ST. AGATHA, Maine — For Wisdom High School boys basketball player Dominick Gendreau, sinking his 1,000th career basketball point in front of the community members who have supported him along the way made reaching the milestone all the more special.
Knowing he was nearing his 1,000 points, Gendreau said he worked hard in the games prior to Saturday’s game against East Grand to ensure he could reach the goal in St. Agatha.
“I wanted to do it in front of the fans at a home game because more people are present and some of my biggest supporters were at this game,” Gendreau said.
The high school senior said he has such an appreciation for the community support he receives at home games that he recognizes fans in the audience.
“It may sound funny, but some of the people that I don’t personally know, I still know who they are,” he said.
Gendreau needed 17 points going into the game and achieved within the first 11 minutes of hitting the court. He made the shot stepping through two defenders on a fast break and finished the game with 29 points and seven 3-pointers.
He was excited because there are only a handful of people who have earned their way into the 1,000-point club, he said.
“When I made the shot, the whole crowd jumped to their feet holding posters that someone made saying, ‘Congrats, Dom.’ During halftime of the game a few people came up to me and congratulated me,” Gendreau said.
Among those in the audience were his parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family and observers who have followed his high school career. They have all given him confidence, he said.
Wisdom boys coach Nate Boynton said Gendreau is not only an exceptional athlete but a good person off the hardwood as well, and worked hard to achieve the career mark.
“To reach the 1,000 point mark doesn’t just happen,” Boynton said. “The amount of love and congratulations he’s received already speaks to the type of kid he is, and we’re lucky to have him as a part of this team.”
Gendreau thanked everyone who supported him along the way. He also plays soccer and baseball at Wisdom and is a member of the National Honor Society and student council.
After graduation Gendreau will attend Northern Maine Community College where he plans to study electrical construction.
His parents are Jennifer Cyr and Corey Gendreau.
