To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). If you’ve been anywhere near the gymnasium on campus these days, it is clear much has been given to the Timothy Christian boys basketball program. On Friday evening December 15th, the atmosphere was electric as current students, family, and alumni gathered with hopeful expectation that tonight would be the night.
The night where junior, Jalen Fleming, joined the 1,000-point fraternity of Timothy Christian. A night were local media packed the stage to inquire about the basketball ability of new Timothy International Student, Chukwudi Raphael Mamah, a recent arrival to the Timothy family from Enuga, Nigeria, a hard-working mining town in the South-East. No wonder their native son is such a hard worker both on and off the court.
Jalen and his teammates did not disappoint. From the opening tip it became clear that tonight would be the night. Jalen’s “brothers” as he called them in his post-game interview, were determined to see it get done. Point guard, Myles Dickerson, also a prolific scorer, resolved to see Jalen shine. With each feathery jump shot poetically finding the bottom of the net, the excitement grew louder and louder.
With 20.4 seconds remaining in the first half on an outlet pass from Mamah, Jalen laid it in the hoop and the place erupted. The celebration was in full swing when their opponent turned over the ball with 9.7 seconds left in the half. Coach McNulty called time out and the celebration was on with balloons, posters, and lots of paparazzi to capture the historical moment.
Jalen has been a TCS student since first grade. His diligence and work ethic have earned him success on and off the court as he currently holds a 4.2 GPA. He was quick to give honor to God, his parents for their many sacrifices, and his teammates both past and present for their help in accomplishing this personal milestone. Coach McNulty loves the comradery of this group and believes that with hard work and a mindset to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them, this could be a special winter in Piscataway.
Click here to watch Jalen score his 1,000th point and make TCS history.
Jalen completes a lay up to score his 1,000th point. Photo by TCS alumna Kyla Johnson @kj_.photography