Wojtysiak hits 1000th point

Allie Wojtysiak seems to have been a part of the girls basketball team for ages. So it was not surprising when the Lumberjack senior scored 21 points last Thursday night in Hermantown to crack the 1,000-point mark for Cloquet.

"It's been a long journey," Wojtysiak said. "I didn't think I would get there but I am just so happy to have had that accomplishment."

Wojtysiak was quick to point out that her teammates were as excited as she was to reach the elusive mark, with signs and banners from younger teammates to her family members with T-shirts made in honor of the night.

"It wasn't just me who reached the mark, it was my entire team and all the girls I have played with throughout the years," she said.

Wojtysiak needed only seven points to hit 1,000-point Thursday, but she struggled in the first half, missing some easy shots down low. Then with two fouls, she had to spend a lot of time on the bench for the rest of the half.

Head coach Heather Young pointed out that although the first half didn't go her way, once Wojtysiak hit the 1,000-point mark she "seemed to relax and would go on to lead us in scoring on the night."

"Allie is such a fantastic leader and role model," Young said "She works so hard, she's wonderful with the younger players, that's why her teammates voted her as captain."

Wojtysiak reached her 1,000th point early in the first half with a short jumper in the lane. Then the Lumberjacks called time out and the crowd stood and clapped.

"It was neat to see everything that was going on," Wojtysiak said, "And it was even better to see my family and teammates honoring me in that way."

Even though Wojtysiak led the Lumberjacks with 21 points on the night, it wasn't enough as the Lumberjacks fell to Hermantown 74-48.

"I hope we get a chance again at them in the playoffs," Wojtysiak said.

She will continue with her basketball career at Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wis. next year.