Sparta HS hoops has strong captain

By Josh Lashley
Sparta — Those who have never been in such a position may not fully understand, comprehend and yes even respect all of the strong attributes that it takes for a young student-athlete to be an effective leader as the team captain of a high school sports team.
A strong should possess not only the ability to improve themselves, but to guide those around them in a positive direction consistently. This, of course, is easier said than done and that’s why just a chosen few are able to handle such a responsibility.
Thomas Ferrara, a senior, for the Sparta high School boy’s basketball program has garnered the respect of his coaches and teammates alike which is among the many reasons why he is the team captain.
“Tom is a three-year varsity player and was actually chosen by his teammates,’’ Sparta head coach Brian Brennan said. “He brings a lunch pail work ethic that I believe many of his teammates have truly come to respect. Tom continues to work on his game day in and day out and has actually impressed us this year with how vocal he has become.’’
Ferrara is a solid all-around athlete and more importantly, a solid all-around student.
“Recently Tom committed and signed to play football at Cornell University which I believe has only further helped to instill confidence in him,’’ Brennan said. “Tom is not one about statistics, he is about helping his team win. This year Tom has helped the team in a myriad of ways to start off so well. Currently we sit at (9-2 as of January 21) and Tom is a big reason as to why.
As can be seen by their impressive overall record, the Spartans have benefitted from contributions of several student-athletes on the roster.
“Tom has received help from multiple players this year, Jake Vreeland, Jack Cavanaugh and Dante Joefield to just name a few. Though Tom is our only captain, each of the above as well as others has shared in the leadership roles that we are always looking to instill.’’
The Spartans are a top team in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference American Division and they are scheduled to begin the month on February with a home game versus Mendham on the 1st. NOTES: Last season, Sparta advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament where they were defeated by Bergenfield. The Sectional Tournaments are scheduled to get underway this year on