Star alumnus Mohamed Sanu joins Crossroads classic

By Azra Baig, Special Writer
   Crossroads Middle Schools held a Faculty/Staff vs. Students Basketball Game at Crossroads South Middle School Feb. 26.
   The game packed the gymnasium with approximately 350 spectators which included students, teachers, staff and administration.
   One of the organizers of the event and the coach of the girl’s middle school basketbal team, Coach CJ Hendricks described the event, “The Student vs. Staff Basketball game is an annual event that we host at Crossroads South Middle School at the conclusion of the winter sports season.”
   ”The game showcases the eigth grade boys and girls who played on the Crossroads basketball teams this past winter season vs. a variety of staff members from Crossroads North and South,” he said. “It is a school event that the players who participate in the game, as well as, the students who come to watch really look forward to and enjoy. Each year we try to make the game more interactive for the students who come to spectate by organizing shooting competitions, staff dunk contests, and dancing during halftime.”
   This year, special guest, Mohamed Sanu, a South Brunswick High School graduate, a star football player for Rutger’s University and currently playing in the NFLfor the Cincinnati Bengals also participated in the event.
   ”This was actually Mohamed’s second year attending the event. At last year’s game, he came just as a spectator, but we were able to talk him into participating in a slam dunk competition with his former teammate and South Brunswick High School Alumni, Devon Young,” Coach Hendricks said. “It was a great display of showmanship on both their parts. In the end, by the crowd’s response, the students declared Mohamed the winner.”
   Mr. Sanu, entering his third year with the Bengals, was a third round draft pick in 2012.
   ”This year, I was able to catch up with Mohamed at one of the SBHS girls’ basketball games and I asked him if he would like to attend the game again. He told me that if he was able to make it, he would be there,” Coach Hendricks said. “Not only did he show up this year, but he came to play. He stepped in for a couple minutes with the Staff team, as well as the Students’ team, which was a big treat for the kids. The Crossroads students really look up to him and are always super excited when he shows up for events like the Staff/Student game. The fact the he takes the time out of his busy, off-season training schedule to spend some time with our students speaks volumes of his dedication and commitment to the South Brunswick community. We were honored to have him at the game.”
   The Staff vs. Students basketball game was free for the students and family who attended. The Snack Shack sold snacks and drinks to the fans which raised funds to help support the Ruth Helfgott Fund, an organization that helps South Brunswick students in need of financial support for school trips and activities.
   ”Every year, all the staff members who participate in the game volunteer their time to put on a great show for the students,” Coach Hendricks said. “The Student team is coached by Crossroads alumni, Cory Slater, while the Staff team is coached by the legendary, former Crossroads boys’ basketball coach, Lou Pini, accompanied by his longtime assistant, Dave Morgan.”
   In speaking of the Staff’s experience, Coach Hendrick’s said, “The Staff really enjoyed themselves and thought the game ran smoothly. Since we started holding the game after school a couple of years ago, we have gotten a lot bigger of a student crowd, which makes the game more exciting. The students really enjoy seeing their teachers in a different element outside of the classroom.”
   Regarding the student’s perspective, Coach Hendrick’s said, “After the game, the students were very appreciative that they got the opportunity to take part in the game and the response that I received from speaking with them was positive. Every year, they are trying to beat the Staff team, but we always maintain a fun, competitive environment.”