Freshman Phenom Aidan Sullivan Takes Scituate Basketball by Storm

Photo courtesy of Linda Martin

Photo courtesy of Linda Martin

Julia Gates and Brigid Murray

Aidan Sullivan is a freshman at SHS, but there could not have been a more appropriate addition to this year’s boy’s varsity basketball team. Ever since he was a little boy, Sullivan has connected with basketball, and he said playing on the high school varsity team was his dream. “Since fourth or fifth grade, I’ve always dreamed of playing on varsity,” he said.

Accustomed to competing against bigger, older, and stronger players who are on the varsity level, Sullivan said the time he’s spent on the court is equal to — or exceeds — his older opponents. Therefore, joining the varsity team as a freshman was within his reach. According to varsity basketball coach Matt Poirier, “Aidan definitely paid his dues to be the player he is — even as a freshman.” Poirier said Sullivan accepted the reasoning behind hard practices, noting hard practices call for “easier” games. “Games will never be easy,” he said, “but games should be easier than practices.”

Admitting he had a reputation to protect, Sullivan recalls coming into the high school basketball program feeling that he “had to live up to the expectations of people.” Sullivan said he was motivated by his passion for the game, but he also didn’t want to disappoint his coaches, teammates, family, or friends. Somewhat concerned about not being able to keep up with the varsity players during games, Sullivan was reassured as soon as the season got going. He said he enjoyed his time on the team, as he “did not have to do much to fit in.”

According to Sullivan, loving the game is a “crucial element to becoming a competitive player.” Born and raised an athlete, Sullivan is already portrayed as a role model at Scituate High School, and he will continue to set an example on the court in the coming years.