Herbert joins Eagles' 1,000-point club

by Bill Althaus

Grain Valley Eagles junior guard Eli Herbert was thrilled when he was presented the game ball from his Dec. 28, 2024 game in which he joined the Eagles' 1,000-point club.

That's because Josh Kilpatrick, a 2020 Grain Valley graduate who was the last Eagle to score 1,000 points, was part of the ceremony.

"I'm so happy for Eli and honored to be a part of this celebration," said Kilpatrick, who is now playing basketball at Avila University.

"Back when I was playing, Eli was a little kid who was always in the gym. His dad (Andy Herbert) was our coach, and you could tell Eli was a coach's kid because he knew as much, or even more, about basketball than all our players who were there practicing.

"He and I had a great relationship. When I scored my 1,000th point, I think he was as happy for me, as I was for myself. And when I was asked to present him his 1,000th point game ball, I said, 'Yes!" I really wanted to be here tonight."

Eli followed the pre-game celebration by scoring 34 points in three quarters as the Eagles dominated Platte County 85-52.

Eli and Kilpatrick are also connected to another Eagles milestone as the former Eagles standout held the school's 3-point record of 167.

Eli broke Kilpatrick's 3-point record when he reached 171 on a 26-point night at last year's William Jewell Holiday Classic.

"I'll be honest with you," quipped Coach Herbert, "with Eli being my son, things like this are a little bit difficult for me. I'm so happy for Eli, who doesn't really care for these honors, but like we talked about, tonight is for our family - his mom and grandparents. We are so proud of Eli and enjoy moments like this.

"I'm just happy it was before our varsity game. After it was over, all we had to think about was winning the game tonight."

Following the varsity victory Eli was joined by many family members, who posed for a photo under the basket.

"A celebration like this is good for our family," Eli said. "Having my family here tonight was the best part of the night. Seeing their smiles in the stands and seeing how excited they were to visit with me after the game was so special.

"But really, all I was thinking about was winning our game. And we were able to do that, which made the night even more special."

Grain Valley Eagles junior guard Eli Herbert was presented the game ball from his Dec. 28, 2024 game in which he joined the Eagles' 1,000-point club. Photo credit: Bill Althaus

Josh Kilpatrick, right, a 2020 Grain Valley High School graduate, and the last Eagles player to score 1,000 career points, congratulates junior guard Eli Herbert for scoring his 1,000th career point Dec. 28, 2024. Kilpatrick once held the school 3-point basket record, which Herbert also broke this season. Photo credit: Bill Althaus