Recker reaches two career milestones


This is the shot that gave Justin Recker of Monticello 1,000 career points Dec. 14 against Bellevue. Earlier in the game, Recker became the school’s all-time leading scorer in boys basketball. (Photo courtesy of Lizzie Petersen)
BOYS BASKETBALL
By: 
Pete Temple
Express Sports Editor

     Monticello senior Justin Recker became the Panthers' all-time leading boys basketball scorer, and the first to reach 1,000 career points, in the same game Monday night.

     Recker broke the record of Dale Sperfslage in the first quarter of a 77-28 home win over Bellevue. Recker tied the record of 987 with two free throws early in the quarter. With about a minute and a half left in the period, Recker got the rebound of his own missed shot and laid it in to give him 989.

     “I wasn't even thinking about becoming the leading scorer,” Recker said about the record-breaking shot. “I was just playing, just working hard, getting the offensive rebounds and putting them back up.”

     Recker reached 1,000 with a short jumper late in the third quarter.

     “His numbers speak for themselves,” Monticello coach Tim Lambert said. “He is probably the best player I've coached. He can score in such a variety of ways. He's a tough matchup for any opponent.”

     Recker said it felt good to reach both milestones, and admitted they were on his mind as he closed in on them.

     “It's defiintely a different approach, but I try to not make it affect my game,” he said.

     Lambert said Recker deserves his accolades.

     “He's never cocky; he just goes out and plays,” the coach said. “He's an easy kid to cheer for. He represents our school very well.”

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