Amanda Knapp
It is a rare feat for a basketball player to score 100 points in a single game. Since 1913, only 20 male and seven female players have scored 100 points or more in US high school basketball games. The highest number of points scored in a high school basketball game was 135 by Danny Heater, playing for Burnsville High School (West Virginia) against Widen High School.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Player | Danny Heater |
| Points Scored | 135 |
| Date | 26 January 1960 |
| Teams | Burnsville High School (West Virginia) vs Widen High School |
| Field Goals Attempted | 70 |
| Field Goals Made | 53 |
| Free Throws Attempted | 41 |
| Free Throws Made | 29 |
| Rebounds | 32 |
| Assists | 7 |
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What You'll Learn
Danny Heater's 135-point record
On January 26, 1960, Danny Heater scored 135 points in a high school basketball game, setting a worldwide record for the highest single-game scoring performance by a player in high school basketball history. Heater, a 17-year-old senior at Burnsville High School in Braxton County, West Virginia, achieved this remarkable feat against Widen High School of Clay County.
In the 32-minute game, Heater made an incredible 53 out of 70 field goal attempts and an impressive 29 out of 41 free throws. By halftime, he had already scored 50 points, and he finished the game with an astonishing 85 points in the second half, including 55 points in the last 10 minutes alone. Heater's performance not only broke the state of West Virginia's all-time record of 74 points but also surpassed Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record of 100 points by 35 points.
Heater's achievement is even more impressive considering the circumstances. He later expressed discomfort with the margin of victory, stating that he "still feel [s] bad" about the 173-43 win against Widen High School. Additionally, the game took place almost 30 years before the three-point line was introduced in high school basketball, which could have further boosted Heater's already extraordinary point total.
The record-breaking performance also had a significant impact on Heater's life. It cemented a lasting friendship between him, a shy high school player, and his young coach, Stalnaker. Heater credits his coach for encouraging him to pursue the record, saying, "He really stuck his neck out for me." The record has stood since 1960, and Heater has embraced the greatness associated with his achievement. He has also shared the joy of his record with his grandchildren, who love to hear about their grandfather's remarkable accomplishment.
Danny Heater's 135-point performance in a high school basketball game is a testament to his exceptional athletic ability and a memorable chapter in the history of the sport. While the circumstances surrounding the game may have been uncomfortable for Heater, the record he set that night remains an incredible feat that has endured for over six decades.
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Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a remarkable feat in the National Basketball Association (NBA), scoring 100 points and setting a single-game scoring record that still stands today. Representing the Philadelphia Warriors, Chamberlain's historic performance came against the New York Knicks at the Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Chamberlain's dominance was evident throughout the game, but his scoring accelerated in the final quarter. With eight minutes remaining, he still needed 25 points to reach the century mark, a daunting task even for a player of his calibre. However, Chamberlain's determination and skill propelled him to achieve the seemingly impossible.
The Warriors' strategy shifted to getting the ball to Chamberlain, and the crowd, sensing the significance of the moment, began chanting, "Give it to Wilt!" Chamberlain's teammates played a crucial role in his historic achievement, ensuring he had the necessary support and opportunities to score. With each basket, the crowd's excitement grew, and Chamberlain's pursuit of basketball glory intensified.
With less than a minute left in the game, Chamberlain received the ball close to the basket but missed his first attempt. Showing resilience and focus, he rebounded and tried again, only to miss a second time. Finally, with 46 seconds remaining, Chamberlain broke free, leaping high to score his 100th point and etch his name in basketball history. The final score of the game was 169-147 in favour of the Warriors, with the two teams combining for an astonishing 316 points.
Chamberlain's performance that day was extraordinary not just for the 100 points, but also for the numerous records he set along the way. He set NBA records for field goals attempted (63) and made (36), free throws made (28), most points in a quarter (31), and most points in a half (59). Chamberlain's achievement is widely considered one of the greatest in the history of basketball, showcasing his unparalleled talent and impact on the sport.
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Clarence Bevo Francis' 116- and 113-point games
On February 2, 1954, Clarence "Bevo" Francis, playing for Rio Grande College, scored 113 points against Hillsdale College. This feat earned him a place in the history of college basketball and the recognition as one of the most prolific scorers in the sport's history. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Francis was already the best player on the Rio Grande team, a team that was making headlines across the country for its winning streak.
Francis's 113-point game was not his first high-scoring feat. The previous season, on January 9, 1953, he scored 116 points against Ashland College (or Ashland Junior College). However, this game was not recognised by the NCAA as Ashland was not a four-year institution. Following this, the NCAA retroactively stripped him of the scoring title, excluding the 116 points from his official NCAA total.
Despite this setback, Francis continued to excel in the 1953-54 season, averaging 46.5 points per game, the highest single-season mark in NCAA history. In the game against Hillsdale, Francis's points contributed to a final score of 134-91, a victory for Rio Grande. This achievement cemented his legacy, with his name forever sealed in college basketball lore.
Francis's scoring prowess extended beyond his college career. During his senior year of high school in 1951, he scored 776 points in 25 games, averaging nearly 32 points per game. After college, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters and later was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors of the NBA, although he never played in the league.
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Jack Taylor's 138-point game
Taylor's performance against Faith Baptist Bible College was the result of a perfect storm. Grinnell College is known for its high-scoring system, and coach David Arseneault Jr. intended to give Taylor extended playing time to help him work out of a slump. Taylor took full advantage, shooting with incredible accuracy and volume. He had 58 points at halftime and never looked back, leading Grinnell to a 179-104 victory.
The game changed Taylor's life forever. He became an overnight sensation, appearing on major media outlets and trending on social media. NBA players, including Bryant and LeBron James, expressed amazement at his achievement. Taylor's record still stands today and has had a lasting positive impact on the Grinnell College basketball program, with recruits frequently asking about his 138-point game.
However, Taylor's remarkable performance also had its challenges. The media attention and fame affected his enjoyment of the game, and he struggled to replicate the rush of that night. Taylor eventually settled into a life outside of basketball in his hometown of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, where he owns a video production company and is a local TV personality. He continues to go viral for his endeavours, such as building what he claims to be Wisconsin's tallest snowman.
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The rarity of 100-point games
It is a rare achievement for a basketball player to score 100 points in a single game. Since 1913, only 20 male and seven female players have scored 100 points or more in United States high school basketball games. This is partly because such a feat usually requires a full-court press for the entire game and unusually high free-throw success rates.
The highest number of points scored in a single high school basketball game is 135, set by Heater of Burnsville High School, West Virginia, against Widen High School. Heater made 53 of 70 field goals and 29 of 41 free throws.
At the college level, there have been seven 100-point games, two of which were recorded by Clarence "Bevo" Francis of Rio Grande College and two by Jack Taylor of Grinnell College. Francis scored 116 points against Ashland College on January 9, 1953, but this did not count as the official college record because Ashland College was not a four-year institution. The following year, on February 2, 1954, Francis scored 113 points against Hillsdale College, which stood as the highest total in United States college basketball history for 59 years. Grinnell's Taylor broke the record on November 20, 2012, scoring 138 points and setting a new NCAA all-divisions mark.
In the National Basketball Association, the only player to have scored 100 points in a single game is Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks at Hersheypark Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He made 36 of 63 field goals and 28 of 32 free throws, an unusually high success rate considering he was a 51.1% free-throw shooter for his career.
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Frequently asked questions
No one. However, on January 26, 1960, Danny Heater scored 135 points in a high school basketball game.
He made 53 field goals out of 70 attempts.
He made 29 free throws out of 41 attempts.
The final score was 173-43, with Burnsville High securing the victory over Widen.
Heaver came into that game averaging 27 points and would end the season at 32 points per game.
