WAKEFIELD — Jack Millward stamped his name into the Wakefield basketball history books on Feb. 17, 2025, scoring his 1,000th career point at Beverly High School.
The junior captain reached the milestone early in this one, hitting 1K on a hard drive to the hoop and finish in traffic. The Panthers allowed for a quick stoppage so that Millward could go hug his family and celebrate with his teammates.
“Having my whole family there was awesome,” said Millward. “It was a night I’ll never forget.”
Millward has had the best scoring season in school history, perhaps the most impressive overall season since Andrew Conley’s senior year in 1996-97 in which he broke the 1,000 career mark and led his team to a state title before getting nominated to the McDonald’s All-American team.
Millward only scored 18 points his freshman year before bursting on the scene as Wakefield’s leading scorer as a sophomore last year. This year, he broke the record for points in a game by scoring 51 against Salem on Feb. 5. On Feb. 13, Millward hit the 40-point mark for the fourth time this season, dropping 44 in a road win over Wilmington. After scoring 34 in a rematch with Salem on Feb. 14, Millward made 1,000 a formality.
“I’m really proud of Jack for an amazing accomplishment,” said head coach Colin Halpin. “It is a testament to him spending hours on the Galvin courts and in the gym. Scoring 1,000 points doesn’t just happen. That’s work behind the scenes when nobody is watching. And even better? He’s still hungry for more.”
Millward hitting 1,000 in essentially two seasons is even more impressive. Typically, it’s a milestone reserved for seniors — a way to celebrate an historic four-year career. Millward will have plenty of time for that next season. For now, he gets the rare opportunity to reach even higher levels.
“Scoring 1,000 points as a junior is more than just a milestone to me, it’s a testament to all the hard work, dedication and love I have for the game,” said Millward. “It’s also a reflection of the incredible teammates and coaches who have pushed me, supported me and helped make every point possible.
“Sharing this moment with my team, especially coach Halpin and coach (Tom) Leahy, made it even more special.”
The 6’4” guard/forward has averaged 27.9 points per game this season. He’s also added 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game.
Millward’s next opportunity to add to his career scoring total?
That will come in the Div. 2 state tournament this week.
The 20th-ranked Warriors (10-10) travel to No. 13 Holyoke (15-4) for a first round matchup on Thursday night at 7 p.m.