Jim Connolly has been lighting up the net ever since he set foot on the basketball court as a sophomore.
The Souderton senior was approaching a personal milestone when the Indians traveled to Central Bucks East on Monday night. Connolly needed 13 points to reach the magical 1,000-point plateau.
He brought an end to the suspense early.
Midway through the second quarter he turned a pass from teammate Nate Moyer into one of his patented pull-up shots off the dribble.
“He was on fire last night, but he didn’t go out of his game to do it” coach Perry Engard said. “He stayed within himself.
“That’s what makes him such a special kid. He really is unselfish.”
The shot vaulted Connolly into the history books. He is just the fifth Souderton player to reach that lofty plateau.
“I think kids get caught up in numbers, but Jimmy’s not that type,” Engard said. “I think the people around him were more eager to see him get it. He just wanted to get it out of the way.
“It’s certainly big for the program on the heels of Ronnie (Benson) doing it last year. It seemed like more of a team accomplishment than an individual accomplishment because they all shared in it with him. It was exciting. “
By halftime Connolly had 20 points, and he finished the night with 29. It’s the kind of performance that has become almost routine for the three-year standout.
“When he started here, he was just a pure shooter,” Engard said. “The next thing he worked on for last season was he started attacking the basket, and this year he’s added the pull-up.
“With him being so three-dimensional, not to mention he’s a terrific passer, it really makes him tough to guard.”
The Patriots can attest to that.
Engard recounts seeing Connolly’s defender shrugging his shoulders and putting his hands out in frustration as he ran down the court after getting burned by the Indians’ high-scoring guard.
“He was literally saying, ‘What do you want me to do?’” Engard said. “That was the ultimate compliment.”
Talk to Connolly, and it’s clear that his team’s 60-43 win over East meant far more to him than his personal accomplishment.
“That was a big win,” he said. “We’re hoping to make a run at the conference championship, and obviously, we want to do good in districts and have a run in states.”
Connolly found out he was approaching the 1,000-point milestone last week.
“I found out I was 48 points away,” he said. “Until then, it was something I never really thought about.
“It was always a personal goal I had coming into high school, and playing with the players I did – my teammates made it possible for me. This does mean a lot. It was pretty exciting, but it was just a relief to get it over with.”
Engard knew he’d inherited a special talent when Connolly – as well as younger brother Kyle - transferred from LaSalle after the first quarter of his sophomore year. He already was coaching Jim’s older brother Mike, who went on to play at Kutztown University, and he had watched their father, Mo Connolly , during his playing days at LaSalle University.
“Jimmy always had a quiet confidence,” Engard said. “He certainly is not an outspoken kid, and when I first met him, I could hardly get anything out of him – maybe a head nod but always eye contact. He was very respectful.”
Connolly is a captain this year, and Engard credits Connolly for the development of center Anthony Moe.
“He’s drawing attention and giving Anthony the ball at a place where he can score,” Engard said. “The chemistry is starting to come together, but it starts with him because that’s who everybody is keying on.
“I think his role of captain this year has really opened him up. He’s more vocal with teammates, and he’s very helpful to the coaches and still has never changed the respectfulness.”
Connolly – who is being recruited by numerous Division One programs - was recognized prior to Tuesday night’s game against Quakertown with the presentation of a commemorative basketball.
He immediately went up in the stands and presented it to his parents, Mo and Terri Connolly.
“Jimmy is the product of two terrific parents, and they’re just reaping what they sowed right now,” Engard said. “He’s a great kid.”
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