It was a moment only Hollywood could write.
For Chillicothe's senior forward Zach Johnson a dream came true Tuesday night. Johnson entered the Cavs’ game with Dayton Jefferson needing just 23 points to become the newest member of the CHS 1000 Point Club. His landmark point could not have come in a more dramatic or thrilling situation.
With 27 seconds remaining in a 48 - 48 tie Johnson drove into the deep left corner of Hatton Gymnasium and launched a fade away three point attempt.
The result was pandemonium as the ball went through the net to give the Cavs a
51-48 victory over the visiting Broncos. The fans held up “1000 point” placards as the players mobbed Johnson to celebrate the hard fought victory and accomplishment.
The Cavaliers held a three point halftime lead at 29-26 and stretched the difference to a 41-33 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Broncos crept back to take the lead late in the closing moments being led by Nate Sheppard who finished with 22 points for Dayton Jefferson. Shelby Woodall had 12 second half points for visitors.
Tommy Bolte was the only other Cavalier in double figures with 12 points after
converting three crucial free throws in the final quarter. Pierce Knisley added 5, Tim Beard 4, Nate Rosenbauer 3 while Adam Bixler and Nolan Taylor chipped in two each.
As for the game winning shot, it was just another mark for Johnson who’s had a flair for the dramatic with a handful of game winning shots, including Tuesday’s. Johnson said in the postgame interview with Pat Highland and Lou Postage "I always dreamt of scoring 1000 points." Johnson discovered some dreams do come true. However, not all in such a spectacular fashion as witnessed at the Hatt Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers (4-12) head to Jackson Wednesday to make up last Friday’s snowed out game. The Freshman game begins at 5pm, followed by the JV and Varsity contests. WBEX coverage begins about 7:45pm.
CHS Top Basketball Scorers Career (Boys):
- 1,476 – Anthony “Humpty” Hitchens 2004-08
- 1,241 – Gordon Mickey 1955-58
- 1,161 – Wayne Stevens 1952-55
- 1,157 – Steve Bayless 1983-87
- 1,061 – C.J. Banks (706 at CHS)
- 1,049 – Gary Hall 1958-61
- 1,028 – Neil Johnston 1943-46
- 1,017 – Ray Chambers (760 at CHS) 2006-08
- 1,000 – Zach Johnson 2010-13 *** through 01-29-13
- 921 – Mark Bayless 1971-74
- 916 – Garin Veris 1978-81
