North Warren freshman Semaj Cuyler reaches 1,000 career points
CHESTERTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) — It’s an impressive achievement any time a high school basketball player can reach 1,000 career points. But to do so as a freshman – that’s truly special. And North Warren Central’s Semaj Cuyler is a truly special player.
Already a state champion, Cuyler added “1,000-point scorer” to his rapidly-growing resume Wednesday night when he scored 33 points in a 74-42 win over Fort Edward.
Cuyler entered the game 24 points shy of the milestone, so reaching it was no small task.
“I really just tried not to focus on it, because if I focused on it, I’d get more worried,” said Cuyler. “I just locked in; played how I always play.”
By halftime, Cuyler had racked up 20 points. He was getting to the rim at will, and scored nine points in the final 3:15 of the second quarter; eight of which came in the paint.
But Cuyler wanted to get to 1,000 with some style.
“He came to the bench; he kept sayin’, “I need to get a three. I need to hit a three. I can not do all lay-ups, so I need to hit this three,”” recalled North Warren head coach James Cuyler, Semaj’s dad.
On the Cougars’ second possession of the third quarter, Cuyler knocked down a baseline fadeaway to put him at 998 career points.
Cuyler went cold after that, and missed his next five field goal attempts, as well as a pair of free throws.
But like any elite scorer, Cuyler kept on shooting. With 2:36 remaining in the third quarter, he poured in the three-pointer he wanted, which lifted a weight off his shoulders, and sent the North Warren home crowd into a frenzy.
“All my nervousness just left me, ’cause I was really nervous before coming in here,” said Cuyler. “But…it feels good, ’cause not a lot of ninth graders get this chance. It’s really a blessing from God, so I appreciate it. I appreciate this whole community. I’m just very thankful.”
And it was a proud moment for James Cuyler, who has gotten to coach his son on varsity since Semaj was in the seventh grade.
“It’s just a credit to his work ethic,” said James Cuyler. “He’s not your average ninth grader. He’s very experienced. He’s been doin’ this since the third grade, so I’m not surprised. I’m happy for him.”
With the win, North Warren Central improves to 5-3, and will be back in action Friday at Hadley Luzerne.