O’Neal eclipses 2,000 point mark

Published 10:34 am Wednesday, January 25, 2023

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It didn’t take long for Southside senior Ka’Nyah O’Neal to score her 2,000th point Tuesday night at Jones Senior High School.

The 5’8 guard entered the game five points away from becoming the 54th girls player in North Carolina high school basketball history to score 2,000 career points.

The milestone came 90 seconds into the contest as O’Neal drove to the basket from the left side and converted a lay-up.

Players on the Seahawks bench burst onto the court to congratulate their captain as the officials stopped the contest.

“It’s a great accomplishment and all of us are really proud of her<’ coach Milton Ruffin said. “It’s also a big relief for her to not have to think about it anymore. Now she can relax and go play.”

Among the players O’Neal passes was current Northside coach Michelle Leathers, who scored 2,008 points in her Panthers career. She has 2,021 career points and has a chance for more Wednesday night at home against Lejeune.

The Seahawks won the game, 57-33, as O’Neal finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

O’Neal has also been invited to play for the North Carolina All-Star team in the Carolinas Classic against the South Carolina All-Stars, March 25 in Wilmington sponsored by the North and South Carolina Coaches Associations.

“She’s worked hard and deserves everything she gets,” Ruffin said. “It’s good recognition for her, her family and Southside High School.”