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***In what is shaping up as a very intriguing Union County baseball season, the Union Farmers are one of the teams seeking resurgence as they move ahead with new coach!

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***Summit's Dartmouth-bound senior linebacker is enthusiastic about looking to help lead North defense in annual Simms Classic. Learn more in "Feature Articles"

***Cranford's Allison Skrec had splendid season guiding Cougars and her efforts were rewarded by the NJBCA at 2024 state all-star game. Learn more in "The Buzz"

 

North Jersey's Jim Spanarkel (left) makes a point with his broadcast partner Spero Dedes while analyzing what is transpiring on court as Wagner was on the way to defeating Howard in a 'First Four' NCAA Tournament game on March 19th. Spanarkel, a former standout high school, collegiate and pro player and longtime analyst for NCAA and NBA games, will be honored when 'The Friends of Mercier Sportsmen' hold dinner April 15 at Highlawn Pavilion. (photo courtesy of tru TV)

A Hoops Icon And Montclair’s Interim AD
To Be Feted At Mercier Sportsmen Dinner

By Steve Tober
For sidelinechatter.com

It could have been while playing one of the endless pickup games with 1970s Hudson Catholic teammate Mike O’Koren at the old St. Joseph Courts behind St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in their native Jersey City.

Or, perhaps it was later inside Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University where he would become an All-American while leading the Blue Devils to the 1978 NCAA Tournament final.

And, it could also have also been as a very adept NBA shooting guard with the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks where his passion for the game of basketball simply continued.

Nowadays, it’s sitting alongside his broadcast partner on telecasts of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament while providing expert commentary during the latest edition of ‘March Madness.’

He already had etched his mark as an Emmy Award winning color analyst while working alongside play-by-play man Ian Eagle for Nets telecasts on the YES Network.

Through it all, a basketball life encompassing more than a half century has seen Jim Spanarkel shine both on and off the hardwood both as an outstanding player at all levels and as a first-rate TV analyst of the game he loves.

Now, he’s about to be the latest recipient of the prestigious Peter A. Carlesimo Memorial Sportsman of the Year award, while noteworthy high school football coach and athletic director Ron Anello will be recipient of the Msgr. Edward J. Larkin Award of Distinction as the Friends of Mercier Sportsmen hold their 2024 Father-Son Beefsteak, Monday evening, April 15, at The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange.

Cocktails are at 6 p.m. and dinner follows at 7.

This year’s event highlights two men who have maintained the pinnacle of character in addition to success in and out of the world of athletics.

Spanarkel is a true renaissance man in sports and business as in addition to his extensive work as an analyst for both NBA and college basketball telecasts, he has also been a longtime senior vice-president in investments for Merrill Lynch.   

"The Friends of Mercier Sportsmen are thrilled to honor Jim Spanarkel as this year's Carlesimo award winner,” said William Evans, this year’s dinner chairman who is also the executive director of the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “He is one of New Jersey's most accomplished homegrown athletes who distinguished himself at every level in life and sport.

“Jim starred as a Hudson Catholic basketball standout, achieved at the highest levels as a Duke All-America, and was the Blue Devils first 2,000-point scorer. 

“His impressive achievements in the NBA, as a first-round draft choice of the Philadelphia 76ers, and also later playing with the Dallas Mavericks, led to his role as a dynamic basketball analyst for both NBA and NCAA telecasts.

“Jim has also managed a successful long-term career in banking and financial services and has done it all with class and style."

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