Prospect Spotlight: John Sondheim (2021)
On a Yorktown team that plays an uptempo, run-and-gun style, the contributions of John Sondheim can easily go overlooked. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound junior could be a dominant player in a traditional high school system, but he’s embraced his role in this fast-paced style of play.
“I’ve tried to make most of my points off rebounds, second-chance points,” Sondheim told Prep Hoops after Yorktown defeated South Lakes to win its district championship. “My shooters like to shoot threes, I like to get the board, go up with it, and I just try to work to get the ball.”
A traditional back-to-the-basket big who moves bodies in the paint and is adept at establishing low-post position, Sondheim has made a huge impact on a much-improved Yorktown team since transferring from Christchurch.
“The transition has been good. It was a new approach to the way we play, but it’s been fun. We’ve had a good record this year,” he said. “It’s been really fun. Good to win a district championship with my guys.”
Sondheim is known for his rebounding skills, footwork in the post, and ability to score efficiently around the rim with his vast arsenal of moves. He is also a hard worker. One who prides himself on beating others with effort. It also helps that Sondheim often has a massive size advantage over his opponents.
“I try to just work hard. Use fundamentals and my size,” Sondheim stated. “My goals are to work hard all the time. Put in the most effort, try my hardest, and try to be dominant.”
Yorktown’s season ended with a loss to Washington-Lee in the opening round of regionals, but the future of the program is in good hands. A handful of other underclassmen will return alongside Sondheim next season and look to improve on the impressive run they made this season.