Stagner sets school points record at home
By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Springfield senior Macie Stagner stood at the foul line tied with Springfield High School Hall of Famer Chelsea McAllister for the most career points as a Cosmo basketball player, male or female. The home crowd watched in anticipation as her blood was pumping, knowing Stagner was on the verge of making history.
“Knowing I was near such a big milestone, it was definitely nerve-racking because I wanted to be able to perform my best and not let any pressure get to me,” Stagner said. “But it’s also incredibly exciting because all of the hard work and practice paid off, and it showed. The crowd’s energy, the pressure of the big game, and the anticipation all mix together, creating an unforgettable feeling.”
Stagner put up the shot and time stood still for a second, and when she drained it, she put her arms out in excitement as the crowd went nuts. Her teammates rushed to her, surrounding her and showering her with hugs and praise.
“When I was standing at the foul line when I was one point away from breaking the record, I was definitely nervous,” Stagner said. “I knew everyone was watching and just hoping it would go in. I was hoping it would go in, but I thought to myself, even if it didn’t, I have the entire game to go score. Right after I hit the shot, it was like everything slowed down for a moment then immediately a rush of excitement. The crowd erupted, and I could feel the energy from all around me. It was a mix of relief, pride and pure excitement.”
Stagner entered the game against Bellows Falls just four points shy of the former record of 1,677 points, so it was clear the record was imminent and most likely in front of the Cosmo faithful.
“Having my friends, family and so many other supporters is just an amazing feeling,” Stagner said. “The support and energy they bring really lifted me up and made the moment so special. I would not of wanted to reach this milestone any other way. I will be forever grateful for all the love and support the town of Springfield have given me.”
She quickly eclipsed that total in the first quarter, and the game was stopped as a celebration took place on the court. Stagner ended the night with 25 points in a 46-31 victory.
Stagner reached the 1,000-point mark last season while on the road in Newport last season, joining McAllister, Mary Rose Jasinski (1,121 points) and Danielle Hunt (1,196) as the only members of the 1,000-point club in program history. Now she is in a league of her own, with six games left in the regular season where she will be adding to her school record total.
The Cosmos travel to Brandon to face Otter Valley on Saturday, for a league matchup with tip off at 1 p.m.
