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The crowd at Cape May Tech gymnasium was energized as they watched senior Josh Wright reach a 2,000-point milestone, a first in Tech history.
“Josh was closing in on a very special milestone and he went into the game knowing he was only five points away,” Cape May Tech coach Josh Mercado said.
“In a lot of these cases, you’re not sure if the milestone is going to be accomplished,” Mercado said. “We were very confident it would happen and it was a very special night for the basketball community.”
The bleachers were filled with spectators, including Wright’s family and friends as well as alumni who came back for the event. Mercado said the spectators knew something special might occur during the game.
Wright scored a high 29 points during the game, bringing his career total to 2,024 in a 55-38 Cape Atlantic League victory over Absegami.
“I feel really proud and it was a wonderful experience,” Josh Wright said. “My mom, dad, coaches and teammates were so happy.”
“I’ve been the head coach going on five years and the first year, Josh was only in eighth grade,” Mercado said. “He had big goals early that he wanted to accomplish and I was very impressed.”
In the beginning of Mercado’s coaching career, there were not many spectators in the bleachers. Mercado wanted Wright to work very hard by accomplishing building the basketball program.
“I wanted us to be a team that other teams respect and every year we would score more points and win,” Mercado said.
Each year with Wright on the team, game wins started to increase.
“His first year we had seven wins, second year we had twelve and by junior year we had thirteen wins,” Mercado said. “We have lots of people showing up to our games now.”
Wright hopes to play basketball in college and become pro.
“We are evaluating what is the best fit for Josh, especially academically,” Mercado said. “He is an honor roll student, from the first and second marking periods, which is something that is very important for student athletes. Student comes before athlete.”
Mercado has watched Wright improve academically as well as on the basketball court.
“I was coaching twelve kids on the team and my mind was moving a million miles an hour,” Mercado said. “It’s important to take a step back and take it all in and embrace it. I have spent so much time with Wright over the years and it was amazing.”
Mercado is proud of Wright and the entire team.
“I am very proud of Josh’s teammates for supporting him every step of the way,” Mercado said.
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