ANDOVER – At 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, you would think that Sam Concemi’s lone job on the basketball court is to dominate in the paint.
On Friday night, the senior forward did all of that, and so much more.
His passing was nearly impeccable. His defense was tremendous. He connected on a pair of threes.
He finished the night with 14 points and six rebounds to help lead the Andover High boys’ basketball team to a 57-44 non-league victory over Brookline.
If you ask head coach Dave Fazio, nights like this are only the beginning for Concemi.
“Sam’s been waiting for this moment to lead and play in big games and he was awesome tonight,” said Fazio. “Not only was he awesome, but he defended and he rebounded. His passing (was tremendous) but that’s his forte.”
Last year, Concemi averaged nine points and nine rebounds a game, but was overshadowed by Eagle-Tribune Super Teamer Luca Palermo and then freshman Josh Roux. Palermo transferred to a Prep School and Roux is back as one of the top guards in the league. But for Concemi, who is now bigger, stronger, and more experienced, things are a bit different. He is now front and center of the Golden Warriors’ plans.
“It’s been a long process for Sam. He had been playing behind Luca who was here last year. It was tough because Luca demanded the ball so much and Sam was on the perimeter. Now we’re playing through Sam, which has now opened up the court,” said Fazio.
Brookline had a 9-4 lead early on until Concemi came up with back-to-back defensive rebounds which led to a pair of baskets by Roux, a jumper and then a three-pointer.
In the second quarter, Andover outscored Brookline 16-10 and Concemi had has fingerprints all over it. He gave a great dish to Owen Crowley and followed that up with three straight buckets on an impressive up and under off the glass, a strong post-up move from high in the paint and then a three-pointer, which pushed the lead to eight.
“I feel like I have worked hard for (taking my game to the next level). I’m in a really good program here with really good coaches. We play hard. It’s not just me, we all play hard and that’s why we were able to come out with the win,” said Concemi.
“I have improved every single year that I’ve been here and I give my thanks to Coach Dave Fazio for that. I’ve been in the gym and I’ve been lifting to get my strength up. I’m trying to improve my athleticism, my shooting and just everything you need to do to be great,” Concemi added.
Concemi was in foul trouble for a good portion of the second half, but came up with big play after big play. He drained a three-pointer early in the third. With 4:21 to go in the game and Andover leading by eight, Concemi made two perfect back door passes to Foley for a pair of buckets, sandwiched between a mid-range jump shot, which all but sealed the victory.
“Sam doesn’t care (about his own glory),” said Fazio. “He’s going to Babson (to continue to play basketball) and it’s a great school. He just wants to win. His best attribute is he is selfless which is just phenomenal.”
Andover 57, Brookline 44
Brookline (3-1): Caleb Hayes 7-3-19, Barry Golden 6-0-15, Ram Smith 0-2-2, Seth Thompson 2-0-6, Alan Shi 0-2-2. Totals: 15-7-44.
Andover (2-0): Josh Roux 6-0-16; Owen Foley 4-0-10, Charles Tutwiler 2-0-5, Cameron Gath 1-2-4, Luke Zorbas 1-0-2, Sam Concemi 5-2-14, Owen Crowley 3-0-6. Totals: 22-4-57.
Halftime: Andover 28-19
3-pointers: B — Golden 3, Hayes 2, Thompson 2; A — Roux 4, Foley 2, Concemi 2 and Tutwiler.