1,000 Points and Counting for Mackenzie Schulz - By Nia Runkle

    Reaching 1,000 points in a four-year high school basketball career is reserved for only the most dedicated and skilled players. Cementing her place in Bomber history, Mackenzie Schulz has reached this 1,000-point milestone in a competitive game vs Chiawana High School. Beginning the game with just 7 points needed to reach this ultimate goal, Schulz is the first to score for the Bombers with a 2-pointer three minutes into the first quarter. Another two-pointer and two successful free throws later, Mackenzie is at 999 career points and fills Art Dawald Gym with electric anticipation. With five minutes and seven seconds left of the second quarter, Mackenzie achieves her 1,000 with another successful two-pointer.

Photo: @reardonproductions

    Any player knows that this accomplishment doesn't come easy and clearly indicates one's skill, passion, and contribution to the team. To get some insider perspective on this exciting moment, Mackenzie was able to answer a few questions from the ecstatic Bomber fans. Schulz answered; Can you describe the process and your thoughts on achieving 1,000 points in this game? She replied, “It's not something I focused on. I knew it was a possibility this season, but I have been focusing on doing what is needed for our team to have a chance to win games. I am glad I was able to reach this milestone and celebrate with my friends and teammates!” It goes unsaid that any member of Bomber basketball has an extreme commitment to their team and high-performance expectations. A key element to any RHS team is that every member has endless support and high standards for one another. This bond on and off the court has shaped her athletic growth and her perseverance and drive to push through every challenge and excel as an athlete. Throughout all four years, this tightly knit group of girls has had an everlasting impact on Mackenzie and motivated her to accomplish such an achievement for Bomber basketball. 

Photo: @reardonproductions

    Starting early as a freshman varsity player, for Mackenzie, this achievement is more than just a number; it's the culmination of countless hours in the gym and intense passion for the game. When asked, what sets you apart from other players in the MCC and allows you to maintain such a high-scoring offense? Schulz answered, “One big factor is I am aggressive offensively and draw a lot of fouls. With my size and skill, I am able to score from the perimeter and post.” Extremely impressive, Mackenzie has still been able to score consistently despite the focus of the opposing defenses. Her technique has continued to develop over the years, and it's safe to say she knows her way around the court. She has spent years refining her game, pushing through challenges, and becoming a true leader and a great example for her team. With each season, Mackenzie's talent only grew. In an interview with her coach, Amy Westerfield, she states, “Mack has played different roles and positions each season. She does whatever the team needs to be successful, whether it be rebounding, defense, getting teammates open shots, or scoring. Her strength and physicality on defense and rebounding has really evolved since her freshman year.”

Photo: Atomic TV

    Along with this, physical and technical improvement developed her profound impact on the team. With a younger roster this season, she is an exceptional role model for her teammates who strive for that same success. “Mack is a great teammate and is definitely not afraid to challenge people in practice. It is good for our younger players to play against her....if they can compete with Mack, they can hang with pretty much anybody,” said Westerfield. 

Photo: Mackenzie Schulz

    Mackenzies’s determination did not stop at the 1,000 mark. “My biggest goal is to win the next three conference games and carry that momentum into districts,” said Schulz. As part of a tightly knit team, she will accomplish this with the trust she holds in her teammates and the support they offer each other throughout every game. Mackenzie has surely left her mark on Bomber grounds and will continue to do so in the future at Central Washington University. She committed to play basketball in early October of 2024 and will carry her Bomber spirit into the class of 2029, shining bright as a part of the women's basketball team at CWU.