Jonah Stains breaks Shalom scoring record in win
Needing just 13 points to break Shalom Christian's all-time scoring record, Jonah Stains had a clear head going into Friday night's boys basketball game.
The energy for the Fannett-Metal Christmas Tournament championship was palpable. It seemed obvious Stains would hit the mark at some point in the game.
But no one in the packed Tigers' gym knew it would come so quickly.
Stains knocked down shot after shot - he seemingly couldn't miss to start the game against the host Fannett-Metal. And less than seven minutes into the game, Stains banged his fourth 3-pointer of the night to set his career total at 1,401 - just one point more than former record-holder Tori Yoder.
"I was expecting to get it, but I thought it was just going to come with the championship," Stains said. "Yesterday, we got off to a slow start, and today, I just needed to represent and get out to a fast start. I had a goal in mind, but it wasn't my priority. I wanted to win the championship."
Stains can put check marks next to both of those goals. He finished with a game-high 28 points, and the Flames earned a 62-55 victory over F-M to claim their second straight tourney title. Stains was named the MVP.
"Honestly, I think we came out executing a game plan, and he happened to get open shots," Shalom coach Danley Shank said. "Whether he got it in the first couple minutes or not, I don't think it would've made a big impact, but I think he was relieved to get it over with and get to move."
What was most impressive about Stains' record-breaking night was the versatility he displayed. On fire from beyond the arc, Stains finished with four 3-pointers, countless layups and even a fast-break dunk.
"From a basketball standpoint, he's been the greatest scorer to come through Shalom as far as points scored go," Shank said. "He got thrown into the fire as a freshman, and I think he matured and really was able to not only score a lot of points, but win a lot of games, too. That really helps to create a legacy not just for him, but for his teammates."
Stains always seems to put his teammates first. Stains has also helped the Flames to two-straight Mason-Dixon Christian Conference soccer titles, and put his individual mission of 100 goals behind his team. And it paid off.
"I like having little kids look up to me, and I want to be a good role model for him," Stains said. "I just like to go out and play hard, and play the sports I love."
Shalom certainly loves it, too.
