Standing at the free-throw line of a district quarterfinal game in front of a large crowd, there was more going through the mind of Justin Zajko than the one point he needed to reach an individual milestone.

The senior has always put team first, and since being slotted into the starting lineup as a sophomore, the senior has helped lead Parkland to three straight District 11 finals, winning the last two.

But after draining the second of two free-throws, Zajko recorded his 1,000th career point, and was able to temporarily toss the game ball to his mother in the stands, before being congratulated by teammates and coaches. It's a goal many high school players aim for, but one few attain.

"That was my only personal goal I had since freshman year," Zajko said. "Playing since my freshman year I thought that I would have a good shot at getting it.

"It's a good feeling to know my name will be there with the rest of them. And I've played with a lot of great players at Parkland. My teammates have created so many opportunities for me, and they always made the extra pass. I owe it all to them."

Last Saturday night's win over rival Emmaus, however, was more important to him than any of the scoring accolades he receives. It was the second straight gold medal that Zajko and his teammates could wear proudly around their necks.

Leading up to the achievement, even back to the beginning of the season when it was in his grasp, there were some nerves, but it didn't seem to affect the senior or any of his teammates.

The Trojans have 20 wins under their belts heading into the PIAA state tournament this weekend.

"It was a little nerve-racking," said Zajko. "I wouldn't have been upset if I didn't get it, but it was nice to be able to get it because that means I scored points to help my team win. It's nice to get it over with though."

Now the weight is off his shoulders heading into the big dance, with a first-round game at Freedom high school Saturday night against Central Bucks West.

Zajko, along with fellow senior Nick Rindock, have been the team's leading scorers this season. Last year they were also vital parts to the team, but with a talent like Austin Beidelman, Zajko was not the focal point to the offense like he is this year.

The Trojans have one of the more talented teams that they have had in recent years and Zajko is a leader on both ends of the floor. If the team is struggling shooting, he doesn't have a problem taking the ball and putting it in the hoop. He is also asked to guard one of the opponent's better players.

Head coach Andy Stephens has called Zajko a "glue guy" because he can play and guard anywhere from the point guard position to the center.

"We expect a lot out of Justin," Stephens said. "He's been performing really well with a lot of confidence. He does a lot of things on the court that others can't. He just does everything well."

"I couldn't count the number of times people have told me you have to remember your senior year," added Zajko. "You have to put it all out there and you don't want to regret anything when it's over. It's been a great experience."

Zajko was also named a Lehigh Valley Conference All-Star this year, along with Rindock, as just another accomplishment to a great four-year career.

After he finishes up on his senior season, Zajko will make a decision on attending a college to continue playing basketball. He is down to DeSales, Cabrini, Bloomsburg and West Chester.

Whichever program lands him, they will have a fearless player that will do whatever is asked of him to help his team win.