In the final season of her basketball career, senior Sasha Resnick reached a significant milestone, reaching both 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. It was a surreal moment that she achieved, realizing that her 12 years of hard work and dedication had finally paid off.
Basketball had always been a part of Resnick’s life. Both her father and brother played basketball, so it had been a big part of her life. From a young age, she played on AAU and travel teams to better her performance and enhance her love for the game.
Her biggest strengths weren’t just her ability to score. Instead, her leadership and self-confidence set her apart from others.
“The biggest thing for me is that I’m always trying to uplift my teammates and build everyone’s confidence while having that confidence in myself,” Resnick said.
Her ability to stay calm under pressure, make smart plays and keep her team motivated became her defining traits. Whether the game was close or the team was struggling, Resnick remained steady to keep the team in check.
As she approached 1,000 points, news circulated about her upcoming achievement. Every game was one step closer to the milestone, but she didn’t let it hinder her performance.
“It’s going to come when it’s going to come,” she said. “The importance lies with the team goals.”
Winning games with the team mattered more than her personal goals. She played every game with the same intensity and push, focusing on winning and continuing their playoff run. The moment finally came against Mount Saint Dominic, when she joined five other players to score 1,000 points for West Essex Girls Basketball.
“It was honestly a feeling of such relief,” Resnick said. “I was so happy. I just felt like I was putting in so much work the last four years, and it was all rewarded in that moment.”
By the end of the basketball season, Resnick had also hit 1,000 rebounds. She ended her high school career with 1,136 points and 1,068 rebounds. With this chapter in her life coming to a close, she knew that basketball was more than just a game to her; it had shaped her into the person she is. While a cliche, Resnick has sincerely embraced the message of being sad it is over, but feeling thankful and glad for the experience.
Basketball taught Resnick discipline, leadership and resilience. Teammates have become lifelong friends, and she now has unforgettable memories from her time playing basketball. As Resnick looks toward the future, she knows that the lessons she learned on the court will stay with her forever.
