As his friends, coaches, and the press looked on, Wareham High School basketball stand-out Darien Fernandez signed on the dotted line for a full scholarship to Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Wednesday, May 8.

Wyoming is long way from Wareham, and Fernandez is excited about the upcoming transition.

"I'm happy, just trying to get out of Wareham," said Fernandez.

Next year, Fernandez will become a Golden Eagle at the Division 1 junior college. Although his scholarship is for two years, Fernandez's ambition is to transfer before his time is up there.

"I'm trying to go for one year and transfer," he explained. He said that he's hoping to transfer to a four-year Division 1 school, but he hasn't settled on which one yet.

Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino noted that the school isn't your average junior college: "It is highly-competitive basketball," said Palladino.

In the winter basketball season, Fernandez averaged almost 21 points per game, and after topping the 1,000 point mark, went on to become Wareham High School's top scorer for boys basketball. A multi-talented athlete, Fernandez is also the all-time lead scorer in football.

Fernandez also holds the record for most points in a single season, as well as most career points in basketball.

"Darien's the best basketball player I've ever coached at Wareham High School," said Coach Kevin Brogioli.

"College tuitions are astronomical these days … he has a great opportunity that he should really appreciate," the coach added.

Judging by the ear-to-ear grin on his face, Fernandez seemed appreciative.

Brogioli noted that Fernandez's relatively diminutive stature hasn't held him back.

"There's not a lot of 5'7" individuals that get a full ride," he said.

He credited Fernandez's speed, strength, and tenacity with helping him compete with — and totally dominate — much taller players.

Fernandez's friend and fellow football player Charles Transfaglia was on-hand for the ceremony, and said that while he's happy for his friend, he's certainly not surprised.

"Everybody knew something like this was going to happen," said Transfaglia.

Fernandez has accomplished a lot in his career in Wareham, and as Brogioli said: "He's earned everything that he's gotten."