City of Basketball Love

Alex Bonner (@abonn610)
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For Hill School senior Seth Stankiewicz, the decision on where to bring his basketball talents after high school was an easy one.

After an official visit to Bentley University this past weekend, Stankiewicz made his official decision to move to Waltham, Mass. to continue his basketball career next fall. There, he will be playing under Jay Lawson, head coach of the Falcons, who has lead the school to a winning record in 22 of his 24 seasons as coach.

But the 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard had known for while now that Bentley was high on his list of possible schools.

“I took an unofficial there, I guess it was late July, and I really enjoyed coach Lawson and obviously the business program speaks for itself,” he said on Sunday after announcing his commitment. “But I just kind of knew that if I were to be accepted, that’s where I wanted to go.”

During his unofficial visit in the summer, Stankiewicz was accompanied by his parents, this time, however, he traveled up to Bentley alone to tour the school and meet with the coaches.

The high school senior talked with Lawson on Friday at some length regarding his opportunities on the team, after which Lawson formally offered a scholarship to the Hill School student. After taking the next fews day to inform family and friends of his decision, Stankiewicz made his announcement public on Sunday.

“I honestly choked up a little bit in his office,” he said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to know that your hard work paid off and I can go receive a great education for free basically.”

A few Division I schools had interest in Stankiewicz, including some from the Patriot League, and a couple other Division II schools, however, in the end Bentley offered Stankiewicz the situation he liked best.

“Bentley stood out because of coach Lawson, and the offense, the free-flowing motion offense that he runs,” Stankiewicz said. “That freedom fits my playing style. And the opportunity there for me to play right away.”

A two-year starter at Hill School, one of several schools in the region that as part of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League can have up to three post-graduates on its team, Stankiewicz played a big role on the team that won the PAISAA title in 2014 over a very talented Westtown squad.

Last year, Bentley’s men's basketball program went 15-12 overall and 10-11 in conference play. In Lawson's 24 years, they're 437-236 (.667), with nine NCAA Tournament appearances--including Final Four runs in 2008 and 2010.

The Northeast-10 Conference is one of the top conferences in all of Division II basketball; last year, six teams made the NCAA Tournament, with Southern New Hampshire making it to the Sweet 16.

Besides a winning reputation on the court, Bentley’s well-respected business program was a draw for Stankiewicz in his decision-making process.

Stankiewicz is a big football and baseball fan in addition to his love for basketball, and is considering a career in a front office job--he mentioned the Red Sox general manager position as one potential dream gig

“They offer sports management as a minor, and I’d really like to do something with a sports club as my profession for later on,” he said.