When Cece Powell scored her 1,000th career point as a sophomore, Marcellus coach Delaney Martin wanted to give her star player an even bigger goal.
Powell, a 2024-25 All-Central New York Athlete of the Year, has attempted to reach 2,000 points in her career. That moment came in Saturday’s home game against Homer.
Powell scored 28 points and had her moment in the third quarter of the Mustangs’ 73-39 victory over the Trojans.
“It’s amazing to see how he can do it,” Martin said. “I’m so proud of her.
With 3:30 left in the third period, Powell brought the ball up midcourt. Powell handed it to the junior Only Bakerwho passed the ball back to Powell over the heads of multiple Homer defenders.
Powell then drove to the basket and threw a quick shot at 3:09 in the third. What followed was an explosion of confetti and excited teammates venturing to Powell.
Success eventually came for the senior.
“It feels really good,” Powell said. “I’m grateful every night I walk out on that court. I’ve had so much support from my teammates, my family and the community. I’m so blessed and grateful to be able to play the game I love.”
The milestone also brought a full-circle moment for Powell and Baker. Each has assisted on 1,000 career points in past years.
Baker’s milestone came during the 2024-25 season, and now, about a year later, she’s paid it back.
“Honestly, (the milestone) is all a blur, but the assist from Tenla means a lot to me. It reminded me of her 1,000th point,” Powell said. “She’s one of my best friends, so to share this with her is incredible.
Martin, who has touted Powell as a generational talent, said Powell was a bit stressed before Saturday’s game. In the end, Martin remarked that nothing bothers the senior in the end.
“She knew it was going to happen today, so she was able to be her normal self,” Martin said. “She gives it her all and always goes all out for the team. There won’t be anyone like her in Section III for a long time. She was fun to coach.”
1/46
Marcellus vs Christian Brothers Academy girls basketball
The 2025-26 sports season continues to be full of milestones for Powell. The senior scored her 100th career goal during the Mustangs’ New York state championship campaign.
Much like that signature goal, Powell said her teammates pushed her every day in practice to be her best.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to get to 2,000 points, but with the help of my teammates, I knew it was achievable,” Powell added. “So I wanted to give it my all.
During Saturday’s game, Martin noted that her players did everything they could to get Powell to her milestone. The coach said it’s a testament to how much Powell means to her teammates.
“It was about how they could find a way to get Cece the ball. They really strategized how she could get shots,” Martin said.
Powell made four free throws and had a pair of 3-pointers in his effort.
“I have to thank my family for this moment,” Powell said. “They have supported me so much over the years. None of this would have been possible without them. They have changed my life and blessed me with gifts to show everyone.”
Baker finished with 16 points for Marcellus. Hannah Knox scored nine points.
“It was a tremendous team effort,” Martin said.
For Trojans, Lauren Franco scored 10 of her 18 points on free throws. Eden West added eight points.
The Mustangs, now 10-0 on the season, will face Cortland on Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. Homer (5-7) hosts Westhill on Monday at 6:45 p.m
Leave a Reply