The boys basketball program at Hopedale High is in a class by itself.
Flash back to the 1968-69 season when the Blue Raiders compiled a 16-2 record and won the Tri Valley League championship, competing against powerful squads like Holliston, Medfield and Dover-Sherborn. Later, when Hopedale joined the Dual Valley Conference, its dominance continued as championships were won in its league, the districts and at the prestigious Clark tourney.
Throughout the last 50 years, three coaches — Larry French, Don Klocek and Tony Cordani — have maintained a standard of excellence, commitment and dedication. During that stretch, championships not only were won, but top-notch citizens also were churned out.
The Blue Raiders’ squad, led by Cordani for the last 19 years, has kept Hopedale in the winners’ circle. This season, the Blue Raiders finished their regular season with a 17-2 record, were co-champs in the DVC with Sutton and they’re in the hunt for a Clark Tournament crown and possibly a district championship. During Cordani’s tenure as head coach, Hopedale has won six DVC titles, two Clark crowns and two district championships.
Boys basketball in Hopedale has an atmosphere that’s always positive and a culture that thrives, no matter what names dot the roster.
“We’re a small town but we get lots of support,’’ said Cordani, who previously was successful coaching at Tri County Vocational and Hopkinton. “We’ve got a tremendous youth program where kids learn the basics, our administration has been great and parents see athletics as a big part of their children’s education. And, I’ve been fortunate to have a jayvee coach like Tom D’Urso, who works double duty with the varsity.’’
When Cordani arrived at Hopedale in 1999 after winning a TVL championship at Hopkinton and amassing five tourney appearances at Tri County, he hit the ground running, leading the Blue Raiders to a triple crown — championships in the DVC, the Clark tourney and the districts.
“Coach Klocek had retired but he left a team that was very talented,’’ Cordani said. “That squad was fundamentally sound and it played amazing defense. “We finished that year with a 23-5 record. His program through the years developed a rich tradition and I didn’t face a rebuilding project when I started. Don was easy to admire, and, as I got to know him, I realized he wasn’t just a great coach, but he’s a great person.’’
Cordani may be selling himself a bit short. Inheriting a plethora of talent isn’t always a guarantee for success. It’s one thing to have the horses but it’s another to know how to drive them.
The 51-year-old Cordani, who played three sports at King Philip, keeps Hopedale basketball relevant and successful because he’s analytical, has a calm demeanor, relates well to his players and maintains high standards and lofty expectations.
“I’d like to think I’m calm,’’ he said. “I just worry about what I can control. As far as my style goes, we commit to defense and rebounding. From year to year we develop our offense to suit our personnel. My philosophy is to compete hard and make sure our kids are reaching their potential. If those things occur, then winning will follow. Our players buy into a team effort and that results in steals, blocks, assists and deflections.’’
Hopedale’s captains — Brian Espanet, Tyler Miller and Mitch Siefring — are good examples of commitment. “Brian is so unselfish,’’ Cordani emphasized. “He does all things well. Tyler is our top rebounder and Mitch can score zero points and yet have a tremendous game as our facilitator. They typify what Hopedale basketball is all about. And, Robbie Siefring is a big plus on defense. He’s tough and our best defender on the perimeter.’’
Cordani, like Klocek and French, has kept the Blue Raiders’ flame burning. He’s had some down seasons in spite of a winning percentage of 65. However, he knows the formula for bouncing back quickly, and he’s also acutely aware that the challenge can be difficult.
“Every year, the primary challenge is to get our team chemistry in order,’’ he said. “Fortunately, the kids we get want to be successful. We’ve been blessed with good players. I’m proud when teams I’ve coached overachieve. They may not be the most successful we’ve had but their consistency and work ethic humble us. It’s a good feeling to see individuals mature and grow as players and people.’’
Rarely do coaches list three championships as their goals for one season. In Hopedale’s case, the DVC, Clark and District titles seems to always be within reach. “It’s brave to list three lofty goals, especially when we face strong teams,’’ Cordani said. “But, our talent level puts us in the mix to achieve those objectives.’’
A graduate of Bridgewater State with a masters from Cambridge College, Cordani has taught physical education during his 19 years at Hopedale. He says he’s been fortunate to have played for excellent coaches and he also emphasizes how much he’s blessed to be teaching and coaching — two functions he calls “great opportunities.’’
Cordani is also quick to point to the Blue Raiders’ “good kids’’ who travel through the basketball system. “We have high expectations for our players’ conduct,’’ he noted. “They know what’s expected and they know there are ramifications.’’
The coach says he’s rarely had to deal with issues of discipline. That’s probably because Tony Cordani is a dynamic caretaker of Hopedale’s basketball culture.
Issue Date:
March, 2017
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