A Night for the Record Books

Jack Engelthaler walked onto the court last night as one of seven celebrated seniors and only two points away from breaking a school record.

Within two minutes, Engelthaler sunk a nothing-but-net three-pointer. He took the lead in most career points by a BASIS Flagstaff basketball player, surpassing Marcus Dufek's record of 1086 set two years ago.

Engelthaler scored 37 points by the end of the night, bringing his career total to 1121 and breaking Dufek's record by 35 points. With two more regular season games to go, Engelthaler hopes to pad his lead even more.

"Marcus and I are really good friends," said Engelthaler. "He told me that he couldn’t be happier that it was me that got it.

"Breaking the record honestly feels kind of unreal," said Englethaler. "With all my ankle problems, I never thought I would've made it."

The BASIS boys basketball team was up against St. Michaels. They held the lead throughout the night, ending with a 70-58 regular season win.

Engelthaler also beat last year’s most points in a season record of 477. Evan Hofstetter set the previous record. Engelthaler currently sits at 502.

Another record to watch for is head coach Chris Bayer's. He is only three games away from getting his 100th career win at Basis Flagstaff!

Englethaler said, "My teammates, my coach, and my family made breaking the record possible. All the thanks go to my team for being so supportive."

During half-time of the boy's game, the seven seniors and their families stepped onto the court to receive recognition.

The seniors were Macabe Wood, Avery Paris, Mclane Baillie, Emily Mullaney, Jack Engelthaler, Layla Costa and Isabelle Shin.

When asked what's next, this is what Engelthaler had to say: "The goal has never changed. It has always been to be successful in the playoffs. I know we have the talent to do it this year, and I think we can surprise some people."

Engelthaler's mom, Dee, summed up her feelings about her son, but feelings assuredly held by all of the parents that night.

"This night is very bittersweet," Dee Engelthaler said. "My sweet little boy has grown into an amazingly talented, capable and confident athlete and human. All in a blink. I couldn’t be more proud. He is the best gift a mom could ever hope for."

Engelthaler's sister, Mali, couldn't have agreed more.

"I have always been Jack’s biggest fan," said Mali. "He is my very best friend, and I couldn’t be more proud watching him play his heart out on the court. He truly is so amazing. This senior season is definitely bittersweet."