Sandrick Jorcelin, 17, has become a constant presence at Tewksbury High School basketball games, running the clock, chasing down equipment and breaking down huddles as the boys' team manager after a 2022 drive-by shooting left him paralyzed. Coaches and players say his steady presence has helped transform the squad from scrappy underdogs into a more locked-in, cohesive group this season. What started as a way to keep him close to the sport has turned into a daily, very visible reminder of resilience for the Redmen.
How He Got Here
When he was 14, Jorcelin was shot in May 2022 while his family was leaving a birthday party in Laval, Quebec. The attack killed his uncle and left Sandrick with severe injuries that required emergency care and months of rehabilitation, according to WCVB. He was airlifted to Boston for surgery and recovery, then spent an extended stretch in rehab while his family reworked their home and daily routines around his therapy. Canadian investigators treated the shooting as a possible case of mistaken identity, the outlet reports.
A Manager Who Keeps The Program Together
After transferring to Tewksbury for better accessibility, Jorcelin asked coach Steve Boudreau to “treat me like any other player” and stepped into the manager role, where he is now woven into practices and game-day routines, as reported by The Boston Globe. Boudreau told the Globe that Jorcelin “has become like a role model to our younger guys,” crediting his energy and leadership with making the coaches’ jobs easier. According to the Globe, Jorcelin also incorporates a standing machine into his rehabilitation and welcomes teammates to his home for postgame hangouts, turning his recovery time into low-key team-building.
Teammates Respond
A recent video from CBS Boston shows players gathering around Jorcelin at practices and on the bench, saying his outlook has reshaped how they approach the season. Teammates describe how watching his determination helps keep them grounded through injuries and rough patches, while coaches point to his presence as a daily lesson in perspective. The segment highlights moments that players and staff describe as “a new pulse” for the program, both on and off the floor.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Jorcelin plans to study cyber security at Rivier University while continuing physical therapy and remaining a central figure in Tewksbury’s basketball world, according to The Boston Globe. Coaches say his role is not changing: he is a full teammate, even from a wheelchair, and a reminder that basketball can be about purpose as much as the scoreboard. For now, the Redmen are treating him as one of their own and playing with a little extra meaning because he is there.
