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Sammy Mojica Jr. had supporters in the stands at Matthews Arena on Feb. 15. Chelsea police officers came to watch. Former teammates from Chelsea High and Brimmer and May were present as well.
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Sammy Mojica Jr. with his mother, Awilda Morales, following the Drexel-Northeastern game Feb. 15 at Matthews Arena.
The son of CPD Officer Sammy Mojica Sr. and Awilda Morales delivered an impressive performance for the Drexel Dragons. He tallied 13 points while providing strong defensive efforts in a competitive matchup that ended 75-69 in favor of Northeastern at Matthews Arena.
For young players in Chelsea, the game offered an important lesson: dedication to basketball, academic success, parental guidance and making the right choices can lead to playing major college basketball.
At Chelsea High, Mojica starred for two seasons before moving to Brimmer and May, where he reached 1000 points. He has since excelled at Division 1, already surpassing the 1000-point threshold as a collegian earlier this season.
Against Northeastern, Mojica started strong, connecting on two three-pointers from distance. His rebounding was active, his floor game sharp, and he consistently spotted open players for good scoring opportunities. The Dragons mounted a late rally that briefly threatened to overcome the Huskies, the second-best team in the Colonial Athletic Association behind the College of Charleston, yet the hosts ultimately prevailed against Sammy and Company in the closing moments.
Cesar Castro, a 1000-point scorer at CHS who now serves as an assistant coach, remained after the game to recognize Mojica’s contributions to the city. Castro had brought several Red Devil players from Chelsea to support their former peer. “I wanted the players to see what hard work, a dedication to practice, and having a great attitude will lead them to one day,” said Castro.
Tom Nelson, basketball coach at Brimmer and May, attended with some of Sammy’s former teammates from the Newton school.
“After playing two years at Chelsea High, he came over and played basketball for me at Brimmer and May, did a great job in a competitive league and scored 1,000 points,” said Nelson. “He played AAU basketball on my Mass Rivals team and then it was off to Drexel where he’s had another great career. He worked very hard and he always had a determination to be good. At the end of the day he’ll be able to show his kids that he had a great college career at Drexel and I think that’s important for him. He’s one of the best kids you’ll meet. He’s just a pure, kind soul and he’s never changed.”
Mojica expressed gratitude for the presence of his Chelsea supporters.
“Every time I come to Boston there’s a big crowd, but today it was special because it’s my last time playing here in college, so to have my family and friends here, I appreciate it so much,” said Sammy.
The 1000-point milestone holds particular significance for him, as only elite college players achieve this distinction.
“It was crazy to get to 1000,” said Sammy. “I remember scoring my 1000th point in high school and to do it at the highest level of college basketball, it felt very good to do it,” said Sammy. “Thank God all my family and friends supported me and stayed on me and I stayed level headed here.”
Looking toward younger players in Chelsea, Mojica offered direction for those aspiring to reach Division 1.
“Just keep working, believe in yourself at all times and don’t let anyone put you down – you have to keep following your dream,” said the Drexel star.
Mojica credited his parents extensively for their unwavering support and direction, beginning when his abilities first emerged in the Chelsea Youth Basketball League and continuing through his current success at Drexel, where he is completing his college basketball career while earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications.
“I love my parents – my mom, who’s been my No. 1 supporter from the jump, and my dad, who put a ball in my hands when I was a baby, taught me the game – they’ve always been there every step of the way and I appreciate my mom and my dad so much,” said Sammy.