Getting 1,000 points was a distant thought when Jamie Cossolini was a freshman at Morristown-Beard.
When Cossolini was a sophomore two seniors, Shanice Johnson and Stephanie Bartner, reached the plateau. Being present for the milestone achievements made Cossolini consider the possibility.
As of Friday, Jan. 27, Cossolini was in their company, becoming the second Crimson female player to surpass 1,000 this season. The Johnsons, Shanice and Tatiana, Bartner, Tiffany Garris and Alyssa McKeown are the others who share the distinction.
Cossolini dropped in a layup 48 seconds into the second quarter of a game against Kinnelon to push her career total to 1,000.
"I'm really happy and excited," Cossolini said. "It's something I worked hard for. I'm proud of it and it's something I'll always cherish."
A knack for shooting 3-pointers helped her close in on the mark. Cossolini, who has run cross country in the fall for the last two years, has 170 treys for her career.
"Since I began playing, shooting has been my greatest asset," Cossolini said. "Once I realized that, I worked on it more."
If she happens to be off, which is rare, Cossolini helps out by picking up her defense.
"Jamie is a great player and person," Morristown-Beard coach Mike Sturgeon said. "She is reckless on the court and will give up her body for the sake of the team. Jamie practices as hard as she plays. She is a leader by example and constantly looks to learn the game."
Lapszynski thinks 1,000 "pretty cool"
Jefferson senior center Sammy Lapszynski didn't know she was nearing 1,000 points. She wished it stayed that way.
However, her teammates couldn't keep quiet and word got out. Lauren Ferguson told Amanda Gerritsen and Gerritsen informed Lapszynski.
So, on the night of Jan. 25, when the Falcons played Mount Olive, Lapszynski was a wreck yet she wasn't upset with Ferguson and Gerritsen.
Her shots were falling and it took her until the third quarter to reach 1,000. She got it after taking a pass from Kristen Swerzenski.
"Everyone thought I knew and I didn't," Lapszynski said. "I kept trying to not think about it. I told myself not to but couldn't get it out of my head.
"I missed a whole bunch of wide-open shots. I thought 'What the heck? What's going on?' I made some free throws and the nerves went away a little. I was still missing after that."
Lapszynski, who signed with Niagara, thought about getting 1,000 yet didn't let it consume her.
"I thought it'd be pretty cool," she said. "I'd get to have my name on a banner in the gym. Team goals came first. I wouldn't have been happy if I was on a losing team. Other things were more important than me getting 1,000."
Jefferson coach Jim O'Connor remains impressed by Lapszynski.
"I am impressed with her work ethic," O'Connor said. "It has allowed her to develop into a quality high school basketball player. Her dedication to the sport is allowing her to play four more years in college. Sammy is a great kid."
MCT Basketball Schedule
First round
Morris Hills at Jefferson, 3 p.m.
Villa Walsh at Randolph, 5 p.m.
Mountain Lakes at Pequannock, 5 p.m.
Mendham at Whippany Park, 5 p.m.
Roxbury at Chatham, 5:30 p.m.
Butler at West Morris, 6 p.m.
Morristown-Beard at Hanover Park, 6 p.m.
Montville at Morris Catholic, 7 p.m.
