By BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
Senior Tomas Money Jr. added the prestigious “1,000 career points” title to his résumé during Collingswood’s 62-42 victory over Gateway on Tuesday night in Woodbury Heights.
After fighting an illness that caused him to sit out the Panthers’ Senior Night vs Lindenwold on Thursday, and battling through to play on Saturday vs Delsea while not at full strength, Money stood 18 points shy of the magical milestone heading into Tuesday’s game.
“I think it’s a good accomplishment for myself, but more importantly, we won,” Money said. “That’s the more important thing.”
A two-point jump shot in the third quarter propelled the 6-foot-3 guard to the 1,000-point mark. He knew the exact number he needed to reach the milestone.
“I just thought it would come when it would come,” he said. “It didn’t matter to me how the shot would come (3-pointer, free throw, layup), a thousand points is a thousand points, regardless.”
After his shot went through the net, Money was immediately met on the court and congratulated by his teammates and family members.
Many people in “Colls Nation” have been a part of Money’s journey throughout the course of his high school career. Collingswood head coach Nathan Ingram is one of those individuals. Ingram, in his first year as coach, is Money’s Digital Audio Production teacher at the school. Money has taken Ingram’s class all four years at Collingswood.
“My relationship with Tomas has always been bigger than basketball,” Ingram said. “Being his teacher and a mentor before being his coach has been a great experience, and, honestly, I think it had to be this way. He has trust in me and my basketball knowledge that he witnessed and experienced before I was even a candidate, so having that deep connection with him as a person really made this year easier to build on. Tomas — and all of my seniors — truly trusted what we practiced and preached this year and embraced the responsibilities of laying down a great structure for the young players behind them. I am extremely proud of Tomas on reaching this milestone.”
Another great relationship with Money? Collingswood girls basketball coach Nancy O’Neill, who is also Money’s physical education teacher.
“I am so happy and proud of Tomas,” said O’Neill, who is seventh all-time in South Jersey coaching wins. “I have had the pleasure of watching him grow up. He has worked so hard to be a leader and represent his family and school. Congrats Tomas. Keep representing the C. C what!!”
A three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and volleyball, Tomas started shooting hoops when he was 14 years old, in eighth grade. Fellow senior and close friend Shakur Carter has been by his side ever since.
“Tomas and I have known each other since eighth grade and our relationship has gotten nothing but stronger,” Carter said. “We have each other’s back no matter what the situation is. I am extremely proud of him for achieving this goal of 1,000 points. Just watching him develop over the years and do nothing but put in the work and limiting any distractions makes me proud of him.”
Money has now forever edged his name in the Collingswood High record books. He is the 13th player in Panthers boys basketball history to reach the coveted milestone.
Collingswood improved to 6-18 behind Money’s game-high 26 points.
WHAT’S NEXT: Collingswood travels to Gloucester on Thursday at 7 p.m. Gateway travels to Woodbury on Thursday at 5:15 p.m.
Brian Tortella is a correspondent for South Jersey Glory Days. Follow him on Twitter @tortreports.
