Often times in sports, it is hard to define what makes a career successful. Wins and championships are certainly important, but sometimes team achievements do not always paint the full picture.

The landscape of girls basketball in Morgan County is unlike any other in the state. Two weeks ago, at the Morgan County Tournament every single team competing in the varsity girls portion of the tournament was either ranked in the top-10 of their respective classification or were receiving consideration for being ranked.

McCarley Northway notches her 1,000th career point in Brewer’s win over Danville, en route to a Morgan County tournament championship on Jan. 20.

It is extremely rare to have so much talent in one very specific region of the state but that is what makes girls basketball special in Morgan County. Last year Hartselle’s Moriah Taylor, Priceville’s Kathleen Wheeler and Brewer’s Shyan Flack all accomplished a similar milestone. Each player surpassed the 1,000-point total for their careers. An achievement that is not-often celebrated in high school sports.

In the past two weeks, the trio of standouts have welcomed two more members to the elite group. Brewer guard McCarley Northway and Danville sharpshooter Jolee Cole both earned their 1,000th career point.

“There are a lot of talented girls in this county have now reached 1,000 points,” Flack said. “It means a lot to be a part of that group. It’s very rare that you see so many from the same area that have accomplished that.”

As Northway states, one of the most unique things about sports is the amount of comradery and respect you can have for your opponents while still wanting to beat them every time you meet them on the court.

“It’s kind of funny because I actually play AAU basketball with all of them,” Northway said. “I cheer for all of them when we aren’t playing. It is awesome that they have all been successful and I am happy to be a part of that group.”

There are a lot of ways to reach 1,000 points but none are easy. Each player has their own style. Playing to your strengths is an important part of reaching such a remarkable achievement.

“My favorite way to score is probably the three-point shot,” Northway said. “But I have to say, getting an ‘and-one’ has to be one of the most hype feelings in basketball. The crowd always goes crazy when that happens.”

While Northway credited her team and playing within a simple, opportunistic offense, Cole says she and her teammates are a bit different and have well defined roles.

“I’m a shooter,” Cole said without hesitation. “Both coach Wilson and coach Hill have always told me to shoot the ball. When my outside shots aren’t falling then I will try and get to the basket and get fouled. My role is to go score so I try to do that every night we play.”

Junior guard Jolee Cole has been one of her team’s leading scorers all season. She picked up her 1,000th career point in a 55-34 win over West Limestone on Jan. 11.

Perhaps the toughest part of the equation is knowing you are getting close. There can be some anxiety and pressure to hurry up and hit the milestone.

“It was definitely a relief,” Cole said. “I knew going into the game that I was close, but I was trying not to focus on that. I was thinking if I get it then great, if not I will in the upcoming country tournament. It is hard to completely block it out.”

Despite the pressures that go along with trying to get there, the reward of being part of a special group is well worth the wait. Especially when you join a group primarily made up of your friends.

“The coolest part is we have all been playing travel ball since we were in fifth grade,” Cole said. “I guess in a way we all got to accomplish this together. That is pretty special.”