Stan Buczek, welcome to the 1,000-point club. Buczek, Burke Catholic’s versatile inside man, scored his 1,000th point, in a 67-47 win at Cornwall Wednesday.
With the victory, streaking Burke Catholic (12-3) clinched the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association Division III title, ending Cornwall’s six-year run as champs. The Eagles moved up from Division IV to III this season.
Burke Catholic, the Class B state champs two years ago, had won eight consecutive IV championships.
“I wouldn’t say I was nervous about 1,000 points,” said Buczek, a senior, who finished 23 against Cornwall. He hit the milestone on a jumper midway through the second quarter. “There was no pressure, but I wanted to get it over with. I’m very proud and I’m grateful for my teammates, coaches and family. This wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Up next for Buczek and the Eagles? Perhaps, another run deep into the postseason. Burke Catholic has won seven in a row since losing a heartbreaker to perennial power Albany Academy in the famed Eagles’ Nest on Jan. 19. Burke Catholic was moved up from Class B to A this season.
“We want to be state champions,” Buczek said. “I don’t care if we are in A, B or AA, we think we have a chance.”
