Auburn’s latest 1,000-point scorer drops 35 in much-needed girls basketball win over J-D (video)

Auburn senior Peyton Maneri knew she could score her 1,000th career point during a game against Jamesville-DeWitt on Friday night.

But the crafty point guard had her eyes set on another goal. Leading her Maroons to their seventh win of the season.

“I definitely was into the game,” Maneri said. “I loved that everyone was there for me and supporting me, but at the same time, I wanted to just get back in the game, get the win, and then celebrate for myself and with everyone else.”

Maneri scored her milestone basket on a drive to the rim with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter and the game very much up for grabs. The Maroons held on for a 46-40 victory over the Red Rams.

The victory improves Auburn to 7-5. The Maroons were coming off a tough loss to Baldwinsville a week ago and they had lost three of their last five games before that.

“This year, it’s more of a grind,” Auburn coach Al Giannone. “But yeah, I think we’re certainly heading in the right direction. I think we’re definitely heading in the right direction.”

Heading into Friday’s game, Maneri needed 29 points to get to 1,000. She finished with 35 points. Maneri said she was glad to join one of her best friends, Leah Middleton, in Auburn’s 1,000-career point club. Middleton is currently a freshman at Le Moyne.

“It means a lot, especially, being a girl in making this accomplishment,” Maneri said. “One of my best friends made it last year, so it’s good that we’re really putting our names out there and making a difference in the school and having people look up to us.”

After the milestone basket, the game was stopped and Maneri’s teammates and coaches rushed the floor to celebrate. Maneri was presented with a banner and balloons for her accomplishment.

Junior forward Alyssa Hogle was solid on the glass for the Maroons in the win over J-D. She finished with four points and 11 boards.

The Red Rams were paced by sophomore Lindsay Parker’s nine points and junior Ava Sandroni’s eight.

J-D (4-6) next hosts Ithaca at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Auburn also hosts Ithaca for its next game at 6:45 p.m. Monday.

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