With just 21 seconds left in the first half, Brody Thornton fed senior Issac Ellison for a layup to become just the eighth boys basketball player at Menomonie High School to score 1,000 career points on the hardwood. He poured in 18 points, which is exactly what he needed for 1,000 points, in the first half of a matchup with the Chippewa Falls Cardinals. Ellison finished with 28 points, setting a season high for points on his historic night.
Ellison, who has been a varsity starter since his sophomore season, poured in 315 points during his first year. He added 478 more in his junior season and was selected as an All-BRC first-team player. Ellison, who will play college football at North Dakota State University next season, has done a majority of his damage in and around the paint.
Head Coach Greg Van Grunsven said about Ellison’s accomplishment, “We are all really happy for Isaac in reaching this career milestone on our home floor in front of family and friends. He is a terrific kid who is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential athletically. We look forward to seeing what he and his teammates can accomplish together moving forward.”
The veteran coach, Van Grunsven, has coached other 1,000-point scorers during his 24-year varsity coaching career. When asked how many players he has coached that reached this milestone, he said, “I think it’s the fifth player,” but wasn’t certain of that number.
Ellison has averaged just north of 15 points per game over his varsity career, and it took him 63 games to eclipse 1,000 varsity points. He’s been a huge contributor on the glass as well, leading the conference in 2023-24 with 9.6 boards per game. This season, he has pulled down 7.4 rebounds per contest, which leads the conference.
Mustangs TV was able to capture Ellison’s historic accomplishment. It can be viewed here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DMsLNPVnCM
The Mustangs currently sit at 7-7 overall and 3-5 in Big Rivers Conference action. The Mustangs travel to Hudson on Friday, January 31st, to take the number two team in the BRC.
NOTES:
The current list of 1,000 point scorers at Menomonie High School
Nate Stanley (2013-2016) - 1,445
Len Stewart (1955-1957) - 1,359
Cole Kraft (2003-2006) - 1,307
Luke Madsen (1988-1991) - 1,227
Keith Moessner (1951-1953) - 1,162
John Ellenson (1984-1986) - 1,147
Noah Feddersen (2020-2022) - 1,051
Issac Ellison (2023-2025) - 1,010 (10 games remain plus the tournament)
Records have been compiled by Keith “Mogie” Moessner and continued by the MHS athletic staff.
Photos provided by Tera Ellison and Matt Riley.
