Chatham High School’s (N.J.) Mia Semioli needed 20 points to reach the highly sought after high school basketball career 1,000-point scoring mark.
The senior guard did a little better than 20 points, as she drained a game-high 28 and led the Cougars to a 52-40 victory over Oak Knoll (3-1) Friday night in the first day of the Cougar Classic at Chatham High School.
With the Cougars (5-0) ahead, 34-10, Semioli dropped in her milestone bucket with 5:09 left in the third quarter, igniting a celebration among her teammates and the crowd.
She said she took it all in stride, but did enjoy the moment.
“Before the game, I kind of thought of it as (just) like any other game,: said Semioli. “Just play hard and not focus on 1,000 points. But I’m happy it happened.”
A four-year teammate of Semioli, whom she met in the fourth grade, standout guard Ella Kreuzer relished in her friend and fellow senior’s monumental achievement.
“It has been so fun,” Kreuzer said of playing with Semioli. “I’m so happy for her. It’s such a huge accomplishment; I love playing with her.”
After sinking the memorable layup, Semioli scored six more points to help Chatham build a 42-17 advantage with 1:33 left in the third period. She knocked down two free throws to finish her impressive scoring output.
The Cougars closed out the third quarter ahead by a score of 44-19.
Though the Royals played better in the fourth period, Chatham, with its substitutes inserted into the tilt at the midpoint of the quarter, had done more than enough to dribble away with the win.
Senior McKenna Hogan contributed six points, while Kreuzer added five points in the triumph.
Senior guard Milan Jones dropped in a team-high 24 points, while sophomore Ava Paguirigan added six points in the defeat.
The Cougars return to the hardwood Saturday night at 6:15 p.m. against Cranford in Day 2 of the Cougar Classic.
— Jerry Del Priore
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 