Shooting for the record

Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School basketball player Conor McGraw hit a benchmark 1,000 points against Guernsey on Jan. 19 in a 52-27 Miners win.

What makes this all the more impressive is that this feat has been accomplished in McGraw's junior year in the middle of the season.

"I don't keep track of stats so I didn't even know where I was in points," McGraw said. "Mr. Jones pulled me over and asked me if I could score one more basket and I said 'sure' and went back on court."

Cliff Jones, head basketball coach for the Miners had been putting two starters in with three players from the bench in the later part of the game to give the less experienced more playing time.

"We were rotating kids through at that point and he was stuck on 12 points, so that is when I asked if he could make the basket," Jones explained.

Jones said the girls basketball coach was the only other person who knew the benchmark number was near.

"We knew going into the game, he needed 13 points to go," Jones said.

When Conor got back into the game, his first shot missed.

"That isn't making a basket Conor," Jones shouted to his player. "I don't think you can."

McGraw said hearing those words made him determined the next time he got his hands on the ball he would make points. He did, and that basket put him at 1,001 points in his career.

Jones then subbed McGraw out and told the player what he had just accomplished.

Jones said at that moment, it was decided not to make a big deal out of it because Guernsey was not doing well. This doesn't mean that Jones isn't impressed with his player.

"I think it is a huge landmark," Jones said. "You start talking that many points in two-and-a-half years and it isn't like he is always our leading scorer. He is just consistent. If you look, Conor is always 14, 15 to 23 points a game. He doesn't really go more than that and doesn't go less either."

Jones said he can count on McGraw getting 14 to 16 points a game.

McGraw said although he had not been keeping up with the stats he does have a goal to reach. Last year when he learned how many points he had scored, he decided he wanted to go for the school record 1,229 points.

"I don't know if I have a chance to break any other records in basketball, but I feel I might be able to beat that, so I have made it my goal," McGraw said. "So it is cool to hit 1,000 but when a game starts, I focus on the game and what is happening and what is good for the team."

He said his teammates were happy for his achievement.

"Brendon (Reeves) and Shane (Conor's twin brother) put it on the school announcements," McGraw said smiling. "It was really great."

His brother, Shane, is 75 points from 1,000 but Conor said his brother has his eye on the Miners rebounding record.

Jones said both Shane and Conor don't get caught up in stats.

"It is refreshing," Jones said. "In track season the boys are looking at times and distances and football is a numbers game, but with basketball, they just play, which is nice."

He said Shane might hit the 1,000 point mark in a few weeks, but he doubts the athlete is paying attention.

"Shane is more concentrated on rebounding," Jones said. "Three freshmen started together and decided to go for different school records. Conor wants the record for scoring, Shane the record for rebounding and Brendon (Reeves) wants to get the record for assists."

Jones said he is proud of Conor for being so unassuming, yet focused on his goal to beat the school record.

"I am proud of his effort," Jones said "And I know he will just keep playing basketball without getting caught up in stats because he really likes the game."