From Kansas JUCOs to 1,000 points: three Warriors achieve major milestone at Sterling College

Sterling, Kan. - Life consists of many milestones, from the first day of kindergarten, to graduating high school, to your first job, life is full of milestones that many people collectively share. But in the world of collegiate basketball, one milestone stands above the rest, the 1,000-point club. 

This milestone is sought by many and achieved by only a select few who fight through the grind, persevere through hardship, and put in the work.

This season, Sterling College celebrated three athletes who achieved this milestone all coming from Kansas Junior College's and all finding their own niche in the Warrior family.

On the men's side, both Emmanuel "Mooch" Austin and Jayden Garrison were able to achieve this breakthrough while Alissa Heskamp made the same achievement on the women's side of the court.

Austin, who hails from Orange County, Calif., started his playing career at Cowley Community College where he scored 262 of his 1,000 points. It was here that Warrior's head coach Randy Stange and assistant coach Jack Shields noticed his ability to get the job done.

"Coach Jack hit my phone about a week after the season ended saying that he had some opportunities for me to continue playing and then shortly after that Coach Stange hit my phone saying the same thing," Austin said. "They were really excited about me because the previous point guard had graduated and they thought it was a great opportunity for me to get into their system."

The system worked out well for both Austin and the Warrior's basketball program as he racked up 867 points over the past two seasons.

"Our best game is when he (Austin) has five or six assists and others are involved," Stange said. "His ability to get to the basket is unmatched. I don't think there's been anyone that we've played where it hasn't taken more than one guy to stop him."

Austin scored his landmark 1,000 career point in a 29-point game against Friends University on Feb. 13, 2025 but the milestone was never on his mind.

"When I transferred here, I wasn't really thinking about scoring 1,000 points I didn't think I could get it, honestly," he said. "So, for me to hit 1,000 points, it really means a lot."

The senior realizes that none of it would have been possible without his "band of brothers" around him.

"We just have a lot of off the court bonding," Austin said. "Don't get me wrong, there's always going to be ups and downs, but what brings us together as far as being a 'brothership' is a focus on family and the stuff we do off the court."

One of his brothers on the court also reached the 1,000-point milestone in the same season. Garrison, a Little River, Kan. native, transferred to Sterling from Hutchinson Community College where he racked up 459 points throughout his career.

"Jayden, he's more of a shooter," Stange said. "He's got to be able to utilize screens and move without the ball. Jayden shorts really deep and he's one of those guys that when he's on he's as good as anybody in our league, and our league is one of the best in the country. So, you have to say he's as good as anybody in the country."

While at Sterling, Garrison averaged shooting an incredible 34% from beyond the three-point line and accumulated 746 points as a Warrior. His 1,000 points came earlier in the season on Jan. 8 in the game against Friends University where he scored 12 points.

"Without God all of my athletic achievements throughout the years would not have been possible," Garrison said. "I was blessed with an ability to play the game I love at a high level for many years. I am very grateful and thankful for this accomplishment."

Coach Stange realizes the importance both of these players have been to Sterling's team over the past two years.

"I've been proud of their effort all year. It was a difficult stretch for both of those guys at different times. I'm proud of their heart, proud of what they've done and proud of how tough they are," Stange said. "They both have been great and we're going to miss them. It's going to be very hard to replace both of them."

On the women's side, Heskamp had been the extra "oomph" the Lady Warriors have needed, especially in their post-season push, which led to a KCAC tournament championship. However, collegiate basketball wasn't in the picture when she finished her time at Barton Community College.

"I wasn't sure I wanted to continue playing basketball, but Coach (K.C.) Bassett and her coaching staff told me they would help me find joy in playing the game again," Heskamp said. "I think that was one of the biggest things that made me decide to come to Sterling."

At Barton Community College, Heskamp amounted 364 points before coming to Sterling. Her grit and determination is what helped her rise above and become a staple in the Lady Warrior's offense.

"There's just a toughness to her that I absolutely love and she's really helped transform this team, especially to make this late push that we've been able to have this season," head coach K.C. Bassett said.

Heskamp scored her 1,000-career point on Jan. 25 against Evangel University where she scored 21 points in the Warrior's 83-82 victory, and ended her Lady Warrior career with 792 points.

"Reaching 1,000 points in my college basketball career was something I never thought would happen," Heskamp said. "This means a lot for me, as a once little girl that first picked up a basketball and fell in love with the game. It means even more now because I wanted to give up on my dreams multiple times throughout my college career. This has shown me that perseverance and hard work through all my struggles has made me proud for never giving up on my dream."

She also realizes that none of this would have been possible apart from her Lady Warrior "family."

"The biggest thing I love about the Sterling College women's basketball program has been the culture Coach Bassett has created. Last year she told us that F.A.M.I.L.Y stood for 'Forget About Me, I Love You' and I think it is something that this program really goes by," Heskamp said. "The girls are my best friends and they have helped me enjoy the game which was my biggest goal when I chose to keep playing." 

Not only has the the Lady Warrior basketball team had a big impact on her life, but she's had a big impact on the program.

"She just speaks through actions. Alissa is one of the most hard-nosed players, but it's also been cool to see her come out of her shell over the past two years," Coach Bassett said. "Personally, seeing her evolve and grow and love on the girls around her has been awesome."

Both Coach Bassett and Coach Stange have enjoyed the benefits that Junior College athletes bring when transferring to Sterling College. From the impact they make in the game, to the relationships they create off the court, these students make a big difference in the program.

"I'm just trying to get the best players I can to get the best team I can," Coach Stange said. "My experience with JUCO guys is that they're good, but they're really good the second semester of the second year. They've figured out the system, they know what to expect, and they're athletic ability and basketball IQ has grown tremendously."

Bassett has seen the same thing on the women's side.

"It's hard for a guard to come in their junior year and be part of a different system for the third time, but once they get their feet underneath them, they really thrive," she said.

There's something to be said for an experienced junior college athlete's ability to help develop the younger athletes while also benefitting from the atmosphere of a four-year culture. It's the mixture that allows Sterling College's programs to thrive.

Both coaches are looking for the same thing: buy in. They want their athletes to have a passion for the game while also building a "family" that allows them to thrive in the Warrior family. It's all part of the tradition of excellence.

If you're interested in joining the Warrior family, feel free to fill out our recruitment form at https://scwarriors.com/Become_a_Warrior.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.