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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
August normally is not the time of year for local basketball stars to be making headlines.
But don’t tell that to rising senior at Needham High School, Thomas Shaughnessy, who recently committed to play basketball at Brown, as well as Needham High class of 2017 graduate and point guard of the 2016-2017 South Sectional champion Rockets, Matthew Shaker.
On Saturday, August 5, Shaughnessy and Shaker finished first and third, respectively, in the annual A Shot For Life challenge in Hanover last weekend, a charity event that raises money to fight Brain Cancer.
Much of Needham’s success in 2016-2017 was thanks to the slick shooting of Shaughnessy and Shaker throughout both the regular season and their run to the Division I South crown. Both continued to put on a show on Saturday, with Shaughnessy draining over 91% over his shots while Shaker nailed nearly 80%.
Shaughnessy was able to beat out Middlesex Magic teammate and long-time rival at Newton North, Ethan Wright, as the two were the leaders for the majority of the event.
In the end, Shaughnessy’s efforts were enough to award him first place in the event, with BC High’s Travis Evee (86%) placing second, and Shaker in third.
Middlesex Magic coach Michael Crotty tweeted out how proud he was of Shaughnessy for his performance at A Shot For Life and on his commitment to Brown.
“Proud I had the privilege to coach this young man,” said Crotty via a tweet. “The Magic will never have another Thomas Shaughnessy, it’s the end of an era.”
