Boys Basketball: Schwartz-Edmisten Leads Sac. Waldorf

Christopher Schwartz-Edmisten lights up the box score every time he takes the court.

Averaging 34.6 points per game, the state scoring leader in boys basketball attends Sacramento Waldorf School, which has about 400 students in grades Kindergarten-12.

Schwartz-Edmisten has led the Waldorf Waves to a 22-3 record in the regular season, which concludes tonight at home against Victory Christian of Carmichael with a chance for Sac. Waldorf to go undefeated in the California Valley Christian League for only the sixth time in school history.

"A championship preparation is what it takes," Schwartz-Edmisten said. "We match up really well with Victory Christian and every game is competitive."

On Jan. 20, Sac. Waldorf played the Vikings in Carmichael and the Waves won 61-53. Schwartz-Edmisten scored 43.

"I'm successful because I have to be," he said, adding that he does get double- and triple-teamed by opposing teams. "My teammates have faith in me and I have faith in them."

Sac. Waldorf coach Dean Stark has some high praise for Schwartz-Edmisten.

"He's very, very special," Stark said. "This is my 26th season and he's the best player I've ever coached; he's 5th in the nation in scoring."

Waves wins over larger schools this season include San Juan of Citrus Heights and Carmichael's Mira Loma.

"Beating Forest Lake Christian (of Auburn on Tuesday) was huge and guaranteed us at least a share of the league title," Stark said. "Victory Christian is going to be a huge test because they're well coached."

Stark knows his team will play together.

"The strength of the team is that everyone knows their role."

So why did Schwartz-Edmisten decide to play for Sac. Waldorf and not for a big school program?

"I've been here since the second grade so I have friends I've known a long time," he said. "You get to know the teachers well and academically and friendship-wise, I like the small school atmosphere."

Schwartz-Edmisten said teammate Brennan Petersonwood is the unsung hero.

"He's been a beast in the post for us all season," he said.

Schwartz-Edmisten said he definitely wants to play basketball in college but is undecided, though he is considering majoring in digital arts.