Chris Sawyer was a 6’4” shooter who led his South Portland High School team in scoring three years in a row. A pure shooter with quickness and an incredible handle, Chris enjoyed the respect of SMAA coaches as they tried multiple defenses to keep him in check.
But, as impressive as his high school exploits were, according to his high school coach Tony Hamlin, Chris was an even more impressive person.
Hamlin notes, “Chris was gifted, hard -working, personal, and humble to a fault. Early on in his high school career, he wouldn’t shoot the ball because he was more comfortable deferring to his teammates. I had to threaten to take him out of the game if he didn’t take at least 15 shots. His confidence eventually caught up to his talent, and in my opinion, he was the best player in Maine his senior year. But, beyond basketball, Chris achieved high honors in the classroom and always demonstrated a kindness and empathy towards his classmates. He is at the top of all the players I ever coached; It was a blessing to coach him. “
Chris was a two-year SMAA First -team All-Star and a first team All-State selection his senior season. He finished his Red Riot career with over 1000 points.
After high school, Chris accepted a full scholarship to Bentley College. His excellence followed him to Falcon basketball where he was a three-year starter. He scored 1187 points, 504 rebounds, 249 assists and 141 steals. He is one of only two players in Bentley history to amass 1000 points, 500 rebounds, 240 assists, and 140 steals.
Chris averaged over 12 points per game in each of his three years as a starter. He led his team to the Northeast -10 regular season title and qualification in the NCAA Division Two post -season tournament.
Chris was names to the All-Conference N.E.-10 first team his senior year.
Chris and his wife Laurie live in Windham N.H. with their children Alexis, and Taylor.