a good teammate on and off the court.
“SPF has been such a blessing to be able to play for growing up and these last four years on the team,” Sponheimer said. “Everyone has helped and supported me so much and I have built incredible relationships with so many [people], so it will be tough leaving that.”
