Schook breaks longstanding scoring record

HILLMAN -- Vanessa Schook has spent the past four years of her high school basketball career working to be the absolute best she can be.

The four year varsity starter cracked 1,000 points earlier this season and on Thursday added another milestone to what has been an incredible career, as she cemented herself as one of the best girls to play basketball for Hillman High School, breaking the school's all-time scoring record.

"It's overwhelming. I had no idea that I was even this close. When I heard the buzzer go-off (on Thursday), I was confused as to what was going on," Schook said. "When (coach John Kuzewski) told me what was going on, a lot of emotions were running through my head."

Schook went into Thursday's contest against Alcona needing just seven points to surpass the scoring record set in 1977 by Jennifer Buhl-Rochelle who compiled 1,143 points in her stellar career wearing the orange and black.

Buhl-Rochelle was a forward and her sweet shot helped her break the record during her senior season.

"I enjoyed playing ball all through high school and at times I'll reflect back on all of the positive things that I did with the teammates I had," Buhl-Rochelle said. "I always said that anything of worth, is worth working hard towards and that's exactly how I felt and what I did during my time on the court."

All of the work that Buhl-Rochelle put in eventually led her to playing two seasons at Saginaw Valley State University before earning the opportunity to go overseas and play in Italy.

"I enjoyed being apart of a great community that always did what they could to help me when I played. It was a great time in my life and I will never forget it," Buhl-Rochelle said. "I wish Vanessa the best and I think this is wonderful for her. I would have loved to see her break the record and I hope she continues working hard. I love seeing a girl from Hillman do so well."

Forty years later, Schook has surpassed Buhl-Rochelle as she scored 18 points in a 60-47 victory over Alcona to help her Tigers win their 14th game in a row.

"Vanessa is one of the hardest working players I've ever coached. She spends more time in the gym than anyone I've ever coached. She has played on some good teams and she has a good group of teammates around her which made this record possible. Any time you put yourself in a position to break a record that has stood for 40 years, it means you have had an outstanding career. I also congratulate Jennifer for setting a record that has lasted so long." Kuzewski said. "I can't say enough about Vanessa. She gives it her all whether it's practice or a game, she gives 100 percent effort all of the time and it's been an honor to coach her."

Schook now has the scoring record all to herself with 1,154 career points and she still has time to add to that total as the Tigers still have three games remaining in the regular season and with the tournament just around the corner, Schook is determined to help lead Hillman on a deep postseason run.

"It feels really good that all my hard work has finally paid off," Schook said. "It's an amazing feeling to (set the record and win) tonight. This let us at least known we could share the North Star League (title) and hopefully we can finish the season strong and take it."