(New Buffalo, MI) - A New Buffalo High School senior boys’ basketball player will compete next year at the college level.

 

 

 

 

Sam Tripp has signed a letter of intent to play at Kuyper College, a Christian school at Grand Rapids in the National Christian College Athletic Association. During a brief signing ceremony Tuesday at New Buffalo High School, Tripp was joined by his parents and siblings.

 

“I want to thank my family, of course, for always being there and helping out.  I love you guys,” he said.  Tripp, a 6’1” guard, was heavily recruited by Kuyper College, who cited things like his ability to shoot and be like a coach on the floor during games for their high level of interest.

 

“The thing I like is he can really think the game,” said Tyler Whitcomb, a former longtime assistant coach turned athletics liaison at the school this year.  He said Tripp’s dedication to improving his game and work in the classroom were among the other factors in deciding to pursue Tripp.

 

Whitcomb said the challenge for Tripp in his first season will be to find a role on a team with a lot of returning players, excel at it and grow.  “I think he has a lot of potential to even get better and better,” he said.

 

Tripp and several of his teammates have been in the starting line up at the varsity level since they were freshman during a major rebuilding after the senior laden Bison lost in the regional finals the previous season.

 

The team has advanced from winning just one game that year to reaching the district finals last season.  Tripp has been a little bit of everything on the court such as playmaker, a scoring threat from beyond the three point line and a solid defender.