The Spartan senior is just the second boys basketball player in Berkshire League history to reach the 2,000-point mark.
THOMASTON - It may have been the quietest 2,000-point celebration ever.
Shepaug's James Kersten on Friday became just the 29th player in CIAC boys basketball history to score 2,000 career points and only the second from the Berkshire League to do so. But you wouldn't have suspected it from the expression on his face.
Aside from a brief hug from teammate Drew Konik, it was all business at the milestone moment. After all, there was a game yet to be won.
Well, the Spartans' senior forward can check off both boxes. He scored No. 2000 on a driving basket at the end of the third quarter and finished with 22 points and eight rebounds to help Shepaug fend off Northwestern 53-42 in the Berkshire League semifinals at Thomaston High.
"Everyone (in the stands) were waving stuff, so I knew I had (2,000)," Kersten said. "But we were only up (three) at that point. I was excited, but we're in a playoff game, so that's really what I'm more worried about. Honestly, 2,000 is an amazing accomplishment, but I just really wanted to win."
In the history of the BL, Kersten trails only Litchfield's Dave Vigeant, who graduated in 1979 with 2,149 career points. Kersten, who has played in two state finals in his four seasons, winning Division V last year, would probably need another deep run by Shepaug in the state tournament to catch Vigeant.
Third-seeded Shepaug's next game will be the BL final against top-seeded Nonnewaug. The game is scheduled for Tuesday in Thomaston, but could be moved up to Monday depending on the weather. Kersten heads into the final with 2,006 points.
Spartans coach Matt Lefevre said one key for Kersten in his pursuit of 2,000 has been his workmanlike approach.
"He's started every game in four years. He's never missed a game, barely has missed a practice. A model of consistency," said Lefevre. "He's just been there every single day. He works hard and gets better and better. This year, he's been fantastic."
Konik, a senior guard, has known Kersten since third grade and been his teammate since rec league basketball.
"He has a tenacity to win and to prove to the other people that he's better," Konik said. "He doesn't want to be out there on the court and have someone in the stands think the other guy's having a better game than him. He wants to have the best game he can have. He sets challenges for himself."
Northwestern (11-10) certainly presented a challenge after sweeping Shepaug (15-7) in the regular season. The Highlanders got seven quick points from Ty DiVita while taking a 13-12 lead late in the first period.
Kersten's tip-in and Konik's steal and layup, though, put Shepaug on top 16-13 going into the second quarter. Then, with Shepaug trailing 17-16, Kersten got the lead back with a baby hook, an inside hoop and a 3-pointer. Sonny Smith's trey gave the Spartans the lead at halftime 26-21.
Northwestern refused to fold. DiVita's tough rebound basket whittled Shepaug's margin to 36-35 with 24 seconds left in the third period, but Kersten promptly drove to the basket for No. 2,000 and a 38-35 lead at the break.
Kersten and Smith both hit 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to keep Northwestern at bay, but the biggest hoop may have been a banker by Tagan Sivick for a solid 48-40 lead with 1:38 to play.
The Highlanders enjoyed a sizeable 39-24 advantage on the boards, with DiVita grabbing 10 rebounds, and Patrick Rouleau and Josh Phair both having eight.
"The difference was we defended their shooters so much better this time," Lefevre said. "We made their hoops hard. Every hoop they got was a tough one."
Smith finished with 14 points and seven rebounds for the Spartans. Rouleau and DiVita both had 15 points for Northwestern.
Player of the game
Shepaug's James Kersten: Scored 22 points to reach 2,000 for his career. He is second on the all-time Berkshire League scoring list.
Quote of the game
"I knew I had a great opportunity. I have had great teammates and great coaches. They make plays and give me the ball. That was obviously key to doing it. When we win a lot, it enhanced my chances of scoring more. I'm really grateful." - James Kersten.
Shepaug 53, Northwestern 42
SHEPAUG 16 10 12 15-53
NORTHWESTERN 13 8 14 7-42
Shepaug: Ryan Davis 2 2 6, Drew Konik 4 1 9, Tagan Sivick 1 0 2, James Kersten 7 5 22, Sonny Smith 5 0 14, Luca Inglese 0 0 0.
3-point field goals: Shepaug-Smith 4, Kersten 3. NW-Phair 2, Rouleau, DiVita.
Team records: Shepaug 15-7, Northwestern 11-10.
This article originally published at Shepaug's James Kersten becomes 29th CIAC boys basketball player to score 2,000 career points.
Category: General Sports
