Liberatore and Frongillo Join Hopedale’s 1,000-Point Club

Dan Liberatore and Bri Frongillo have joined an elite club at Hopedale High — they’ve topped 1,000 points in their basketball careers.Liberatore, a 6-foot-1 guard-forward, scored 27 points against Douglas on Jan. 24, enabling the senior to become the 11th player in school history to score 1,000 points. Five days later, on Jan. 29, Frongillo, a 5-foot-2 point guard, poured in 32 points against Uxbridge, making her the Blue Raiders’ 12th player to reach 1,000.
Both achievements occurred in January and both happened at Draper Gymnasium.
A sharp-shooter, Liberatore drove to the basket, drew a foul and calmly connected on both free throws. His 27 points led all scorers and gave Hopedale an 80-34 victory. The crowd gave Liberatore a loud ovation and showed plenty of support during a timeout.
Liberatore entered the game with 973 points and finished with 1,000. “It’s a huge honor to be in the 1,000-point club,’’ he said. “The credit goes to my teammates, coaches, parents and friends because they’ve been supportive and encouraging, always there for me.’’
Liberatore admitted that he’s delighted the journey to 1,000 points has ended. He’d prefer to think about team goals. “I’m glad it’s over,’’ he said. “I thought it would take two games to get the 27 points I needed. But now I can get back to other things, like getting a high seed in the Division 4 playoffs, and competing for a State title.’’
Frongillo hit 1,000 with 2:30 remaining in the second quarter. She stole the ball at half-court on the left side of the court, drove to the basket and used her left hand for the lay-up. Time was called and she was presented with a rose. A photo was taken, handshakes were exchanged and her parents (Susan and Bill) were hugged. When the game ended, Hopedale had a 60-39 triumph.
“It’s exciting and cool to reach 1,000 as a sophomore,’’ she said. “It’s a bit surreal. As a small kid, I told my father I’d achieve this goal. I’m extremely honored to know my name will be on the banner listing players who’ve reached 1,000.’’
The others who’ve scored 1,000 points include Don Lutz, Larry Heron, Cheryl Daudelin, Christopher Tattrie, Gina Richards, Justin Lewis, Lekia Cowen, Jessica Peacock, Anna Siefring and Brian Espanet.
“It’s a list of quality players who were tough, elite competitors,’’ Liberatore emphasized. “I was fortunate to be around Brian (Espanet) for two seasons. He showed me the value of hard work. He also taught me how to get position and how to develop good footwork.’’
Liberatore also credits his coach (Tony Cordani) for stressing all-out effort. “Coach Cordani is all about giving 100 percent and never quitting,’’ he noted. “Hard work is his trademark.’’
Liberatore’s mother (Tracey) is his role model and she was on hand to witness the historic moment for her son. “She’s been very supportive and encouraging,’’ he said.
Frongillo also credited her teammates and coaches for her success. “My teammates have believed in me and have been enthusiastic as I strived for this goal,’’ she said. “And, my coaches have put in a lot of time and have shown their support. Usually, seniors get to score 1,000 points but mine came fast. I’ll aim for 2,000 before I finish my career.’’
Frongillo is more than just a prolific scorer — she’s the total package. Besides a 25.2-point scoring average, she’s getting 2.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals a game. I try to be unselfish,’’ she emphasized. “I also want my teammates to succeed.’’
Her coach, Corey Phillips, calls Frongillo “a special player’’ and notes that “she doesn’t feel that she’s bigger than the program.’’ He also adds that “she’s the best varsity girls player I’ve ever coached and her unselfish style enables her to make the right plays.’’
Liberatore is a tri-captain who often deals with double-teams but he’s had his share of memorable contests. He scored a career-high 30 points in last year’s opener against Millis and, as a sophomore, he scored the last four points to defeat Nipmuc. “I had only 13 points in that game but I was able to sink a three-pointer and get a free throw in the final 40 seconds to close out the game,’’ he recalled. “We trailed most of the way but we battled back.’’
Liberatore averages 15.3 points, but he also gets his share of rebounds, assists and steals. A capable passer, his instincts and court vision are prime assets that accompany a high basketball IQ.
“Dan is a great kid who has been an important part of many successful Hopedale teams,’’ Cordani said. “He’s not taking as many shots as he has in the past but his defense has become much better. He helps us in other ways.’’
Liberatore, who plans on majoring in education in college, is mulling three Division 3 schools — Worcester State, Bridgewater State and Anna Maria. He definitely wants to continue his basketball career.
Frongillo’s goals this season included a Dual Valley Conference title, scoring 1,000 points and winning the Sectional championship. The first two have been achieved and Hopedale was preparing for the Sectional tourney at Local Town Pages deadline.
“Another objective I always keep in mind is to improve every day,’’ Frongillo said.
Her calm demeanor on the court is why the 15-year-old is drawing interest from a dozen colleges. Holy Cross continues to be a prime suitor. “There’s lots of time to decide on where I’ll play,’’ she said.
A DVC all-star as an eighth-grader and a freshman, Frongillo was named the DVC Player of the Year last season. What makes her a breed apart are her high basketball IQ, her instincts, her speed and quickness and her technical ability.
Both Liberatore and Frongillo have been playing AAU basketball for six years. And, both regard the late Kobe Bryant as their favorite pro player, primarily because of his relentless work ethic. Like Bryant, both are passionate about basketball.
The two newest members of Hopedale’s 1,000-point club strive to be reliable teammates and both are extremely coachable. Their contributions and efforts have left fans of both programs with high expectations.
Whatever colleges inherit their skills will no doubt enjoy what both can achieve. Dan Liberatore and Bri Frongillo are high caliber competitors whose futures should be bright.
And successful.