In the 67-year history of Edison High School, only two boys basketball players have ever cleared 1000 points in their career with the Eagles. On Monday, February 16, Dheeraj Samparaboyina ‘26 became the third. Perhaps even better, the milestone was reached in a game against cross-town rivals, JP Stevens High School.

Samparaboyina now also holds another school record of 1,017 points, scoring his final eleven points after a game against South River on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Samparaboyina reflected on the achievement as an early aspiration.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about since 8th grade, 9th grade,” he said. “It feels great to have come this far.”

The numbers of Samparaboyina’s journey reveal the stories of his growth. His average points per game have nearly doubled since his sophomore year. As a senior, he has upped his average to nearly nineteen points, showcasing a refined three-point shot and an ability to finish at the rim. His achievement, however, is more than just a personal record; it’s a testament to the teamwork put in under the leadership of head coach Mr. Charlie Mohr.

“It was a great thing to see Dheeraj accomplish that tremendous goal,” said Mohr. “And to see how his teammates reacted with such joy when he did accomplish that goal.”

This year’s starting lineup has been a threat to their opponents because of the strong front put up by Vibert “Vibe” Reynolds ‘27 and Samparaboyina. Throughout the course of this year they have shown their on-court chemistry with a consistent ability to make plays and follow through with shots. When Samparaboyina misses an opportunity to make a shot, “Vibe” is frequently there to secure the offensive board and provide a second-chance to score. This safety net has allowed Samparaboyina to play with maximum confidence.

“I think the biggest part is trust, me and him [Reynolds] have a great friendship off the court so I trust his abilities to score and rebound, and he trusts me to play my game,” he said.

Another leading duo on the court is Raymond Tavarez ‘27 and Samparaboyina. Over their three years of playing on the same team their teamwork has grown significantly. Their ability to trust each other and communicate on the court has created a strong duo for anybody trying to break down their offense.

“I trust my guys: Dheeraj, Vibe, Julian, Jabari,” Tavarez said. “They’re always going to be there for me to stop the ball.”

As the Eagles prepared for their final stretch of the season, including the NJSIAA tournament game against East Brunswick HS, multiple eyes remained on #2. His name now sits alongside many of the program’s elites before him, ensuring that his impact on Edison basketball will be remembered long after he hangs up his jersey.

Regarding Samparaboyina’s milestones, his coach summarized it simply, yet significantly.

“We couldn’t be more proud of him,” Mohr said.