DAPHNE – Senior point guard Donovan Wilson collected his 1,000th career point as part of an 18-point effort that helped the Daphne Trojans secure a comeback win over the Baldwin County Tigers Tuesday night 59-57.

He entered the game needing 14 points to achieve the milestone but went to the halftime break with only five points to his credit.

Wilson and the rest of the team accepted the challenge issued by head coach Reed Hotard and the 6-foot, 180-pound guard scored the nine points he needed to not only hit the mark but also help turn a double-digit deficit into two points.

The achievement-marking bucket came on the play that made the score 39-37 in favor of Baldwin County after three quarters of play.

END Q3: Baldwin County 39 Daphne 37. Donovan Wilson’s bucket makes it a one-possession game after the Trojans go on their own 11-2 run. Hosts have trailed by double digits on multiple occasions so far. Should be another good 8 minutes #ALHSHoops pic.twitter.com/EkQiOL9yAv

— Gulf Coast Media Sports (@GCMSportsAL) December 14, 2022

Daphne went on to secure the lead down the stretch and celebrate a win on its home floor to make Wilson’s night even sweeter.

“That was amazing,” Wilson said. “That was the best feeling having the home crowd surround me after they knew I got it, finishing the game with 18 and everyone surround me, it was awesome.”

A once elusive goal was finally reached through hard work and Wilson had no other choice but to set his sights on the next step.

“It’s honestly a dream come true. It’s an achievement I never thought I’d make but I’m going to keep pushing; 1,500 points is the next goal,” Wilson said.

His head coach agreed it was simply the fruits of his labor and only a matter of time before Wilson got it done so Hotard was happy he reached the milestone on his home floor.

“Every single day he comes to work and he’s committed to being a basketball player and committed to playing at the next level. Really, you see that in the way that he works and the way he carries himself,” Hotard said. “He’s one of those kids where it’s not uncommon for a teacher to brag on him in the hallway, he’s that kind of kid. I’m just happy he was able to get that tonight and I’m excited to see what he’s going to do for us the rest of the year.”

The Trojans’ victory moved their overall record to 8-7 where they’ve now won seven of their last 10 games. Daphne is set to open play within Class 7A Area 2 against the Foley Lions Jan. 10, 2023.