EHS Senior Woodward 'A Phenomenal Person, Student and Athlete'

He hasn't even graduated, but Edina High School senior Graham Woodward has already left his mark on the school.

On Jan. 17, after racking up 27 points against St. Paul Highland Park at the Target Center, Woodward finally overtook Greg Buth as Edina High School's all-time basketball scoring leader. Buth recorded an astonishing 1,360 points back in 1997, but Woodward upended that record by soaring to 1,369 points.

It's the second record the senior guard has shattered this season, after earning the Hornets' single game scoring record with 46 points against St. Louis Park earlier this year.

"It’s a great feeling to be able to call myself the all-time leading scorer in EHS basketball history, but it hasn’t just been me—I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without the support of my team, parents, coach and everyone in my support system," Woodward said.

The basketball standout has already signed to play college ball at Penn State University, landing a full ride scholarship with the Nittany Lions. He plans to major in business.

Woodward has been playing basketball for Edina since ninth grade, when he first laced up with the varsity team. He credits his father, Keith, as his biggest influence.

"(He) has taught me all that I know about basketball," Woodward said.

Outside of the court, Woodward is an A honor roll student who has also been involved in French Club, sober squad, golf and football. He says basketball has helped make him such a well-rounded person, particularly when it comes to academics.

"Basketball has really helped me off the court being a leader in the classroom and a better motivator towards others." Woodward said. "Working with different coaches and players has taught me how to better communicate with people from all types of backgrounds."

Boys Basketball Coach Pat Dorsey clearly sees a tremendous athlete in Woodward, but said he's also a supportive teammate and role model for Edina Public Schools.

"In the past four years he is the type of player you want to lead your team," Dorsey said. "He finishes my thoughts and is what I desire as a leader out of the team. Graham is what Edina would want as an ambassador when it comes to a student athlete. He’s a phenomenal person, student and athlete."

The season isn't over yet for the Hornets, who are hoping for a deep playoff run after running the tough Lake Conference gauntlet to close out the season. Dorsey said he's leaning on Woodward to help lead his teammates.

"Graham is a great teammate who helps with the younger players and is a phenomenal defender," he said. "Graham is the hardest worker of any basketball player I’ve ever had, and it’s been a great privilege to coach him over the past four years."

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