Leonard joins 1,000-point club

By Joe Warren

Nevada Herald

With 3:46 left in the second quarter of Friday's win over Neosho, Nevada senior Lacy Leonard hit a short jumper that bounced on the rim and went in.

The shot capped a 20-0 Nevada run that put them up 25-9. It also gave Leonard 1,001 career points at Nevada High School, making her only the seventh Lady Tiger to join the exclusive sorority.

"It couldn't have happened for a better girl," Nevada coach Brent Bartlett said. "It's tremendous for our program, tremendous for our team, tremendous for her."

During the run Leonard had scored eight of her game-high 20 points. As a team the Lady Tigers scored 14 points in the second quarter as they opened a 26-12 halftime lead. Leonard had 12 of the 14 points.

Leonard needed nine points entering Friday's game to reach 1,000. After being held to two points in the first period, she erupted in the second, catching the mark and putting it firmly in her rear-view mirror.

On Nevada's next possession after Leonard reached the mark, she scored again. Another short jumper went in and Bartlett quickly called a time out so the public announcer and the crowd could acknowledge the milestone.

Leonard, who now has 1,011 points in her career, said she knew when she hit the mark, but was more focused on other things to celebrate.

"I was more focused on the game," Leonard said. "I'd rather have a win and not score any than score the 1,000th and lose."

She did say that it was nice to add the achievement to her resumé.

"It feels really good," Leonard said. "That's a privilege. I wouldn't have gotten here if it weren't for my teammates, especially Hillary (Adams). Most of my baskets come off passes from her. I give all the credit to my coaches and teammates."

Getting the milestone at Wynn Gymnasium was also special.

"I was kind of excited to do it in front of the home crowd," Leonard said.

Behind the strong play of Leonard, the Lady Tigers were able to defeat Neosho 54-41.

Adams was the last Lady Tiger to join the 1,000-point club.

There are currently 12 boys in the 1,000-point club at Nevada High School, making Leonard the 19th player overall to hit the milestone.