By: Nate Calvin
The historic season for the Evergreen Vikings, that is currently on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak, included a career milestone for Nate Brighton.
A second quarter field goal in the Division III District Semifinals against Cardinal Stritch pushed Brighton past 1,000 career points at Evergreen.
Nate joins fellow senior Mason Loeffler who reached the 1,000-point plateau last season.
Evergreen Head Coach Jerry Kieffer, in his 27th season at Evergreen, knows it’s the senior’s work ethic that sets him apart.
“Nate his special because of his work ethic, he is constantly working to get better himself. Nate is always the last one to leave the gym after practice every night”, said Kieffer. “What people don’t see though is how good of a leader he is”, Kieffer added.
During his four years Kieffer has seen immense improvement and growth as a player. “He began his career as strictly a post player and rebounder. As he got older, he has expanded his role on offense by being able to shoot mid-range jump shots and moved behind the three-point line.
As a senior he was able to score anywhere on the floor. Being 6’5” he was a difficult player to guard”, concluded the coach. This year the 6’5” senior forward averaged 16.8 points and 12.5 rebounds to go along with 56 assists, 31 steals, and 61 blocks. He also shot 61% from two-point range, 38% from long distance, and 65% at the foul line.
Nate has been a four-year starter for the Vikings and will end his career at Evergreen as the school’s all-time leading rebounder (719 boards currently). Nate sits at 1,048 career points and has been part of 66 career wins in his four years at Evergreen.
This season Nate earned 1st Team District 7 and 1st Team All-NWOAL in helping guide Evergreen to a 25-1 overall record, with a NWOAL title to their credit along with Sectional and District Championships.
This adds to his career accomplishments which already included Honorable Mention District 7 and Honorable Mention NWOAL in his Freshman and Sophomore seasons and last year as a Junior he was 2nd Team District 7 and 1st Team NWOAL.
As it grows more apparent that Evergreen will be unable to finish their dream season, Nate keeps everything in prospective. “Basketball is nothing compared to everybody’s health and safety,” he said in an interview with The Blade earlier this month. “That’s the main concern for everyone.”
Nate has not signed a letter of intent yet but has heard from a couple Division II and NAIA schools.
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com