Versatile Espanet Reaches 1,000 Points In Basketball

Brian Espanet is one of Hopedale High’s premier three-sport athletes.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior has played on a football team that won a Super Bowl (Millis-Hopedale last fall), a basketball team that won a district crown (2014) and a baseball team that won the districts (2015). Now that he’s scored his 1,000th point in basketball, it’s obvious he’s a rare-breed competitor.
A Dual Valley Conference all-star in baseball and the circuit’s MVP in basketball, Espanet also was the Tri Valley League’s MVP in football and he’ll be on scholarship at the University of New Hampshire in the fall. When Hopedale played in Bellingham High’s Hutchinson Memorial Basketball Tournament the last two years, all Espanet did was spark the Blue Raiders to back-to-back titles and walk off with the tourney’s MVP award both times.
The 18-year-old forward hit the 1,000-point mark on Friday, Jan. 27, at a home game against Whitinsville-Christian. With a minute to go in the final quarter, Espanet was fouled on a drive to the basket from the left side. Needing one of two free throws, he missed the first but connected on the second for a 15-point night and an even 1,000 for his career.
The contest, which Hopedale won, 49-33, was stopped for a brief ceremony where Espanet was photographed with his parents (Rick and Kathy) and posed for a separate photo with head coach Tony Cordani.
“It’s a huge honor to have played with great teammates and been on great teams,’’ Espanet said. “I’ve been fortunate to stay healthy and play in so many games, including tourneys like the Clark and the districts. Points aren’t all that important on an individual basis but they do play a role in winning games. That’s the significance for me.’’
Espanet said he was glad the milestone has been achieved. Now, he’s focused on post-season tourneys. “By reaching 1,000, it gets the focus off me and back to team goals,’’ he emphasized. “We want to be prepared for the Clark and the district competition.’’
The native of Hopedale is the 10th player in school history to reach 1,000 points and he recalled how thrilling it was to witness three others achieve that number. “I remember how special it was for Lekia Cowen, Jessica Peacock, and Anna Siefring ,’’ he said. “I remember seeing how the fans reacted. When I made it to 1,000, I looked in the stands and saw some young fans reacting. That was me years ago.’’
The personable Espanet was quick to acknowledge his current teammates and his parents but he also cited his coaches and former Blue Raider Kevin Bresciani. “Coach Cordani has always stressed extra effort and focusing on little things that are important,’’ Espanet noted. “Coaches (Tom) D’Urso and (Don) Klocek also have helped me a lot. Kevin was our point guard on the district title team and he symbolized what Hopedale basketball is all about, just a great leader and team player.’’
A wide receiver and defensive back in football and a smooth infielder in baseball, Espanet finished his grid career with 34 touchdown receptions and he has a .333 career batting average in baseball. His basketball statistics include a 16 points per-game average, 9 rebounds a game, 4 assists per outing and 2 steals a game.
Relying on a philosophy of “competing to win,’’ Espanet, who helped Hopedale finish 17-2 in the regular season and co-champs in the DVC, continually strives to reach his potential and to realize the valuable life lessons that athletics teach. “Sports teach lots of lessons,’’ he noted. “I’ve learned that when tough times occur, you have to stay the course. It’s important to not give up and play through difficulties.’’
Experiencing championships and individual awards, Espanet is acutely aware that his three-sport career at Hopedale is in its late stages. He knows there have been a plethora of great moments but he also understands that when June arrives, Hopedale athletics will be in his rear-view mirror.
“It’ll be bittersweet when that time comes,’’ he said. “Right now it’s time to focus on peaking at the right time in basketball, competing hard in the districts and perhaps winning a state championship. When this all ends, hopefully people will remember the championships and maybe recall the 1,000 points. I’ll always remember playing for Hopedale — the great teammates and the great coaches.’’
Brian Espanet’s 1,000 points are simply an exclamation point on just how efficient and versatile he’s been in all three sports.