South Shore Native Commits to Northeastern
After a consistent career in New England, Sage Baptiste has officially announced his commitment to Northeastern University. This makes him one of the latest NEPSAC players to make the jump to Division I hoops.
I was able to speak with both Baptiste and one of his Team Sims coaches, Kevin Harrigan on his recent commitment.
Baptiste’s journey has been defined by growth, consistency, and a strong work ethic that has paid off over time. He began his high school career at Bishop Stang in Dartmouth, where he spent his first two seasons developing both his confidence and feel for the game. During that time, he credits his cousin and coach Colbey as a major influence in helping lay the foundation for his game.
“Playing at Bishop Stang my first two years helped me become more comfortable on the court,” Baptiste said. “My cousin Colbey, who was my coach, helped me a lot with that, especially by pushing me to be better whenever I was on the court and always holding me accountable.”
Following his sophomore year, Baptiste made the move to Tabor Academy and reclassified and stepped into one of the most competitive environments in New England in the NEPSAC. The transition came with its challenges early on, but it ultimately became a turning point in his development.
Once he adjusted to the level of play, his production and recognition quickly followed. He earned All-ISL honors as a junior and took another leap during his senior season, being named both All-NEPSAC and All-ISL. His progression over those three years reflects the consistent work he’s put in behind the scenes.
“Once I came to Tabor, I just stayed in the gym consistently,” he said, and that approach has continued to fuel his development.
Over the past year, Baptiste has worked closely with his cousin KJ, who is currently with the Middlesex Magic after being an assistant at the University of Albany.
“Over the last year, I have been working out with my cousin KJ a lot, who has also helped me a great amount in everything that has to do with basketball, advice, on-court things, off-court things, everything,” Baptiste added.
He also credited trainer Brian Rudolph, who worked with him during his freshman and sophomore years, as someone who helped build the early foundation of his skillset.
On the AAU circuit, Baptiste has consistently proven himself against high-level competition. Playing for Team Sims on the Under Armour Rise circuit, he earned 2nd Team all UA Rise honors in back-to-back years while continuing to enhance his stock.
“Sage has been incredibly productive over the last two years of NEPSAC and grassroots basketball,” his Team Sims coach Kevin Harrigan said. “He’s an incredibly gifted shot maker with great size and athleticism.”
His combination of shot-making ability, size, and athleticism has made him a tough matchup and a reliable offensive presence throughout his career.
His commitment reflects a larger message that has been emphasized within his program.
“With how difficult it is for high school guys to get to that Division 1 level right out of school, we’ve preached the importance of keeping your blinders on,” his coach added. “Focus on the joy of the game, getting better, and doing well in school, and then see where you wind up. Sage is a testament to that. He did the work, stayed ready, and Northeastern got a great talent because of it.”
His play in our region has also played a major role in shaping Baptiste’s game. Competing against high-level talent on a daily basis has helped him develop both his skill and mindset.
“Playing in New England has shaped my game because of the very tough competition that I consistently face,” he said. “Everyone I play with, whether it’s in runs, local games, or workouts, has helped me become much better. Playing in NEPSAC was also a huge part of developing my game.”
When it came time to make his decision, Northeastern stood out for multiple reasons, both on and off the court.
“I really wanted to play close to home so my family could come to all of my games and watch me play,” he noted. “I also chose Northeastern because of the way they play and the great academics of the school.”
Now, Baptiste heads to a Northeastern program that has been tracking his development and values the traits he brings to the table. His path from Bishop Stang to Tabor to consistent production on the AAU circuit has prepared him immensely for the next level.
As he looks ahead to his freshman season, he already has clear goals in mind.
“One goal of mine would be conference rookie of the year.”
With his continued work ethic, steady progression, and proven ability to produce against high-level competition, Baptiste is well-positioned to make an impact as he begins his Division 1 career.
Sage Baptiste