Regis Jesuit legend Belibi honored by SportsCenter

AURORA» Fran Belibi made a name for herself as the first player to dunk in a high school girls’ basketball game in the state of Colorado. Her legend grew when one of those dunks made ESPN’s SportsCenter’s Top 10 list last December.

The former Regis Jesuit basketball standout was honored at Hoops Park on Thursday with the public installation of a painted basketball hoop and banner commemorating her accomplishment.

“I don’t think anyone set out thinking they’d accomplish this,” Belibi said. “I only started playing basketball my freshman year, so I didn’t think I’d be good enough to play anywhere. To be honored by SportsCenter in Aurora is really a cool thing.”

Aurora Mayor Bob LeGare, Regis Jesuit girls’ basketball coach Carl Mattei and Belibi’s parents, Franck and Suzanne, were among those in attendance.

“This is an incredible event,” said Mattei. “I’ve had a lot of great players over the years at Regis, but Fran has been probably the single most gratifying. She went from nothing to leading the USA to the gold medal 14 months later. It’s been exciting to see what she’s done with the game of basketball.”

As a senior, the McDonald’s All-American averaged 21.8 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game before the Raiders ended their season in a 48-38 loss to Grandview at the 5A girls basketball state tournament. She finished her high school career as Regis Jesuit’s all-time leader in points (1,135), rebounds (768) and blocks (190).

The 6-foot-1 forward has committed to Stanford University, where she’ll play this fall.

“I’m sure my role will be different from what my role at Regis has been,” Belibi said. “But being part of that culture where excellence is demanded on and off the court is definitely something I’m looking forward to.”