Senior boys basketball captain James Scampolino has been chasing hoop dreams nearly his entire life. He first picked up a basketball at six years old, and over the years, countless hours in the gym and on the court have shaped him into the player and leader he is today. Most of the time, Scampolino runs the floor as a shooting guard, but he can also slide into the point guard role when his team needs him.

His most memorable moment came long before varsity highlights and packed gyms. Back in eighth-grade travel basketball, Scampolino sank a game-winning shot against Naugatuck—a play that still stands out in his memory.

“That game winner against Naugatuck is something I’ll never forget,” Scampolino said. “It was such a rush and really made me love the game even more.”

Scampolino’s proudest moment wasn’t about a single shot—it was earning a spot on the varsity team as a freshman. Though his playing time was limited, he felt the reward of years of dedication and hard work finally paying off.

“Making varsity as a freshman showed me that my hard work had been worth it,” he said.

Now, as a senior captain, Scampolino has ambitious goals for both himself and the team. Personally, he hopes to reach the 1,000-career-point milestone. For the Hawks: win both the NVL and state championships.

Scampolino’s leadership extends beyond the court. He emphasizes chemistry with his teammates, whether during practice, in games, or hanging out outside of basketball. At the same time, he makes sure everyone stays accountable and focused.

“I like to lead both on and off the court,” said Scampolino. “Building chemistry helps us play better together, but I also try to keep everyone in check.”

With one final season ahead, Scampolino is determined to leave his mark and set the tone as the Hawks chase championship glory.

“We want to win it all this year,” said Scampolino. “ I plan to give everything I’ve got to make that happen.”