HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – For any high school athlete, signing a national letter of intent is a milestone moment.

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Seabury Hall basketball player Sebastian Peterson said signing with Chaminade University was a full-circle moment, joining a program he grew up watching.

“It was a ‘can’t believe it was happening’ moment, but I’m happy I’ve done it,” Peterson told Hawaii News Now. “I’m happy I’m committed, so I can’t wait to play next year.”

Peterson was a regular at the Maui Invitational, a college basketball tournament Chaminade hosts at the Lahaina Civic Center.

“Watching the Silverswords play, it was like an amazing feeling,” Peterson said. “Now I realize that I can play on that court next year, and I’m going to be there representing my hometown in Hawaii. It’s gonna be an awesome feeling.”

He often didn’t just watch the games.

“I practically grew up on that court,” Peterson said. “Every year I’ve been a ball boy. Every year I’ve helped out, helped with the breakdowns. From ages 5 to 13, I was probably on that court, sweeping up the sweat in those games.”

One chapter closes, another opens

Peterson is closing his chapter at Seabury Hall after helping the Spartans reach the last three HHSAA Division II state championship games, including a title his junior year.

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He said he hopes to be an example for young athletes on Maui and across the state.

“Be their role model to look up to and have all those kids come out and watch me play, watch me represent,” Peterson said. “They can look up to me, representing Maui and Hawaii especially.”

Even though Chaminade only plays in the Maui Invitational every other year, Peterson is hoping to use the opportunity to highlight Hawaii’s homegrown talent.

“Hawaii and Maui kids all have that skill level to play at any collegiate level, and I just want to help that,” Peterson said. “I just want to help us and showcase that to the whole world.”

Peterson credits his success to the support of his family, and said he can’t wait to don the Silverswords uniform.

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