By Kaleb Knowles
@kk11knowles
The first game of Sunday’s Hoophall Classic Slate did not disappoint. Two exciting teams, Bergen Catholic (N.J.) and Central Catholic (Mass.), took to the floor in an instant classic that came down to the final possessions of overtime. But there was one player in particular who truly shined under the dangling lights of the Blake Arena rafters – Central Catholic guard Javi Lopez.
Despite his team falling short by a score of 80-76, his performance on the day was impressive. He finished the game with 36 points and 11 rebounds, and played every second in the game’s 36 minutes of play. The 6-foot-1 guard showcased his offensive skillset and his leadership tenacity at full volume in the spotlight.
“We named Javi a captain as a sophomore,” Central Catholic head coach Mark Dunham said. “We knew that leadership was going to be part of who he is, and I look at it as leadership is blind; I don’t care if you’re 16 or if you’re 18, if you can lead, people will follow.”
Now in his senior year, Lopez has taken his game to a whole new level for his team. On Feb. 4, 2025, Lopez eclipsed the 1,000 point mark for his high school. This year, he broke his school’s record for most points scored, tallying over 1,505 points. Now Lopez is crowned at the top of Central Catholic basketball’s all-time scoring hierarchy.
“It’s just a blessing, and it tells me I am really doing things right,” Lopez said. “There are guys on that list that I can’t even begin to describe, like Johnathen Cruz and Tyler Nelson. To be at the top of that list is a true blessing.”
The real blessing comes to the fans who get to watch Lopez and his teammates put on a show. Lopez has a unique ability to make shots from just about anywhere on the floor. On Sunday, he was demonstrating his fancy footwork and shooting ability in front of college scouts and fans. During his 36-point performance, Lopez was able to cash in on 10 of his 22 field goal attempts and splashed in three shots from beyond the arc.
“Offensively, he had 25 against Brewster last week and 36 points tonight,” Dunham said post-game. “The kid can really score, and what makes Javi so special is really beyond basketball. He is highly academic and high-class as well.”
Outside of what happens in-game, Lopez takes pride in his legacy and what he is known for off the court. He keeps good grades, is loyal to his program and wants nothing more than to win. As the captain of the team, he takes pride in ensuring his team is ready to perform in every game.
“He has the utmost confidence in his teammates,” Dunham said. “If somebody is open, he will feed it to them, but he just puts the work in. He’s one of those kids who, since he got to Central, wants the ball in his hands, and I have the confidence to give him the ball.”
Lopez enjoys performing at the highest level, but his drive runs deeper than that on the floor. Representing Massachusetts basketball has become increasingly important to him, and so has the way he carries himself.
“I want my legacy to be known as a person that got things done and a guy that always put in the work,” Lopez said. “I want to be remembered for my performance, but I also want to be known as a guy that carries himself on the court for his teammates.”
Lopez’s Hoophall debut was one that he will never forget. With a college decision still on the horizon, he doesn’t want to take anything for granted.
“It’s a special tournament,” Lopez said of Hoophall. “I always grew up as a kid coming to this. It’s really special being able to come here my senior year and play in it.”
Lopez, who was named to the Boston Globe’s preseason boys basketball Players to Watch list, has Central Catholic currently ranked as the top team in the MIAA’s Division 1, and after turning a performance on par with some of this weekend’s best, the speedy shooting guard now will shake off the loss with his teammates and get ready to compete for a Massachusetts state championship after last season’s exit in the state semifinals.
Photo by Nick Pantages/The Student