Dylan Gordon breaks Southern Fulton boys scoring record
For more than 50 years, Southern Fulton's boys basketball scoring record has stood.
But on Monday night, it finally came crashing down.
For the second time this season, Dylan Gordon scored 30 points in a game, and that was exactly what he needed to break Hob Barnhart's career record of 1,400 points set back in 1966.
"I feel a little sense of pride in getting it, just because it's been standing for so long," Gordon said. "Southern Fulton is known for basketball success, and it's good to be a part of that. It's awesome to set my name in there among the greats."
After missing a layup and a free throw early in the fourth quarter, Gordon finally sank the magic bucket with about seven minutes remaining in a 74-26 win over Northern Bedford. The Indians ran through a series of passes, before Gordon found space beyond the arc. He received a pass, and hit a wide-open 3-pointer to set his career total at 1,401.
"Looking at all our basketball players that have come through this place - are there really any better? I don't think so," SF coach Kent Hendershot said. "We had a couple very good ones in the 1970s, but Dylan is just a complete package. He's a blessing to coach."
Heading into Monday's game, Gordon knew he had a tall task ahead of him, but he really didn't feel the pressure.
With the rest of the season still ahead of him and a big rivalry game against McConnellsburg looming on Friday, Gordon knew it would come eventually.
"I really wasn't trying to press the issue," Gordon said. "I knew we had two home games this week, so I thought, 'If I get it, I get it; if not, I don't.' I tried not to make it a big deal."
And after a four-point first quarter for Gordon, it seemed like the Indian faithful might have to wait until Friday. But Gordon exploded for 23 points over the next two quarters and needed just one longball to break the record in the final frame.
"I think everyone knew it was going to happen eventually, but it certainly wasn't a focus," Hendershot said. "But my philosophy is that I just wanted to get it out of the way, just one more thing we don't have to worry about Friday night."
Then, just a minute into the fourth, Gordon let one fly, and everyone held their collective breath.
Swish.
"It was exciting," Gordon said. "I don't try to play anything up or over-exaggerate things, but it was definitely fun."
Hendershot said, "I wanted to get him out (of the game). It looked pretty good come out of his hands, and I just thought 'Get in there.' To have a kid with the dedication and drive and go-to to do that, work hard and get better every year, I feel very privileged to have coached him."