Sammy Mojica, one of the greatest basketball players in Chelsea High School history, is transferring to Brimmer and May School.
Mojica, who had a sizzling 24 points-per-game average this past season, will repeat his junior year at the Newton prep school. A 6-foot-4-inch guard with well-polished skills, Mojica is already regarded as a Division 1 college prospect.
The 17-year-old All-Scholastic player said it was a difficult decision to leave Chelsea High after being a student there for three years. The articulate student-athlete brought the following prepared statement with him to an interview at The Chelsea Record offices:
“The reason I decided to leave was because it’s a big opportunity to not just do things on the court but also with academics. I sat down with my family and closest friends and we decided that this was the best decision for me.
“I will be able to play against good competition night in and night out and it will help me grow in to a complete player and chase my dream of earning a basketball scholarship to a four-year university with hard work and dedication. I don’t regret my decision on transferring from Chelsea High School to Brimmer and May. At the end of the day I’m doing what’s best for me, my family, and my future.”
CHS director of athletics Frank DePatto wished Mojica well in his new school.
“Sammy is not only an outstanding basketball player but he’s an outstanding individual,” said DePatto. “His family must be very, very proud of him. We wish for him what he wishes for himself: being very successful. We will be in his corner cheering for him.”
DePatto added that he will be attending some Brimmer and May games to view Mojica in action.
Mojica is wrapping up a strong performance this summer for the New England Playaz AAU team. He traveled with the team to tournaments in Chicago, Indiana, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas. Mojica impressed college scouts at the tournaments with his superior ballhandling and accurate outside shooting. He helped lead his team to an 11-0 record and two championships in the Philadelphia tournament.
Division 1 colleges Quinnipiac and Manhattan have been in correspondence with Mojica while other colleges are starting to take notice of his wide-ranging talents. Mojica has become an accomplished dunker.
Mojica said he will miss being a part of the Chelsea High community and the basketball program.
“I had three great years in coach Jay Seigal’s program,” said Mojica. “I’m glad that he gave me the opportunity as a freshman to play on the varsity team. He’s helped me a lot and I’m glad that he understood my decision – that gave me a boost.”
Mojica offered a glimpse of his future dreams, saying that he would one day like to play for the Puerto Rican team in the Summer Olympics. His parents, Sammy Mojica Sr., a Chelsea Police officer and former CHS athlete, and Awilda Morales, are of Puerto Rican descent.