Shooting for the top: MLCA/CCS player exceeds 1,000-point mark

Feb. 1—MOSES LAKE — Pierre Boorman, a senior at Moses Lake Christian Academy, has been tearing up the court — averaging more than 20 points per game for the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School (MLCA/CCS) boys basketball team.

Moses Lake is home for Boorman, but he is originally from Haiti. He was adopted along with his two brothers, Jeff and Kenzie, when he was 4 years old.

While Boorman has many talents and interests, one of the more notable ones may be his ability to put a basketball in a hoop. Averaging more than 20 points per game may not seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly. As of Friday, Pierre had 1,721 career points. He made the MLCA/CCS varsity team as an eighth-grader, but hit the 1,000-point milestone during his sophomore year. Of the handful of players each year around the state who make the 1,000-point club, it is usually achieved during senior year.

Boorman said he didn't know he had surpassed the 1,000-point mark until afterward. The humble 18-year-old said he never really had a goal for a number of points and still doesn't. He just wants to continue to improve his shooting accuracy.

"I don't think, I just do," Boorman said.

Making baskets isn't the only thing Pierre is good at though, he took eighth place at the state 1B track and field tournament his freshman year in the long jump.

Boorman was recently named Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Athlete of the Week for week 18.

In the recognition by the WIAA, it stated Boorman made 37 three-point shots this season alone and he is also a standout in the classroom with a 3.785 GPA.

Boorman said his passion for basketball came from participating in a program called Little Dribblers' Basketball, which his mom took him to in third grade.

Basketball plays a part in a lot of different aspects of Boorman's life. He said it is his drive to do well in school and gives him an outlet when he is feeling stressed.

MLCA/CCS head boys basketball coach Emerson Ferguson had a lot to say about Boorman.

"Pierre is a rare type of player. Every coach loves to have a player like him. I have only coached him for two years and would've loved to coach him his whole career," said Ferguson. "He has a winner's mindset and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team achieve success. If that means defense or scoring, he will do it no questions asked. He will cheer from the bench if he has to, as well. He is a very gifted athlete, but his gift really is his work ethic. The finished product people see on the court is the result of the relentless work Pierre has put in over the years. He set goals and we are all locked in to achieve them. His leadership is a big part of our journey to achieve our ultimate goal. I am extremely grateful to him and his family for all he has given to the program."

Boorman said he simply loves to be on the court and he loves practice. He explained his favorite part is seeing other players become better and improve their skills.

"I play basketball because I love basketball, but also it's just God-given talent and I play for the enjoyment of others. I love getting the crowd hyped; it's thrilling, and I love it when they get happy. I mean, obviously, loss is a bummer, but I just love playing for the crowd and my coach and everyone else," said Boorman.

Boorman said his goals this year include taking the league championship, district championship and eventually the state championship. Boorman said if the team doesn't win the state championship, he wants his team to at least play in the state tournament.

If he got offered to play college basketball anywhere, Boorman said he would choose Gonzaga University in Spokane. However, he has not decided where he wants to attend to get his degree and has not received any offers yet to play basketball.

His professional role model is National Basketball Association Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry.

Boorman added he wants to become a forensic scientist for law enforcement, if the basketball thing doesn't work out.

Rebecca Pettingill can be reached via email at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.

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