By Chloe Adam
LoCoSports Commitment Editor
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Aldie (May 14, 2017) – John Champe High School senior Dom Fragala has officially committed to play basketball at Niagara University starting in the 2017-2018 academic year.
“I am more excited than nervous to go to Niagara,” Fragala said. “I know it’s going to be hard, but being a student-athlete has shown me that I can manage my time with basketball, school and outside life.”
Niagara University is a Catholic university located in suburban New York. It offers more than 50 degree programs through its four academic divisions. The 182-acre campus has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,214 students, and Fragala hopes to study business management.
“When I visited Niagara, I really liked the campus, coaches and players vibes,” Fragala said. “I’ll add my ability to shoot in various ways off the dribble, set and coming off screens – spreading the defense while also getting other players open. I also hope to be a leader on the court when I play at Niagara.”
Niagara’s men’s basketball team is coached by Chris Casey with assistance from Marc Rybczyk, Will Lanier and Kareem Brown. Out of the 33 games this past season, the team as a whole managed to average 74 points per game.
“I play basketball because it’s fun and has always kept me out of trouble,” the 5-foot-11 shooting guard said. “My favorite part is that it’s so fast paced and competitive all the time. I have been playing basketball my whole life and if it wasn’t for my dad putting a basketball in my hands at a young age, I don’t know where I would be.”
The future Purple Eagle transferred to John Champe from Bishop O’Connell High School after his sophomore year. In his junior campaign, Fragala made an impact immediately at John Champe, as he averaged 18.4 points per game. He led John Champe last season averaging 37 points per game along with leading the team in assists and steals per game.
Fragala helped lead the Knights to a Conference 22 championship, 4A West region runner-up and a 4A state semifinal appearance in his time at John Champe. The Knights finished their 2016-2017 Conference 22 season in second place after going 6-2 in conference and 14-11 overall.
“With my competitive attitude, I am not thrilled with how my high school team performed,” Fragala said. “I wanted to be the last team standing while holding up the trophy to prove people wrong, but my guys did very well during my last season. I couldn’t ask for better teammates. My goal for them next year is to perform better.”
Fragala has written his name in the VHSL record book in more than half a dozen categories:
- VHSL single season scoring – 922 points (2nd place all time)
- VHSL single season scoring for a senior – 922 points (1st place all time)
- VHSL most free throws made in a single game – 28 (2nd place all time)
- VHSL most free throws made in a single season – 273 (1st place all time)
- VHSL scoring average in a single season – 36.9 points per game (8th place all time)
- VHSL most points scored in a single game – 63 (10th place all time)
- VHSL free throws attempted in a single season – 311 (1st place all time)
“My grandfather, who passed away my sophomore year, changed my life,” Fragala said. “He was the left side of mine and my family’s heart. I play for them and can truly say without them I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
