Moritz Schmurr, a junior forward/center from Essen, Germany, quickly found a home away from home after arriving in Chicago this August-and he’s making a meaningful impact on the court for Morgan Park Academy.
Finding His Footing in a New city
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The German exchange student is thriving both on and off the basketball court at MPA.
- Schmurr,a 6’5″ junior,adjusted quickly to life at Morgan Park Academy and in Chicago.
- He’s become a key player for the basketball team, contributing significantly in rebounds, scoring, and defense.
- Despite initial nervousness, Schmurr found a welcoming environment and has embraced the experience.
- The team’s strong chemistry and dedication to improvement are driving their success this season.
Schmurr, 16, arrived in Chicago in August to begin his junior year at Morgan Park Academy (MPA), located on 111th Street. Initially apprehensive about making new friends and navigating a new language, he swiftly integrated into the school community. “I was really nervous in the beginning. It’s making new friends and all that,” schmurr said. “It was a new language, too. It was really easy in the beginning. I made some great friends playing basketball and then joined the soccer team. It’s been great. After a while, you miss your family, but I felt very welcomed here.”
Making an Impact on the Court
Schmurr’s presence is already being felt on the basketball court. Initially,he had to adjust to a new position,playing center rather than as a wing/forward. “Basketball has been pretty good,” Schmurr said. “In the beginning, there were some problems playing a new position, but I got used to it and have had some pretty good games. I love the coaches.”
Team Chemistry and Future Goals
Teammate Tyee Mason,a 6’1″ junior guard in his third season on the varsity team,praised schmurr’s quick integration. “The first day of school, we saw him. Our eyes lit up,” Mason said with a laugh. “We got to know him that first day. It was really exciting. We love him. He’s fit in perfectly. He’s a nice kid and matches our energy well.”
MPA Coach Christopher Harris highlighted Schmurr’s impact on the team’s rebounding and overall game. “Moritz is a really nice kid and very, very humble. All he wants to do is try his best to help the team in rebounding, scoring, defense, blocked shots, everything,” Harris said. “Moritz is holding the paint down. he’s had games lately of 9, 9 and 20 rebounds. He’s good midrange and three-point,too. We didn’t have that big who can pick and roll and finish and make easy buckets for us. It helps a lot with our guards who can shoot and get to the hole.”
The MPA team (11-7, 8-4) played at Intrinsic Charter, the leading team in the Lake Shore standings, on January 26.Denton-Vance emphasized the team’s strong bond, built through summer workouts and shared experiences. “We play over the summer, keep in touch, and that builds our chemistry,” he said.”It’s a little bit of everything. It’s basketball, going to the movies, going out to eat. We’re really just brothers. That deepens our connection on the court.” The Warriors are focused on continuing their winning streak and strengthening their teamwork as the season progresses.
