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WILLIAMSTOWN -- Sam Cremeans grew up going to Marietta College men's basketball games.
Now a senior at Williamstown, Cremeans explained how much he enjoyed the atmosphere during games at Ban Johnson Arena. He fondly remembers watching former Pioneer wing Luis Garcia play.
"He was a really big dude," Cremeans said with a laugh. "He was just muscled everywhere. He was fun to watch."
Perhaps Cremeans will end up being a player Pioneer fans love to watch. The Yellowjacket committed last month to continuing his athletic and academic career at MC. He will major in finance, and is looking forward to playing under coach Jon VanderWal.
"I grew up watching Marietta play," Cremeans said. "It was amazing, watching everyone get together and pack the gym. It's a close-knit community of folks who really love basketball."
Cremeans is averaging nearly 22 points per game for a Williamstown team set to play Chapmanville in the W.Va. Class AA state semifinals Friday in Charleston. Listed a 6-foot-5, Cremeans is a player with length who can handle the ball, pass it, drive to the basket and shoot the 3.
"I'm hoping to bring my outside shot and my ability to take it into the basket," Cremeans said. "I think, most of all, my ability to be a team player. I'll make sure to have a great relationship with the guys on the team and try to bring everyone together to achieve our goal."
Cremeans transferred to Williamstown before last season. Since, the 'Jackets are 38-2 with two state tournament berths.
"Coach (Scott) Sauro has been fantastic," Cremeans said of the Williamstown head man. "He's helped me a ton in the recruiting process and figuring out what I want to do. The entire Williamstown staff welcomed me with open arms."
Last year's state tourney was canceled due to COVID-19. Going into this season's tournament, "We're feeling good," Cremeans said. "We thought we were going to have a chance to prove ourselves last year in the tournament, but the opportunity got taken from us. To actually get to play this time, it's a good opportunity and we're going to leave it all out on the court."
For college, Cremeans also considered, Muskingum, Washington and Jefferson and Marymount. Ultimately, Marietta was the right choice.
"At first, I was trying to figure out what I wanted for my education," Cremeans explained. "Once I figured that out, I decided it would be best to stay close to home, and there's a bunch of reasons to stay here. Being able to go to such a high quality educational and athletic school while staying home, you can't ask for much more."
Cremeans knows the standards are high for Marietta College basketball players. He's up for the challenge.
"I want to play to win championships," he said. "Coach VanderWal has done great turning the program around. He's built something that's going to leave a legacy, and I want to be a part of it.
"It's going to be a big leap from high school to college. Everyone is bigger, faster, stronger, but I'm up for the challenge. It's going to take a lot of hard work, and I'm willing to make it happen.
"I'm excited to be a Pioneer."
Jordan Holland can be reached at jholland@mariettatimes.com.