Tempesta’s father, Thomas, died of complications of diabetes Feb. 7 while visiting family in Florida. Mike didn’t miss a game, continuing to play because he said that’s what his dad would have wanted him to do.

“It was definitely an emotional week,’’ Walpole coach David St. Martin said. “His dad was a big supporter and was at all the games. Mike’s a great competitor and a hard worker, and for him to come out and play, it shows a lot about him and his family.’’

After Tempesta’s father died, the Rebels won two of their next three games, including a 60-52 victory over Wellesley, the top team in the Herget Division of the Bay State Conference, Feb. 8.

But what happened the following week was inspiring.

The night after his father’s funeral, Feb. 15, the Rebels were playing at Dedham and the teams were deadlocked, 47-47, with time expiring. Tempesta took an 18-foot jumper from the wing with 3.3 seconds left and nailed it to sink the Marauders, 49-47.

“The best part was, I was struggling from the field that night and I only had 7 points,’’ Tempesta said. “It was Dedham’s senior night and we had just beat Milton [Feb. 11], so we were all fired up. My [team] trusted me with the ball and I kept my confidence, and I kept my head ’cause I knew my dad would want me to.’’

Two days later, on the night seniors were honored, Tempesta went for 31 points and made eight 3-pointers, the most in a game in Walpole history, to help the Rebels beat Norwood, 57-42.

“I was just feeling it and I kept getting more confident and hopefully I can do something like that again,’’ Tempesta said. “But I wouldn’t have made any of those shots if it wasn’t for my team. Most of my looks were open, but they were all off assists. My team just kept creating for me.’’

When the time came for Tempesta to salute his family with flowers, his mother Kathy and his brother Thomas came out, and every fan in attendance rose to their feet.

“The standing ovation was unbelievable,’’ Tempesta said. “I knew I had support from my team, but then some Norwood players gave me their condolences. [Senior night] was a huge family thing, about three or four aunts and uncles and my cousins were there. It was real emotional, but it was special and I knew he was watching me.’’

St. Martin said it has been moving to see how his players have responded in such a situation.

“They’re a really close group of kids,’’ St. Martin said. “It was hard and it happened so suddenly. Not only does it affect Mike, but it affects us as a team. Everyone wants to win, but it was nice to see how the kids responded — everyone rallied and pulled for Mike.’’

Teammates Tim Gallivan and Tom Ryan are Tempesta’s closest friends, and have known Tempesta and his family since the fourth grade.

“Right when this happened, the whole team went to Mike’s house to give him as much support as he needed,’’ Gallivan said. “This definitely puts things into perspective. Basketball is only a game, and there are bigger things in life than that. The team really wanted to work hard and win for Mike and the team really stepped up and helped our teammate.’’

Gallivan cited Tempesta’s appreciation for his teammates.

“His attitude has been wonderful,’’ Gallivan said. “Obviously, these past two games have been about him and he’s played great games. But he’s being a good teammate and slapping everyone’s hands even though the whole story is about him.’’

Ryan recalled visiting Tempesta at his home the day before the game against Wellesley.

“There was no doubt in his mind,’’ Ryan said. “The one thing he said is, ‘I’m playing, and I don’t care what you have to say.’ Whatever he wanted to do, I was 100 percent behind it. He’s going through something we can’t even begin to think of, and it says a lot about his character.’’

The loss of one of the team’s most ardent fans resonated beyond Mike and his family.

“We always would go to Mike’s house and say hi to Tom,’’ Gallivan said. “He was a very wise man and he told us all the things we need to do [in the game]. He was a mentor to us, so it’s been really personal and emotional. We all knew he wouldn’t want us to sit out. He’d want us to go out, play hard, and win it for him.’’

Ryan said, “Mr. Tempesta was the guy who could talk forever about basketball and tell stories. It hit everybody hard, and if there’s something good that could come out of such a terrible thing, it’s that it really brought us closer together. It’s gone unsaid that this whole season is dedicated to his dad.

“Every time Mike steps on the court, I think what’s going through Mike and his family’s mind, and it’s hard not to push yourself.’’

Walpole is 12-8 following last night’s 58-55 loss to Needham in the consolation game of the Rebel Classic, and has qualified for the state tournament.

The Rebels are playing with ‘R.I.P. TT’ written on their sneakers.

“When I look down after I make a play and see his initials, I get emotional, but it makes me more motivated to play,’’ Tempesta said. “My team is another family for me, and when I’m down, my teammates always help me back up.

“Everyone is playing with heart, and they’re not just playing for themselves — they’re playing for my dad.’’