Sam Sherry, a former standout forward from the Cumberland Valley, had all the makings of a high school star.
Despite having a nice faceup game, post game, and quickness, his 6-foot-8 size barely allowed him to touch the surface.
Sherry has matured into his body as a senior at Elon. He has developed into a 6-foot-11, 240-pound forward who can make three-pointers, take opponents off the dribble, and score in the post.
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Sherry’s work ethic benefited him, and those around him saw this coming from a mile away. It seemed like Sherry moved from being a good role player to a major contributor overnight.
Sherry told PennLive, “I worked hard during the offseason.” During the off-season, I worked extra hours, which has been crucial to my development.
Sherry made a huge impact for the Eagles during his first actual varsity ball game at CV. As a junior, he immediately rose to prominence, ranking second on the team in blocks (1.5), rebounds (5.8), and points (12.2).
He led Cumberland Valley to a District 3 5A playoff trip during his senior year, scoring 12 points per game.
In their boys’ basketball playoff game, Cumberland Valley’s Sam Sherry attempts a shot against Cedar Cliff. March 3, 2021 |[email protected] Sean Simmers
In the first round, they would lose to Cedar Cliff 55-43, but Sherry had already left his imprint.
He received five more offers from Elon throughout his two-season run, including from American, Navy, North Carolina-Wilmington, Mount St. Mary’s, and Niagara.
He only played 181 minutes in his rookie season at Elon, therefore he didn’t get much playing time.
With averages of 9.1 and 9.5 points per game in his sophomore and junior years, respectively, he established himself as a reliable role player.
For the 2024–2025 season, things have been different.
Sherry is averaging a career-high number of points (14.7), rebounds (8), and free throw percentage (77), and his total stats are also improving.
Elon’s shocking 84-77 victory against Notre Dame in November stands out among Sherry’s season’s high moments.
The standout forward helped Elon defeat the Fighting Irish by scoring 10 of his 13 points in the second half.
“We knew we were a great team going into the game,” Sherry added. Given our level of skill, it wasn’t shocking when we emerged victorious. Being able to accomplish it with the folks I love was an incredible experience.
What brought Sherry here?
Controlling the controllable is the most important lesson he has learned since attending Elon.
Sherry attacked last offseason in a different way because he knew his senior season was coming up.
He has always put in a lot of work, even from his time at CV, but the Elon star’s season has been boosted by an increased level of energy and dedication.
Sherry remarked, “I did everything with higher intensity.” More time spent honing my all-around skills. Simply putting more effort into everything has been paying off.
Those who know Sherry are not surprised by his breakthrough.
Sherry’s skill was always recognized by Cumberland Valley head coach David Vespignani, who coached him from his sophomore to senior years at CV.
According to David Vespignani, head coach of Cumberland Valley, “he’s now the player that we projected him to be.” He put it all together, and we witnessed all of his talent and expertise. I always text him to tell him how pleased I am of him.
Sherry’s senior year has been so impressive that he might get the opportunity to play in the NBA, something he has always dreamed of.
According to Sherry, “my senior season has been really important (to getting to the NBA).” I’m becoming more well-known. I’ve worked really hard to improve my game, and I’m determined to reach my goals and advance.
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Rymir Vaughn can be followed on X@RymirVaughn.
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