Connor Creech is the first male athlete at Hastings High School to score 1000 career points. Creech has grown up with basketball around him. His father and current high school basketball coach, Lance Creech, has been a basketball coach at McCook Community College and Head Coach for the Hastings College Broncos before landing the boys basketball coach at Hastings High School.
Connor has had many basketball influences in his career but nobody like his dad. “He’s always in the gym with me and him being there for me is pretty special,” Creech said.
Connor actively seeks ways to get better on the court. He finds great players, like one of his favorites: Lebron James, to shape his game after.
“Lebron can get everyone involved and unselfishly I try to be like that,” Creech said.
“Connor’s time in the gym often goes unnoticed”, Lance Creech said. “He has a desire to be great. People within our program know that he puts in a lot of time and those that are not closely connected to him don’t see or understand the time he puts in.”
Connor has reached a big mark in his high school career and is deserving of all the accomplishments he receives. Some former coaches share their congratulations on this record.
“Connor is deserving of any accolades and records he receives or reaches… I have often pointed out, that over all the games and practices I have coached Connor (two sports), he always thanked me after every practice and game,” former Coach Jim Boeve said.
“Congratulations Connor! I could not be more proud of a young man that has dedicated himself to becoming a great player. It has been a pleasure watching you grow as a player and look forward to your accomplishments in the future,” Jason Cafferty said.
“Congratulations on a great record and milestone in your career. I know you will continue to grow as a player but most of all as a person, your drive and dedication will always see you through no matter the obstacles you may face! Congrats and thank you for allowing me to have a chance to coach you even though it was for a short time!” Hastings Middle School Coach Dave Hepner said.
“Connor, I want to congratulate you on scoring 1000 points in your career! What is special about you isn’t your ability to score points, but your ability to make everyone else around you better…. I’m proud to have gotten to watch you grow as an athlete, but even more so as a young man! Congrats CC!” Grand Island Senior High Boys Head Coach and Connor’s AAU Coach Jeremiah Slough said.
“Connor has always been unique in terms of mentality, commitment, and love towards the game. These moments of recognition have been earned through years of sacrifice. Western Nebraska is thankful his career continues beyond Hastings High and proud to be a part of the journey through his senior season. Personally, no matter how many points Connor has scored, I will always remember the young boy with amazing curiosity for the game,” future college coach at Western Nebraska Community College, Cory Fehringer said.
There is one thing in common with all of these statements: Creech is often praised for his unselfishness and his passion for the game. Feeling that there is more work to be done after reaching 1000 career points, he is never satisfied.
“I’ll just try and burry the record really and get a state championship,” Creech said.
