Intense and anxious feelings energized the gym as senior Olivia Porter stepped onto her home court in front of Southmoreland fans to face the Keystone Oaks in a section game, only six points away from scoring her 1,000th point in her high school career.

Porter knew this moment would come, and she prepared for this game just like any other but anticipated this game to be more emotional.
“The environment was intense and I felt a lot of pressure,” said Porter.
The crowd patiently watched for the moment where Porter would join the 1,000 point club and cheered her on the entire game at the end of which she would be one of very few people in Southmoreland history to score 1,000 points.
As Porter dribbled the ball in transition attacking the hoop, she knew that this could be the basket that would transform a goal into an accomplishment. Nerves ran through her body as she went up strong to the hoop, and excitement filled the air as she heard the ref blow the whistle for a foul.
“I knew I had to gather myself and focus if I wanted to walk away with 1,000 points,” said Porter, “I was nervous.”
Porter sank both free throws and the game was stopped to recognize her accomplishment and applaud Porter for her unique accomplishment.
“I was relieved to make it happen early on in the game,” said Porter.
From the time Porter was younger, she had the goal of scoring 1,000 points.
“I wanted on that wall with Vanessa Abel,” said Porter.
Abel has been Porter’s role model. Abel, who plays on a European professional basketball league, is recognized as the best basketball player to come out of Southmoreland, having  scored over 2,000 career points.
Porter isn’t finished with her goals for basketball this season. Her goals now are to make all section again and for the team to make playoffs.