Stanley Rajkovich, a 6‑foot‑7 forward who once led Derry High School to its first section title since 1957, has been diagnosed with leukemia just three months after transferring to The Kiski School. The news arrived unexpectedly, as the talented athlete had been preparing for his next season as a Division I prospect.
A Diagnosis That Alters a Promising Trajectory
Rajkovich’s high school career was marked by impressive statistics — averaging 20.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game and surpassing 1,000 career points — making him a coveted recruit for several Division I programs.
After the leukemia diagnosis, doctors began chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital, where he also received a blood transfusion. The treatment protocol restricts physical contact, forcing the young athlete to pause his basketball activities and focus on recovery.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to offset the mounting costs of treatment has drawn support from former teammates, local businesses, and community members eager to help the young athlete navigate an uncertain road ahead.
Reclassified to the class of 2028, Rajkovich remains hopeful that his love for the game will endure beyond this chapter, even as he acknowledges that the path to the collegiate level may look different than originally imagined.