Seventh-grader stars for BMS girls basketball team

Dani Ceseretti averaged double-figures in scoring this season

BY MANUEL C. “MANNY” CORREIRA
Posted 2/13/19

For Barrington Middle School girls’ head basketball coach Michael Topazio and star player Dani Ceseretti, 2018-2019 was something to cheer about. 

Dani is a seventh grade student at …

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Seventh-grader stars for BMS girls basketball team

Dani Ceseretti averaged double-figures in scoring this season

Posted

For Barrington Middle School girls’ head basketball coach Michael Topazio and star player Dani Ceseretti, 2018-2019 was something to cheer about. 

Dani is a seventh grade student at the middle school who has blossomed into a bonafide star. 

“Dani is the last in a long list of Ceseretti sisters who have helped put BMS Lady Eagles basketball at or near the top programs in the state in my seven years as head coach,” said Mike Topazio. “They were all part of a program which has put together a remarkable story… a 108-16 overall record, four division championships, two undefeated seasons, five Final 4 appearances, and four state final appearances.”

He continued, “Bella, Patsie, and Grace Ceseretti had their own unique style of play that made them special talents."

Dani made her mark early as a starting point guard last year, teaming with older sister Grace to produce a 14-0 regular season record. The season culminated in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Curtis Corner Middle School in the state finals. 

"With Grace not available in overtime, it’s not surprising that we put our trust in Dani to try to tie or win the game," said Coach Topazio. "With just six seconds to go, down two and having to go the length of the floor, we got the ball in her hands and she did a nearly impossible ending, racing the ball up the floor by defenders, penetrating the paint and getting a running 10-footer off at the buzzer only to have it go in and out. I knew then we had someone special for the future.”

This year, Dani along with eighth-graders Caroline McConaghy and Chloe Rouleau, formed the “Big 3” for Barrington Middle School. Dani averaged double figures all year, and also scored 38 points versus the Portsmouth Middle School.

“This was, as far as we know, a school record,” said the coach,” and the amazing part was how she got them... hitting jump shots from 10, 15, 20 feet, no net, right hand and left hand, drives, and multiple steals and scores.  As good a player Dani is and as dominant she eventually will be, it is outweighed by Dani the person. 

"Always with a smile on her face, whether it’s after another big win or times that I need to get in her face, Dani is a coach's dream." 

Dani's mom, Karen Ceseretti, said her daughter has benefitted from being around basketball for most of her life.

"Dani, being the youngest of the four girls, has had a ball in her hands since she could walk. I remember watching her entertain herself up and down the court at a really young age, trying to dribble two balls at once to entertain herself during the many gym hours she would clock. And she was happy to be there," said Mrs. Ceseretti.

She added: "Coach Topazio, with his complete dedication, has been a coach to her and all his players in so many ways on and off the court, whether in school hallways or basketball camp — a favorite to any of the kids who have had the pleasure to play for him. His basketball coaching has had such a positive influence in all my girls When he sees the kids he jokes with them and gives them attention — that is why his bench is always so stacked. The kids … are comfortable with him and know what to expect when it is time for business."

Mrs. Ceseretti said Coach Topazio has helped Dani improve as a scorer.

"In the beginning of the season she would only score a few points and now is into double digits. That is from him," said Mrs. Ceseretti. "He gives the girls the confidence to move forward.

"And he does a wonderful job celebrating the kids off the court too whether through school announcements the next day or even as far as making posters when an athlete does something extraordinary. All my girls adore him (not an easy feat to have six consecutive years of middle school girls love you) and we all appreciate the countless hours and time he pours into our program. He is truly one of a kind."

Coach Topazio said his goal is to bring a championship to Barrington Middle School.

Coach Topazio has reached the 100-plus win plateau in his career at Barrington Middle School, and has 212 victories (believed to be the most ever at the school) when he coached the Barrington High School boys’ team for 16 years (1980-1996 including the Eagles’ first state championship in 1980-81 while winning “Coach of the Year” honors twice and two team Sportsmanship Awards).

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