As the season progressed, Catasauqua’s Hailey Jenkins became more confident the goal would be in reach.

When it happened, the junior had to realize it was truly real.

Jenkins recently became Catasauqua’s 23rd player and 11th girl to reach the 1,000-point plateau in the school’s history. She scored a career-high 34 points in the team’s 51-39 loss at Kutztown Jan. 18.

“It’s really a surreal feeling,” gushed Jenkins. “I knew I would be able to get it after my game against Northwestern. I was at about 800 points and considering my average, I believed that I would get it in the next 10 games.”

Jenkins credited her father, Horace, for being the driving force behind her career.

“My father has been my main influence behind me,” she stressed. “He worked on my game all summer, and told me that I would get my 1,000th point this year.”

First-year head coach Tara Belfield truly relished the moment for her and realized her overall contributions to the team.

“I couldn’t be more excited for Hailey,” gushed Belfield. “She came into this season knowing what a young team we were going to have, and she has done an amazing job taking on the leadership role with this group.

“She is definitely one of the top-five players in the league.”

Overall, the Rough Riders began the week with an overall 6-8 record, and they are well within reach of a district and league playoff. They have games with Notre Dame, Palisades, and Salisbury this week.

Jenkins knows her team has to reach its potential over the next few weeks.

“The season has had its ups and downs,” said Jenkins. “We have beaten teams that no one believed we would.

“I’d say we’re still working as a team to find some things that work for us. If we play at our highest going forward, we should find a spot in the playoffs.”

Belfield agrees with her team leader.

“Our team has had really good days, and unfortunately, really bad days,” offered Belfield. “We are struggling with being consistent, but when you have a team this young, it’s expected.”