Athlete of the Week: Ericksen Dunks Points Record

Sports–and competition in general–inherently comes along with records and accolades.

There are many milestones in high school basketball, from eclipsing the 1,000 point mark to winning titles.

For the Lady Highlanders’ senior captain Shayna Ericksen, she just may have reached the summit of her high school career, and notched her name atop the record books at forever.

Ericksen, who , took over Greg Clay as the school’s all-time scoring leader. Clay played from 1977-80, amassing 1,615 points, according to the school's website. Ericksen broke the record at home on Jan. 5 against Randolph (the same team she played against when reaching 1,000).

The Lady Highlanders still have more than a dozen games left, with more opportunities for Ericksen to pad her numbers. Ericksen was also the driving force behind the team’s .

Long Valley Patch has nominated Shayna Ericksen as its Athlete of the Week becoming the school’s all-time basketball scoring leader.

Long Valley Patch: What’s been your proudest moment as a Lady Highlander?
Shayna Ericksen: Over the years, our team has accomplished a lot between states, conference and county, but, I think the proudest moment would be winning county champs the first year. I think it’s because it’s the first time I have ever won a big title and that season, being a freshman, it was different playing at that level. Winning the title again the following year was an amazing feeling, too.

LVP: What are your individual and team goals for the rest of the 2011-12 season?
SE: Every year we set our goals to win the conference, county, and states, so this year is no different. Individually, I just want to keep playing well for my teammates and hopefully break other records.

LVP: You've committed to playing at Manhattan College. What made you decide to go there, and what other schools were you interested in/considering?
SE: I felt a sense of comfort when I visited; between the school and coaching staff, I feel comfortable. It’s close to the city, which I love, but also close to home, so my family can come watch me play. I was considering Iona, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Loyola.

LVP: What’s your favorite part about playing for West Morris Central?
SE: I love all the girls I have played with over the years. Everyone has taught me different things on and off the court.

LVP: What do you like to do most off the court (and out of school)?
SE: Definitely be with my friends and family; doing normal high school “things.”