Becomes fourth player to reach mark
By Erik Buchinger
Kate Christian became the fourth player in New London girls’ basketball history to score 1,000 points in her career during the Bulldogs’ 71-23 win over Northland Pines on Saturday, Jan. 26.
Christian needed 12 points coming into the game, and she knocked down a 3-pointer to put her over the 1,000-point mark midway through the first half. She finished with 22 points in the game.
“It’s a great achievement, and I just feel honored to join the three other girls who have reached this in the New London program,” Christian said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my teammates the last four years.”
After reaching 1,000, New London head coach Troy Krause called a timeout, and the team congratulated Christian on her accomplishment.
The last Bulldog player to reach the mark was Leah Porath during the 2016-17 season when Christian was a sophomore on the team.
“After seeing Leah do it, I just thought how cool it was and what a great achievement it is,” Christian said. “That’s when I set it as one of my goals for my high school basketball career. After my junior year, I needed 200-some points, and that’s when I realized it was a possible goal for me to achieve.”
As an underclassman two seasons ago, Christian said watching the way Porath led the team helped her become a better player.
“Leah was one of my greatest role models and someone I looked up to,” Christian said. “She’s a great leader on and off the court. She always got the best out of everyone she played with.”
Christian also thanked Krause, assistant coach Brittany Beyer and her freshman coach Christina Laack.
“They always pushed me to do my best,” Christian said. “They didn’t make me settle for anything less than what I could achieve. Having that support and pushing me along the way was super helpful.”
Christian said she was happy to have the moment happen during a New London home game.
“That definitely made it better because my family was able to make it to the game,” Christian said. “It was on our home court, and we were able to stop the game. I wasn’t trying specifically to do it at home, but it just worked out that way.”
Christian said her she was thankful for her friends and family were able to attend.
“My family has been to pretty much every game I’ve ever played,” Christian said. “It’s cool to have them there, and I love the support. It just makes it a lot easier having people there with you that you can count on.”
Christian said she is excited to finish out her final year of high school basketball with a run in the postseason.
“My goal is to make a good tournament run,” Christian said. “I think our team is playing really well together right now. If we keep playing how we are and keep improving, anything is possible for us with the tournament coming up.”