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KenZ
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Date Posted: 14:32:21 12/12/03 Fri
TOM CHARD Staff Writer
11 December 2003
Portland Press Herald
Darren Mastropaolo knew he had to get in better shape for an important high school basketball showcase and a national AAU tournament last summer. So he lifted weights, ran and did conditioning drills to prepare, all of which made him a trimmer and stronger player for the start of his final high school season.
Mastropaolo, a 6-foot-8 senior center, is a major reason Falmouth High is considered a contender for a state Class B boys' basketball title.
"I wanted to get more athletic for the showcase and the national tournament," he said. "It's a lot easier to move when you have agility. I feel I'm more dominant in the middle and I'm playing more up around the rim than I have before."
Mastropaolo's hard work paid dividends. At the Eastern Invitational in New Jersey last summer, Mastropaolo made the top-20 team. He also played with the Maine Selects in the AAU tournament at Orlando, Fla.
College coaches use these events to look for prospects. It's how many high school players are noticed and get offered scholarships. Mastropaolo caught the eye of the coach at Bucknell University and already has signed to play for the Division I school next season.
Mastropaolo's conditioning has helped him and his team get off to a fast start. The Yachtsmen opened with a win over Fryeburg Academy last Friday and beat Greely on Tuesday. Mastropaolo scored 17 and 16 points, respectively, and also also controlled the boards and blocked several shots.
That's what the Yachtsmen need from Mastropaolo if they're going to win their first state title since 1999, when they were in Class C. Falmouth joined Class B the following season.
"Some of my best memories were going to my brothers' games when I was younger," he said. "The most fun I had was watching my older brother, Mike, win a state title. It's always been a goal of mine to win a state title, too.
Darren is the third Mastropaolo brother to play for the Yachtsmen. Mike played on strong teams in the late 1990s. Ryan followed and, like Darren, was a center for Falmouth. Mike enjoyed a strong career at Bentley College and now lives in Connecticut. Ryan is finishing up his studies at Arizona State.
Both have followed their younger brother's career closely. Darren is the tallest of the three. Mike was a sharp-shooting forward selected as the state's Mr. Basketball and the Maine Sunday Telegram's MVP when he was a senior.
"My brothers' success in basketball has definitely pushed me," Darren said. "Last summer, they gave me a lot of advice on what to expect at the showcase and on being recruited."
Falmouth Coach Dave Halligan said Mastropaolo has come into his own as a basketball player and as a person.
"I think people expected too much too soon out of Darren. A lot of it had to do with the fact his brothers played before. I'm sure that put some pressure on him," said Halligan.
"Darren is young for his class. He was only 14 when he was playing as a freshman. A lot of people figured that he should start to dominate his sophomore and junior years because he was big and tall. He's continued to work hard on his game and the results are evident."
Mastropaolo was slowed last year by a preseason ankle injury. This season, he's a lot more confident around the basket. He also has shown good range with his jumper.
"Darren has the game to play with his back to the basket or facing the basket. Since he's been in high school, he's wanted to take his game to the next level," Halligan said.
As for his conditioning, Mastropaolo said: "I have less fat and more muscle.
"I did a lot of lifting and running, but a big part of it is natural. It was a case of maturing."
Falmouth's chances for a state title in what promises to be a very competitive Class B tournament got a boost with the transfer of point guard Danny Forcella from Cape Elizabeth. Forcella's presence will amplify Mastropaolo's game.
"I've played with Danny in AAU ball since we were in the sixth grade," said Mastropaolo. "We're good friends. It's great to have him on the team. Everyone knows what he can do."
Basketball is a big part of Mastropaolo's high school life, but he also is active in theater, plays the trumpet in the school band and is on the golf and tennis teams. He also regularly makes the honor roll.
This fall, Mastropaolo had the lead in the play "Lend Me A Tenor." He not only can hit a jump shot, he can also belt out a song.
"Some of my friends went out for theater last year. They had such a good time that I decided to join them," he said.
Mastropaolo chose Bucknell for its academics and because he wanted a school where he feels he can play basketball right away.
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