Autumn Earney didn’t realize what had happened on Tuesday, Jan. 26, but she’s never going to forget it.

Earney’s name is etched in the Ellsworth High School record books, as she broke Charysse Minder’s scoring record from 25 years ago. With two free throws halfway through the second quarter, Earney scored points 1,358 and 1,359.

“First of all, I had no idea I was anywhere close to the record,” Autumn said over the weekend. “It was all a surprise to me. It was such a surreal experience. I made the free throw, and I heard the announcer say my last free throw had set the record. It was so cool. I have such great teammates, the community and coaches. I can’t thank them enough for where they got me. They honestly did more than me to get me to this point.”

“Coach (Jason) Janke had talked to my parents and said I was getting close to the scoring record a few weeks ago. I told them I don’t want to know where I’m at. I just want to play ball, play my game and not let it affect me,” said Earney.

It’s not lost on Earney that with the pandemic, this season was made possible only through the hard work of schools, administrators and coaches.

“With COVID, we’re just thankful to be playing basketball. It’s one game at a time. We’re doing everything in our power to keep the season going,” she said. “I can’t thank our athletic director (Ann Huppert) enough and our coaches for the work they’ve done. It means so much to us seniors to be able to have as close to a normal senior year as we can.” With fan attendance limited at games, Earney was happy to see her parents, Bob and Carla, in the stands.

“I”m not an emotional person, but when I looked over and saw my family sitting there, I couldn’t help but start crying,” Autumn said.

It also means a lot to her to be mentioned with the likes of Minder, an Ellsworth sports legend.

“I’ve heard so much about her,” she said. “Everyone remembers what she did for the basketball program.”

Earney is undecided on her college plans. She’s also a standout softball player and is eager for that season. She is the Panther shortstop.

“I’m not decided yet. I’m blessed to have many offers for basketball and softball, but I want to go somewhere that I can play both,” she said But first, there’s more work to do for the Panther hoops team, as the regular season winds down, and WIAA Regional play starts next week.

“These last couple games have been tough. We’ve had two players out with close contact (COVID), and we’ve been trying to play for them,” she said. “Coach Janke tells us you can only win the game in front of you. Focus on the first game and everything else will come once you win the game in front of you.”

Earney credits a lot of her success to two of her role models in Ellsworth basketball. Emma Swanson graduated in 2019, and Kaitlyn Nugent, who graduated last year.

“Emma had so much heart for the game and for Ellsworth basketball. She always pushed me in the weight room and practice. She kind of got me where I am today. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have that much drive,” Autumn said. “Kaitlyn Nugent was a huge part of my success. We had a unique relationship on the basketball court and we fed off of each other.”

The two combined for 33 points per game last year.

Her biggest praise went to the coaching staff, though: Coach Jason Janke, JV Coach Jill Hutcheson and C-Team Coach Allison Odmark.

“I can’t thank them enough. They’ve been so supportive of me. They work so hard for all of us,” said Earney.

Next week: The Journal will profile Charysse Minder as she looks back on her Ellsworth sports career.

Photo by Gaylen Bicking.

Photo by Gaylen Bicking.

Autumn Earney was airborne as she scored a layup against Somerset last Tuesday.