Ryan Vedovelli scored his 1,000th career point in the same way he scored most of the previous 999.
In the opening moments of Pope Francis’ game against Springfield Central on Wednesday night, the Cardinals senior barreled his way into the paint and attacked the Golden Eagles’ interior defenders.
Vedovelli put the ball up, got fouled and made the basket. After dusting himself off, the senior made the following free throw, giving him his 1,000th career point. Pope Francis went on to win, 59-54, keeping its undefeated start to the season alive.
The senior is the first player to reach the milestone at Pope Francis since his former teammate, TJ Reid, reached it last season.
Vedovelli was nervous heading into Wednesday night. The senior had a 21-point performance against Springfield International Charter to get within three points of the milestone. But once he made the free throw, the nerves washed away.
“So many nerves,” Vedovelli said. “Once it went in, I played better.”
Vedovelli’s older brother, Cam, was also a 1,000-point scorer for the Cardinals during his high school career and now plays basketball at Worcester State University. Cam, Ryan and their parents, were in attendance for Wednesday’s game.
“It’s awesome carrying on the Vedovelli legacy of 1,000 points,” Ryan Vedovelli said. “Great to carry that on. … It’s been an honor. Four years of hoops.”
Pope Francis’ next game is on Friday against Amherst.
