Staff Report
Sean Crawford is having his best season yet, averaging nearly 10.5 points per game for Haddon Township as the team’s top long-range threat.
The junior guard will continue to be a key piece if the Hawks want to make a deep postseason run as the No. 3 seed in the upcoming South Jersey Group 1 tournament (New Egypt at Haddon Township, Friday, 5:30 p.m.)
Check out South Jersey Glory Days Correspondent Brian Tortella’s latest Q&A with Crawford as he prepares for the opening round of the state playoffs.
Tortella: After falling short in the sectional final last year, how motivated is your squad to make a title run?
Crawford: Our sectional run last season was unforgettable, but we fell short losing to Woodbury in the final. That run boosted our confidence and set a much higher standard for our upcoming season. Seeing how far we made it really motivated us and we worked super hard this offseason to get to where we are today. I am looking forward to the playoffs and another shot at a sectional title.
Tortella: How much do you believe you’ve improved during the last year?
Crawford: I think I grew a lot as a player this offseason. I just try to keep improving as much as I can, day by day.
Tortella: What do you like most about coach Paddy McNamara?
Crawford: Coach McNamara has been a great coach and is a key to success for our team. My favorite thing about him as a coach is the effort he gives. Our coaching staff puts in an unhealthy amount of time on Hudl and gives us great defensive schemes to give us our best shot at winning.
Tortella: How old were you when you started playing basketball?
Crawford: I have been playing basketball for as long as I can remember. I basically grew up at my dad’s summer basketball camps. No matter how hot it was, we were always out there on the Audubon outdoor courts.
Tortella: What was it like playing a game last year against your father, Eastern head coach Kevin Crawford, and what has your overall experience been like with him coaching at another school?
Crawford: Playing against my dad was a surreal feeling. Growing up, I came to many of his games as a coach and I always dreamed of what it would be like, to be one of those players out there. He has been a great coach for me, but more importantly, a better father.
Tortella: Who is your funniest teammate?
Crawford: I would say my funniest teammate is Nate Keating. From the outside, Nate might seem like a quiet kid, but once you get to know him you will find out that is nothing but far from the truth.
Tortella: What’s the strongest part of your game?
Crawford: I would say that the best part of my game is my 3-point point shot. Having a 3-point shot opens up the floor for my teammates to make plays.
Tortella: How do you prepare mentally before a big game?
Crawford: I like to listen to music and relax before warmups. I focus on my matchup and make sure I can play to my fullest ability on any given day.
Tortella: How do you balance both schoolwork and basketball?
Crawford: Being a high school athlete is tough. Sometimes all of my priorities can be overwhelming. What works the best for me is staying ahead of my school work. This opens up opportunities for me to get some extra shots up when I can.
Tortella: Do you plan to play basketball at the next level? What goes into choosing your ideal college?
Crawford: Right now, I am just focused on our current high school season. Although, it would definitely be cool to get an opportunity at the next level.
Tortella: What do you like most about Haddon Township High?
Crawford: I have had a great three years at Haddon Township. My favorite thing about HT is how everyone grows up together. Playing for the same travel and rec teams gave us great friendships and memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
Tortella: What would it mean to you and the program to win the sectional title?
Crawford: It would mean the world to me. It would be history. Our squad is stoked at the opportunity to get revenge for last year.
Tortella: Who’s your favorite artist and what’s your favorite pregame hype song?
Crawford: For my favorite artist, I would have to go with Drake. He is so versatile, with music for almost any mood. My favorite pregame song is “Weston Road Flows” by Drake.
Tortella: If you could train with any NBA player, who would it be?
Crawford: I would choose Payton Prichard. It is super impressive how well he scores, especially being undersized and not crazy athletic.
Tortella: Who are three people, dead or alive, that you would like to have dinner with?
Crawford: I would say Jesus Christ, LeBron James and Albert Einstein.
NOTES: The Hawks are 21-6 this season and have won eight of their last 10 games. Crawford is third on the team in scoring, behind Alex Mohr and Nate Keating, and leads the team with 50 threes. For his career, Crawford has more than 500 points and 100 assists, and is eight 3-pointers away from 100 for his career.
