DUKE CENTER, Pa. (EYT/D9) — Katie Sheeler stepped to the free throw line.
No one around her.
Gym quiet.
The senior guard calmly sank the shot, sending the crowd assembled at Otto-Eldred High School into loud cheers.
The free throw moved Sheeler into the top spot all-time in scoring at the school. It was also one of a barrage of points for Sheeler — 30 in the game — to help Otto-Eldred dispatch Northern Potter, 57-38, in the first round of the District 9 Class A playoffs on Thursday night.
After she passed April (Batt) Preston, who became the all-time leader in points in 1993, Sheeler turned to the Otto-Eldred bench and cupped her hands over her face. Fellow senior Anna Merry raced toward Sheeler and jumped into her arms.
Sheeler now has 1,581 points in her career. She’s averaging a District 9-best 21.5 points per game this season.
Sheeler needed 24 points to surpass Preston, who was in attendance.
Otto-Eldred (22-2) will now take on DuBois Central Catholic on Tuesday in the semifinal round.
