Jimmy Shea: Male Athlete of the Month

Finishing off last season with averages of 13.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, Jimmy Shea was ready to keep establishing his dominance on the court during his senior year.

“If I have 30 points or 5 points it does not affect me. All I want to do is win the game,” Shea said.

Since Shea’s sophomore season, he has seen the floor for the varsity basketball program. As a senior, he’s ready to continue to be a leader for this team.

“Jimmy has always led by example,” coach Al Coleman said. “Jimmy is one of the most coachable kids I have ever been around. He always does the little things right.”

Shea was not always going to attend Pascack Valley High School. Before his freshman year, he moved from Maywood to Hillsdale.

“I had a very good transition from Maywood to Pascack Valley,” Shea said. “Valley has a very welcoming environment. I made friends quickly, and these past four years have probably been the best four years of my life.”

Since he was young, Shea has always had a love for basketball and everything surrounding it.

“When I was little, I would always shoot on my mini hoop or play 1v1 against my brother Ryan,” Shea said, “I would always win. That’s when I realized that I wanted to keep playing basketball.”

Shea is currently a three-sport varsity athlete: playing varsity basketball and baseball since his sophomore year and varsity soccer during his senior year.

“While playing three sports, basketball and baseball have always been my favorite,” Shea said. “They have always been the most fun and entertaining for me to play.”

Shea’s favorite moment in his basketball career came last year on February 23rd in Valley’s game against Old Tappan, in which he scored the game winning layup.

“That was definitely my favorite moment in my high school basketball career,” Shea said. “With us winning that game, it sent us to the state tournament.”

Jimmy finished that game with 17 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

While Jimmy plays basketball, he also follows it on a professional and collegiate level. His favorite college team is St. Johns and his favorite NBA team is the New York Knicks.

“I have always watched basketball, since I was in elementary school,” Shea said. “My favorite basketball player is Kevin Durant.”

While Jimmy has been a three-sport athlete during his high school years, academics remain a major part of his life. Shea believes that time management is the most important skill to be successful in the classroom and on the court.

“I like to have a set plan and schedule on when I will study and get my schoolwork done,” Shea said. “I have also been doing this for years now, so I am used to this. I know that I need to stay on top of my schoolwork.”

Shea values and respects many teachers he has had the pleasure of knowing and learning from.

“Some of my favorite teachers have been Mr. Lynch, Mrs. Ricca, Mr. Villone, and Mr. Jasper,” Shea said.

Shea has always looked up to his parents and coaches. He explains that his parents have taught him everything, and his coaches are always looking after him and putting him in position to take full advantage of his opportunities.

Shea would love to continue playing sports after high school but not at the collegiate level; however, he would like to play club or intramurals. Shea has been looking at Villanova, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, and Clemson to continue his education.