Far Hills Girl Breaks School's Scoring Record

Kerri Moran of Far Hills, a senior at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, broke the school's all-time basketball scoring record on Tuesday night with 1,360 career points during a game agains crosstown rival Kent Place.

Moran, 17, went into Tuesday’s game already just 11 points shy of breaking the record with 1,347 points after defeating David Brearley on Monday night, 54-26.

The Royals went on to defeat Kent Place, 59-15.

After spending the first half mostly assisting her teammates, Moran entered the second half four points away from breaking the record. Two quick layups put her over the top and another bucket a few minutes later extended the record to 1,360 points. With a healthy lead, Moran took the bench with 2:11 left in the third quarter and did not return to the game. 

Moran, at 5' 7," broke the record of 1,357 points previously held by now assistant basketball coach Katie Cummings, a 2003 Oak Knoll graduate.

“I feel so accomplished,” Moran said. “Breaking the record has allowed me to realize that hard work pays off. I have put so much time and effort into basketball, so it feels good for that to be recognized.”

Cummings, the previous record-holder, said, “Records are made to be broken. I’m just grateful to have had a year coaching her, and to be able to witness this great accomplishment.”

Moran became just the sixth player and the only junior in school history to score 1,000 career points on February 21, 2012.

“I couldn't be happier for Kerri, and it really couldn't have happened to a better athlete,” Cummings said. “She may be getting recognition here for her scoring, but she is the total player. She is always the one to come up with a big steal, big rebound, or big assist. Those that have had the privilege to see her play know how unselfish she is, and, most importantly, that she is a competitor and a leader.”

Off the court, Moran is a member of the Red Cross Club, Math League and volunteers her time with both Habitat for Humanity and Operation Smile. She also played soccer and ran cross country at Oak Knoll.

She is expecting to attend Cornell University this fall with a major in business.

“Kerri is the heart and soul of the team,” said head coach John Bertollo. “The thing that makes Kerri special is on any given night, she can score 15 to 20 points, but she also does an incredible job by getting her teammates involved, which is why she leads the county in assists. She is the most unselfish thousand-point scorer I have ever seen play."

The team, and Moran, will next host Cranford at 4 p.m. on on Thursday in Tisdall Hall.

Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is an independent Catholic school enrolling boys and girls in kindergarten through grade six; and young women only in grades seven through 12. More information about Oak Knoll can be found online or by calling 908-522-8109.