Maggie L. Walker junior Jamie Martin was recognized during a game on Tuesday against Hermitage High School for achieving what few high school basketball players ever do: scoring her 1,000th career point.

Martin reached the milestone on Dec. 18 against Colonial Heights High School. The Dragons held off on the acknowledgement due to the holidays and the team’s away schedule. She was honored for the achievement during the Dragons’ matchup with Hermitage. She scored eight points in the game as the Dragons won 59-17, a testament to her team-first mentality as she focused on getting her teammates involved. 

“For me, it’s a really big accomplishment,” Martin said. “It’s something I’ve looked forward to since I started playing basketball, has always been something that’s been in my front view as something that I’ve always wanted to reach. It took a lot of work, it took a lot of effort. I worked hard every day.” 

The 16-year-old, who first picked up a basketball six years ago as a sixth grader, has been on a historic pace since arriving at Maggie L. Walker. Her 1,000 points through just her junior season puts her well ahead of schedule to break the school’s all-time women’s scoring record of 1,292 points. 

“I’ve been told by so many people they’re like, you’re on track to get it. Like, just keep doing what you’re doing,” Martin said of the school record. “And regardless of if I hit it or if I don’t, I’m just going to be proud of the performance of it out there.” 

But Martin is quick to deflect credit to those around her. 

“It has a lot to do with my teammates, my teammates having faith in me,” she explained. “Being able to push me to the levels that I’m at right now is very important, and I just think in general, regardless of the fact that I hit it, the work’s not done. I still have the rest of this season, all the next season, and I just can’t wait to see what happens now.” 

That team-first mindset was on full display in the recognition game against Hermitage. Martin focused on getting her teammates involved, attempting far fewer shots than her typical 16 to 20 per game. 

“My teammates ... are as much of an impact on this school and on this team as I am,” she said. “And I always want them to make sure that they feel that way regardless of whatever accolades or anything that I have.” 

Martin’s scoring arsenal is diverse. She averages between 16 and 20 shots per game, sometimes reaching into the 30s depending on opposing defenses. Her go-to moves include right-handed layups and drawing fouls for and-one opportunities. But her favorite shot might surprise you. 

“Free throw if I’m being quite honest,” Martin said. “There’s nobody there. It’s just me, the ball, the basket. And it’s a chance where a lot of people often crumble and I feel like I did really well in that whenever I have to shoot a free throw. So probably a free throw, or a midrange jumper, because it’s just satisfying.” 

With a full season-plus still ahead of her high school career, Martin has her sights set beyond the school record. She’s already eyeing Division I programs, particularly the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Clemson. 

“I’m trying to take it to the next level. My goal is of course DI,” Martin said. “What happens after that? Not sure, but if I could just make it on a team, if I could make it with a coach, just people who believe in me, people who push me to the best of my ability, that’s all I really want for myself.” 

The Free Press featured Martin in February 2024, highlighting her freshman-year impact. As a junior now with 1,000 points and counting, she’s cementing her legacy as one of the school’s all-time greats. 

“Just wait to see what I do next,” she said. 

Jamie Martin, 16, a junior at Maggie L. Walker High School, was recognized Tuesday for reaching 1,000 career points as she played against Hermitage High School. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)