Jan. 15, 2025
By Nikalena Iacono
Managing Editor
The gym was filled with palpable energy on Jan. 10 when senior captain and forward Asya Akar became the high school’s seventh player to join the 1,000 Point Club.
With a minute, 38 seconds remaining in the second quarter of a game against Harrison High School, Akar made a layup to score her 1,000th career point.
Akar, who is also on the varsity volleyball, varsity outdoor track and field and flag football teams, said hitting 1,000 points has been her greatest athletic achievement.
“Asya’s strengths as a basketball player [are] her ability to score, defend and rebound. She is a very versatile player who does a lot of things well on the basketball court.”
“I never thought I would reach a milestone like this, but I did, and it is an unreal feeling,” Akar said.
Akar, who has been on varsity since her freshman year, said she felt anxious during the game and had to step outside during a timeout to relieve her nerves.
“I started the game very shaky, but after I hit the 1,000 [points], I played more loosely,” Akar said. “The mentality was challenging. The pressure of trying to score a certain amount of points made me nervous.”
PHOTO BY BLAKE NEGRON Senior Asya Akar dribbles the ball during a home game against Harrison High School on Jan. 10.
Akar said she appreciated her teammates running up to hug and congratulate her after she got to 1,000 points.
“My teammates have supported me and helped me reach this big goal,” Akar said. “I honestly couldn’t do this without them.”
Senior captain and point guard Sam Mayer, who has been on varsity since her freshman year, described Akar as humble.
“Asya has had a lot of achievements [in] the past four years and has never been arrogant,” Mayer said. “She is very caring for those around her and is always making sure everyone feels included.”
Mayer said that, as the top scorer with 197 points as of Jan. 15, Akar is crucial to the team’s success.
“We can depend on her to make shots to help us win tough games but also be smart when she is getting heavily guarded by the other team,” Mayer said.
Mayer said she was proud of Akar for attaining 1,000 points.
“I knew she was capable of hitting that goal, and I was so happy I got to watch her do it,” Mayer said.
She said her connection on the court with Akar is unmatchable.
“Since we’ve been playing together since we were 10, I know how to get her a good pass so she can score, and she knows where to set up for me to give the ball to her,” Mayer said.
PHOTO BY BLAKE NEGRON Senior Asya Akar wins the tip-off at the start of a home game against Harrison High School on Jan. 10.
Head Coach Kesack, who is in his first season as head coach, said Akar stands out as a player because she puts her teammates before herself.
“[She] is willing to do whatever it takes to help her team win,” Kesack said. “Asya’s strengths as a basketball player [are] her ability to score, defend and rebound. She is a very versatile player who does a lot of things well on the basketball court.”
Kesack said Akar brings her strengths to all of her sports involvements.
“Asya is an incredible athlete, and every time she takes the court, field or track, it is rare if she is not the most athletic girl competing,” Kesack said.
He said Akar’s 1,000-point achievement reflects her consistency and work ethic.
“This was a goal she had set for herself years ago, and to see her hard work pay off in front of a packed gym was a very beautiful thing to watch.”
