McAteer sets (another) Garnet Valley scoring record

CONCORD — When the dust settles on Emily McAteer’s high school career, she will be remembered as the most prolific scorer in Garnet Valley history.

She might also be considered the very best that’s ever played for the Jaguars, regardless of gender.

Earlier this season, the senior forward and four-year starter set the school record for most points in a career by a girls basketball player. McAteer then started to chip away at 1,477, the total points accrued by 2018 grad Austin Laughlin.

That record didn’t last long.

McAteer’s fourth field goal Monday morning, against Upper Darby, got her to 1,479. It was a basket McAteer has made hundreds of times. Receive ball inside the paint, bang ball off the backboard, and score.

Play was halted early in the third quarter as the Jaguars swarmed to their senior leader for celebratory hugs and pictures. Teammate made posters to commemorate the occasion and family members walked out on the floor to greet their beloved Emily. There was even cake (saved for after the game, of course).

Oh, and the Jaguars defeated a dogged Upper Darby squad, 50-37, for its 15th consecutive win to start the season.

“It was definitely at the top of my individual goals,” said McAteer, who led the Jags with 10 points to go with eight rebounds and four assists. “I know that, thinking back to my freshman year, I never imagined I would be the top scorer at Garnet Valley. It was a top individual goal, but it wasn’t as important as the team goals, and that’s winning championships.

“I know (her family) has been waiting for this, too. They show up to a lot of the games.”

McAteer was proud to accomplish the feat alongside Morgan Falcone, Madi McKee, Jillian Nagy and Brianne Borcky, who have played together since their early days at the Brandywine Youth Club. Last week, Borcky joined McAteer on Garnet Valley’s 1,000-point list.

“It’s really cool that we have Emily and Bri, two 1,000-point scorers, in our class,” said Falcone, who had a tremendous floor game at point guard, registering six points and seven steals. “It’s been really great to see them come to high school and do really well over the years. I’m just happy for them both.”

McAteer and Borcky, in particular, have been closely linked since before they were freshmen starters for Garnet Valley coach Joe Woods.

“Bri and I, we’ve been playing on the same team since third grade. We know exactly what each other is going to do,” McAteer said. “It’s really special to have someone who you’ve played with … to both get (1,000 points), it’s really great. You can’t really explain it, it’s pretty special. Not a lot of people have that.”

McAteer paced a well-balanced effort by the Jags (15-0, 10-0), who forced 24 Upper Darby turnovers. Borcky tallied nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. McKee paired 10 points with a game-high 11 boards, while Nagy added five points and two steals.

GV received scoring contributions from eight players.

Jasmine Forrester poured in 27 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, on 11-for-21 shooting for the Royals (9-6, 4-6). She also grabbed 10 rebounds.

“We haven’t been playing well lately, but I’m proud of their effort today,” Upper Darby coach Tony Zambino said. “They came out and really fought against a great team.”