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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
On July 31, Needham High basketball star Thomas Shaughnessy announced on Twitter that he has committed to play basketball at Brown University at the conclusion of his upcoming senior season.
As many in Needham remember, Shaughnessy helped pioneer the Rockets to a Division I South Sectional crown in 2016-2017, their first in program history, while putting up video-game-like numbers (averaged 23 points per game). Shaughnessy’s efforts earned him Bay State Conference MVP and Boston Globe All-Scholastic.
On August 2, in an interview with the The Needham Channel, Shaughnessy explained the process he went through which led to him becoming the first Needham High basketball player to commit to the Division I level in 18 years.
“They came to all 22 of my summer games,” said Shaughnessy. “They were at every single one, and I kind of just knew that after live period, I wanted to make the commitment. So I called Coach Mike Martin and let him know that if his offer still stood, that I wanted to commit. He was all for it, and now we’re here.”
On Monday, an excited Coach Martin tweeted out his thoughts on the addition of Shaughnessy to his program: “Our pack just got stronger today!”
An extremely versatile 6’0” left-handed guard, expectations for Shaughnessy and the Rockets in 2017-2018 are extremely high with all of the talent they have returning (Will Cooper, Michael Klemm, Brandon Monheimer) following last season’s sectional title and state semifinal appearance.
Congratulations to Thomas Shaughnessy on his commitment to Brown and best of luck to the Rockets in 2017-2018.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
