Washburn scores career 1,000th

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Washburn scores career 1,000th

As a four-year starter for Charger basketball, Nick Washburn is no stranger to grinding out wins against tough opponents. Hillsdale’s game last Saturday against Ohio Dominican University was one such match-up. On a crucial second-half possession, Washburn went up for a shot and was fouled. He made the shot. And the free throw.

With that free throw, the 6’10 senior center became the 33rd player in Hillsdale men’s basketball history to score 1,000 or more career points. But Washburn is not one to get caught up on personal accolades.

“After I hit the free throw at ODU to give me my 1,000th point, I pointed up to my parents and just got back on defense,” Washburn said.

Such efficient yet unselfish play has made Washburn an integral part of the Hillsdale basketball program and has been the subject of nothing but praise from players and coaches.

“Nick has been a main cog in the development of our program,” head coach John Tharp said. “This team has needed him to have a big year and he has done that. He’s worked incredibly hard in the off-season and he deserves the credit.”

Among the members of the 1,000-point club are Washburn’s former teammates Brent Eaton, Tyler Gerber, and Brad Guinane, who all graduated in 2012. For Washburn, his impressive feat is not simply a personal milestone, but one that serves as a testament to those who played before him.

“It means a lot, especially because I saw three great players before me in Brent, Tyler and Brad accomplish the same goal last year,” Washburn said. “I feel like such an accomplishment reflects my coaches and teammates for having faith in me

through the ups and downs for the past four years.”

Washburn without a doubt lives and dies for his team.  As the Chargers near the end of their season, a conference championship looms in the horizon, yet Washburn knows that there is still work to be done to get to that point.

“We still have a lot of basketball to play this year and more games to win,” Washburn said. “Accomplishments like these will be cool to look at after the season, but the only thing on my mind right now is to keep winning games, and to win the GLIAC tournament.”

Always looking forward to the next game, it is no mistake that Washburn is in the company of legends. With a mixture of skill, passion, and determination, he is the mortar that builds championship teams. Win or lose, Washburn will remain a Hillsdale legacy.

“My career at Hillsdale has been great,” Washburn said. “I have had no regrets.”