It took a little bit longer than he had hoped or expected, but senior forward Will Barber of the Emmaus High School boys basketball team achieved the career milestone of netting his 1,000th career point last week and etched his name into the program record books.

In a 52-40 Eastern Pennsylvania Conference road victory at Bethlehem Catholic last Wednesday night, Barber took a pass from Jack Csensits in the paint. Turned around and took a jump shot that went through the basket, 2:41 into the game, to net the mark early on and get it out of the way so he could focus on the game and helping his team come from behind to win.

Barber needed four points coming into the game and that was his team’s fourth point of the game as he began the contest on a solo 4-0 run for the Green Hornets.

“I made my first two shots and I kind of got it over with quickly,” said Barber. “It’s great for the community of Emmaus and my teammates, coaches and family. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Barber ended the night with a team-high 25 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the floor. He also went 9-for-11 at the free-throw line.

The moment seemed to keep getting passed off as two different postponements of games pushed back the milestone from happening. He had a chance to accomplish it in the rivalry game with Parkland on the road on Jan. 8, but time ran out that night. Then, a perfect opportunity arose with the next game being at home that Friday, but the game with Pocono Mountain East was postponed because of weather.

The next opportunity was also postponed as the game against the Golden Hawks was originally slate for last Tuesday, but was moved to Wednesday because of weather.

The wait was worth it for Barber and his family. After he scored the basket, he was able to deliver the game ball to his parents in the stands.

“It was kind of lingering, so it felt good to do it today,” Barber said. “I am really happy. But now we have to move forward and get on with our season. It’s a special feeling and I am glad my friends came out to support me all the way from Emmaus.”

Barber is also a standout on the lacrosse field and is committed to play at Saint Joseph’s university next year. Emmaus is now 10-3 overall and 7-2 in the conference.