ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS

Tucker’s 39 points secures spot atop Greene County’s all-time scoring list

By BRANDON HURLEY

Sports Editor 

sports@beeherald.com

@BrandonJHurley

JEFFERSON – 

How fitting his record-breaking performance would fall just a tad short of a career-high. 

Some unfinished business remains for Trey Tucker, who now sits all alone at no. 1 as Greene County’s all-time career leading scorer, officially moving past Adam Jones (1995-98) Friday, Jan. 13. 

The senior has his eyes set on a trip to state in March, but a sparkling 39-point, seven rebound, five assist night in a 93-62 win over Collins-Maxwell-Baxter cemented his name in the Greene County record books. 

Tucker entered Friday’s HOIC home tilt needing 38 points to break Jones’ record of 1,538 career points – and if everything went according to averages (Tucker began the night scoring 22 points per game), his peers, teammates, coaches, fans and Greene County would have to wait at least one more game. But the senior had other plans, as he came within one of his career high (40 points, achieved twice last season), thanks to seven three-pointers, pushing his career points total to 1,540 points. 

The four-year starter broke the career scoring record in a statistical game for the ages. He was on from the opening tip, scoring 10 in the first quarter, closing out the first half with 19 points. Tucker was 19 points from the record with two quarters to play and he wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass by. 

As CMB chipped away at the 22-point halftime lead, Tucker went to work, nailing an array of three-pointers, smooth layups and mid-range jumpers. 

He connected on 14-of-21 field goals, sinking seven-of-11 from long range as he pulled down seven rebounds, dished out a team-high five assists and swiped five steals. 

Tucker entered the fourth quarter with 29 points on the night, just nine points from the all-time record – a pair of threes later and he was inching closer and closer. But as the Greene County lead continued to grow, head coach Chris Nelson’s leash on Tucker tightened 

A late offensive foul put Tucker’s shot at history in jeopardy, but Nelson decided to leave him in, with two minutes remaining and the senior sitting at 37 points. 

“All glory to God, I was just praying that he’d let me make that last shot,” Tucker said. “After that charge, I went up to coach (Nelson) and told him just one more shot.” 

Tucker came correct on his promise, slicing through the middle of the lane for a right-handed scoop layup to claim his rightful place in the Ram record books, sending the home crowd and Greene County bench into a delirious frenzy. 

Nelson was overwhelmed with pride for his leading-scorer as the magnitude of the moment set in. 

“He took care of it, and he knew (he was close),” the coach said. “He didn’t force the issue. Obviously, something like that is going to be on your mind, and we knew about it but he handled it really well. We are excited for him.”

Tucker left the court to a standing ovation, embracing each one of his teammates in long hugs, amd Nelson as well. 

“It’s been a long road,” Tucker said. “I’ve put in a lot of work and it’s nice to see. God gave me the ability to make it happen.” 

As the cheers and recognition faded following the game – the Greene County athletic department halted the action with two minutes remaining to honor Tucker – the new record-holder was quick to deflect any credit off him and onto his teammates and coaches. 

“I was making my shots, my teammates were getting me the ball, setting good screens for me,” Tucker said. “Coach drew up a couple plays for me that got me free from my defenders. My teammates made great passes throughout the whole night and I was able to finish.”

The sweet-shooting guard won’t settle for anything less than a start tournament trip in March – this record is just another checkpoint along his journey. 

But that’s not to say Tucker didn’t take a moment to relish on the historic night. 

“It feels really good,” he said. 

 

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Tucker is a born scorer. The ball has always belonged in his hands, almost becoming an extension of his arm. This newly-minted school record is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work. 

Since his freshman year, Tucker has never averaged less than 19 points per game. He’s developed a meticulous routine over the years – Tucker must always eat a Subway sandwich immediately after school on game days, do his precise pre-game stretches and work on his ball handling.  

“I think a lot of it comes from my inner fire,” Tucker said. “I am very competitive, so I push myself to do whatever it takes to try and get the W.” 

He also credits the guidance of a couple of AAU coaches as a youth, fueling his love of basketball. Charles Young with the Iowa Wolves sparked the flame, if you will. 

“(He) taught me to aggressively attack the rim at a young age,” Tucker said. “I also worked with Rich Borgos from Ignite Basketball on skills development.”

Tucker also credits former Rams’ coach Jeramie Hinote with helping the scorer refine his shot, which is now one of the purer strokes in all of 3A. 

Tucker has been a statistical marvel in his final season donning the red and black.  

The senior bumped up his Heart of Iowa Conference-leading scoring average to 24.3 points per game with Friday’s win. He’s connected on 55 percent of his field goal attempts and has now moved into first in the conference with 36 made three pointers, shooting at a ridiculous 48 percent clip.  

The guard is third in 3A in scoring, is tied for fourth in three-pointers made and holds on to the 10th-best scoring average in the state across all classes. 

“It’s exciting to watch a kid like that who’s put the time and work in,” Nelson said about his superstar guard. “Fifteen-hundred points, that’s a heck of a lot of points. We need him to score for us and he did it in the right way and he’s done it the right way for a long time.” 

Tucker’s 6.2 rebounds per game are sixth best in the HOIC (he’s a point guard!) and his 3.7 assists per game are fourth in the HOIC. His defense is nothing to sneeze at either, something he credits first-year head coach Chris Nelson with helping to improve. Tucker’s 2.7 steals per game lead the Heart of Iowa Conference.

He’s on pace to set career highs in scoring average – his best season came his sophomore year (22.6 PPG), field goal percentage (as a freshman he shot 51 percent), three-pointers made (he drained 51 threes as a freshman) and three-point percentage – he’s never shot better than 38 percent in a season. During a three game stretch prior to Tuesday’s contest against North Polk, Tucker was averaging 33.7 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game and 15 made three-pointers. With 19 points in Tuesday’s win over North Polk, Tucker now sits at 1,559 poins in his career. 

The senior credits his next level to the guidance of Nelson. 

“(Coach) has really helped me with the mental aspect of the game,” Tucker said. 

Next on the Greene County record holder’s list is a trip to Des Moines in March. A conference title is also in reach, as the Rams sit just a half game back of South Hamilton (7-1) as a Jan. 27 trip to Jewel looms. There’s still one thing he has yet to achieve in his decorated basketball career. 

“The goal, like anybody in high school,  is to make it to state,” Tucker said. “It’s always been my goal. Hopefully, we do what we can to get to the Well.” 

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