Scoring comes naturally to South Park's Shakur Harris. He currently ranks 15th in Section VI, averaging better than 20 points per game.
"This year as a senior, he's matured a lot and it's been great watching him getting better and better as the year's gone on," head coach Peter Hudecki said.
The senior etched his named into the Sparks' history books, eclipsing the 1,000 point mark with a win over Emerson.
"I've been wanting to get that accomplishment since my freshman year," Harris said. "It's nice to accomplish it."
"I actually got to watch Shakur three years ago when I would do the clock doing the games. I wasn't coaching the games but I would watch him play and I was super impressed on his athletic ability and how he takes the ball to the hoop," Hudecki added.
Making the feat even more special? It's believed Shakur is the first player in program history to ever reach 1,000 career points - something he found out as we interviewed him Monday night.
"It's just unbelievable," he said. "I feel blessed. There's been a lot of great players that have come through South Park and I'm just one of the special to get 1,000. I'm just blessed."
"Shakur has been working since he was 'yeah big.' I take no responsibility for it. He put all the work in. He put all the dedication into the sport," said Hudecki. "1,000 points is an inevitable thing for Shakur."
Now that he's hit the 1K mark, Shakur is hoping his ability to score at will helps power South Park to a Sectional and state title run.
"I feel like it's a relief. Now, (winning a title) is my main goal."
***SUPER 7 COUNTDOWN***
#1 – Shakur Harris, South Park Basketball
Believed to be the first player in Sparks’ basketball history to eclipse the 1,000 point mark in his career.
#2 – Charlotte Kacprowicz, Iroquois Rifle
Charlotte Kacprowicz's high game score of 288 on three position air rifle (3P)
was instrumental in the 1093-1076 victory over Pioneer Central schools. The high score of 288 set a new school record for air rifle.
“Charlotte, a sophomore, has been a varsity team rifle member since eighth grade.
She is a co-captain of the team this year and has already qualified for sectionals in
Air Rifle off hand and 3p air rifle." – Ed Kwietniewski, Assistant Coach
#3 – Nathaniel Davis, Sweet Home Indoor Track
Won the 300 and long jump at the Section VI vs. Section V track meet. His time of 35.06 in the 300 set a new section 6 record and his long jump of 23'1 broke the school record which was set in 1979. His 300 is the 6th fastest in the state this year.
“Two very nice events for Nate. He hadn't been on a runway to long jump in over 6 months, so needless to say we still feel like we have some work to do there, but to open with a mark top 3 in the state gives us a good idea where his season could finish. In the 300 we really wanted to work on his opening 75 meters as the previous week we felt he needed to work on his aggression. He was aggressive at the start and carried that throughout the race."” – Brian Lombardo, Head Coach
#4 – Ellie Cleary, Monsignor Martin Hockey
Scored three goals, and both game winners in Monsignor Martin’s victories over Lancaster/Iroquios/Depew and Fronter/Orchard Park/Lake Shore.
#5 – Drew Butler, Williamsville East Basketball
Had 16 points and 8 rebounds in a game against Williamsville South and added a double-double with 39 points and 12 rebounds against Sweet Home. The 39 points was a career-high.
"Drew had a dominant performance against Sweet Home. He scored in many different ways (39 points) and was our leader on defense. He played like a man among boys out there. He's such a talented kid and I just hope he can continue playing that way for the rest of the season. He simply would not let us lose." - RJ Killinger, Head Coach
#6 – Jenna Lukomski, Williasmville Federation Hockey
Stopped 17 shots in a win over Kenmore/Grand Islands Williamsville improved to 14-0-2 on the season.
#7 – Nia Caver, Tapestry Basketball
Scored a Thunder Hawks’ single-season record 40 points in a win over Niagara Catholic.
"Nia Caver had her best all-around game in the four years I coached her. Nia was 4th team All-WNY last year. She dominated the game defensively with 11 steals most going for 2 points the other way. Her passing got her 5 assist, she made 3 3 pointers, she only has 5 for the year. And chipped in on the boards with 10 rebounds. Her years averages are 23.3 pts. 10 rebounds, 8 steals, 3.5 assist. She dominates every game this year." - Fran Snyder, Head Coach
