Alton High senior Semaj Stampley has made a huge impact on the varsity boys basketball team since he transferred from Christian Brothers College High School his sophomore year. He has been one of the leading scorers, which has made a huge impact on Alton, causing them to win tons of big games. There is a lot of appreciation for the impact and bonds he has built since he came back to Alton High.
Saturday night, while playing the Vashon Wolverines during the O’Fallon Shootout tournament, Stampley accomplished what no other player on the boys basketball team has ever done. During the fourth quarter, Stampley scored a 3-pointer that put him at 1,500 points, making him the all-time leading scorer, passing Kavon Lacey, who scored 1,499 points in 2007. It was a big moment in Redbird history.
“It was a great moment in history, something that is rarely done and I felt good about it,” Stampley said.
When Stampley broke the school record scoring 1,500 points, it wasn’t just a number on a stats sheet; it was the sum of the time and dedication he put in on and off the court with teammates.
“We put in countless hours trying to get better and better so to see that it all paid off with this accomplishment shows a lot and how hard work truly pays off,” varsity boys basketball captain Tysean Jones said.
His words captured the collective pride of a team that pushed each other through grueling practices, film sessions, and off-season workouts. The milestone served as proof that their commitment to improvement wasn’t in vain. It wasn’t just one player’s achievement but a reflection of a group that believed in trusting the process and that faith would bring historic results.
From a coaches perspective, the milestone didn’t just show a great offensive production; it symbolized great leadership and consistency.
“Semaj has never chased the record; he chased improving, figuring out what he can do to make his teammates improve and being the same dude every day,” head coach Dylan Dudley said.
Dudley built a bond with Stampley the second he came back to Alton. Stampley’s coaches love his consistency and how he stays focused during high-pressure moments, such as when he was on the verge of breaking the school record. For the staff, watching him break the record was not just about celebrating history but about seeing a player fully maximize his potential through dedication to the team and commitment to improvement.
Stampley breaking 1,500 points was history, but the amount of work and dedication behind the achievement is unforgettable.
