Sadie Fleming Reaches 1,000 Career Points as Lady Mustangs Defeat College Achieve Central

MANVILLE, N.J. — Manville High School senior Sadie Fleming scored the 1,000th point of her high school career on a free throw during the Lady Mustangs’ 36–34 victory over College Achieve Central, cementing her place in program history.

Fleming, who entered the game nine points shy of the milestone, reached the mark at the foul line after settling her nerves in a pressure moment late in the game. She later scored the game’s final points on a layup to secure the win for Manville.

Manville High School senior Sadie Fleming poses with her teammates after scoring the 1,000th point of her career during the Lady Mustangs’ 36–34 win over College Achieve Central.

“I’m very happy that she was able to accomplish this goal that she set for herself,” said Manville head girls basketball coach Mike Knitowski. “She puts in the work on a daily basis, and the results show from her dedication to the game of basketball.”

Knitowski said he recognized Fleming’s potential early in her career. “Since day one, when she was a freshman, I knew this particular group of girls had potential,” he said. “The 1,000 points is an added bonus for Sadie and for this team, in particular, the seniors.”

Over four seasons, Fleming has grown both as a player and a leader. According to Knitowski, her confidence, maturity, and basketball IQ have steadily improved, especially as opposing teams began focusing their defenses on her.

“She listens and understands how teams are going to guard her and what adjustments she needs to make from game to game,” he said.

Beyond scoring, Fleming’s leadership has had a significant impact on the program. A team captain, she is known for her work ethic and willingness to help teammates, particularly during practice.

“She truly cares about the team itself and winning games,” Knitowski said. “She always does her best to help build confidence in her teammates.”

Fleming is the fifth 1,000-point scorer in Manville girls basketball history and the second coached by Knitowski during his 13 seasons at the school. Her achievement adds to an already historic career, as she has also recorded more than 1,000 rebounds — making her only the second player in Manville history, boys or girls, to reach both milestones. She is currently 38 rebounds away from breaking the school’s all-time rebounding record of 1,078, set by Candy Kaschak in 1980.

The milestone carries special significance for the Manville basketball program. “It’s a part of history that will never be forgotten or taken away,” Knitowski said. “Her name will be in the MHS gym forever.”

Fleming is committed to continuing her basketball career at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. A three-time Skyland Conference First Team division selection, she has helped lead Manville to double-digit win seasons in three consecutive years, with a fourth expected this season.

She and her teammates have shared a long journey, playing alongside one another since fifth-grade recreation basketball — a full-circle moment for a close-knit group that has grown up together both on and off the court.

“As a coach, I believe sports are about more than the game,” Knitowski said. “They’re about building character. Sadie embodies that, and her legacy will show that hard work and dedication can take you places you never thought possible.”

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