Alston scores 1,000th point as AG routs Shady Side Academy
Albert Gallatin senior Jawaan Alston topped 1,000 points Friday night the way he hoped when he finished off a Jake Magerko alley-oop with a dunk, and the Colonials made the evening complete with a 65-42 non-section victory over visiting Shady Side Academy. Alston needed only six points to reach the magical mark, and he managed to do so in the first half. The senior scored a team-high 18 points on the night to become the first boy in school history to reach the mark.
“I wanted a dunk on the 1,000th point. We talked about it before the game,” explained Alston. “After I scored, it took a lot of pressure of my back. After that, we just start playing.”
Alston admitted the moment would not have had the same impact had the Colonials lost.
“It meant nothing if we lost the game,” said Alston of the unbeaten Colonials (3-0). “We had a lot of intensity in the first and second quarter. We kept our focus on defense. They’re a good team.”
Albert Gallatin coach Dan Andria hit a milestone of his own last week with his 300th career win, so he understood what Alston was feeling as he entered the game.
“He’s probably glad it’s over. The other kids are more excited for him. That says a lot about Jawaan,” said Andria.
Within all the hoopla, the Colonials raced out to a 15-4 first quarter lead and never looked back. Albert Gallatin continued to outscore the visitors at the quarter breaks – 14-11, 17-11, 19-16.
Aaron Cromwell scored 14 for Albert Gallatin while Ricky Knox added 10.
Ben Kander led the Indians (0-4) with 18 points.