Coming into the 2025-26 varsity basketball season, Lapeer senior Will Fisher knew the all-time school scoring record was within reach and it was his record to break.
Back on February 5 in a home game against Saginaw United, Fisher scored career point 1,359, surpassing the previous mark of 1,358 that was set in 2013 by Cullen Turczyn.
"I've been working at it the whole year, so it feels good to finally get it," Fisher said. "Getting the record was something I kind of had in the back of my mind, especially after I hit the 1,000-point mark last year. The record is definitely a highlight of my career here, but I think just being on this team and playing with guys that work hard, don't quit, and want to get better, that's what I'll always remember. Last year was a fun year and then this year, we haven't won many games, but we've been in most of them."
Lightning head coach Jack Chittle said that beyond the school record, Fisher has been a staple in the lineup, something he'll miss going forward.
"I came in two years ago and I knew that he was obviously a really nice player," said Chittle. "I got the opportunity to coach him during football and we got really close during those seasons. The fact that we've got a guy that we can lean on to go get 25 or 30 points every night in a high school basketball game is pretty impressive, especially in the Saginaw Valley League. I know when people watch the NBA or college basketball, they think that's pretty easy, but for a high school kid to be able to consistently do that for us, it's been amazing to watch. More than that, his teammates love him. He's great to coach. It's been a pleasure to be around him.
"He does an excellent job against the best competition. I mean, he's had some of his best games against really good teams."
Chittle added that Fisher has grown his game during his time wearing blue and green.
"He's just gotten a lot stronger in his game," said Chittle. "He was real quick and dynamic those first couple years, and he's still quick and dynamic, but the way he finishes at the rim, controls his body, can get bumped in the paint in the valley, he's learned to be a complete player. As a person, I can see it even in the last couple of weeks, the finality of basketball is setting in for him a little bit. Being more of a leader, taking more accountability, trying to help some of our young guys along, that has been really cool to see. Just the maturation process and his love for basketball has stayed as high as it can possibly get the entire way through."
Fisher, who also played football at LHS, said he acquired his love of the game of basketball from his father, who played in college. A dual-sport athlete with a 3.5 GPA, Fisher said the key to being successful in athletics and in the classroom has been balance.
"I just get my schoolwork done and get to work after that," said Fisher. "It's nice to play two sports and keep my mind off one when I'm playing the other. Then when I'm not playing, I like to golf, fish, play video games. I think I've made everything work.
"I don't have any definite plans for next year yet, but I'm still looking and just keeping all my options open."
Chittle said not having Fisher on the hardwood next year will be tough, "but we'll be good."
"We'll worry about these next two games here first," said Chittle. "Honestly, you think about (Fisher graduating) more during the season than you do these last two weeks. We feel like we have a great shot to get a win Thursday and have some great momentum going into districts. We feel like we can make a little noise and surprise people. Looking at next year, we have a nice little collection of young players that will have to score by committee rather than relying on one player to score 20, 25 points a night. It's less of replace and more of retool because I don't know if I'm ever going to have a player like Will again, and I hope to be here for a long time."
In looking at younger basketball players in Lapeer, Fisher offered succinct advice for those looking to make an impact on the court.
"Just keep working," Fisher said. "Never stop."
The Lightning plays at Bay City Central Thursday night at 7 p.m. and then travels to Oxford for districts next Monday to play Kearsley at 7 p.m.
