Another Lady Tiger basketball player has joined the ranks of an exclusive club. Ella VanVranken is now a member of the 1,000 Point Club after passing the milestone during tournament play in East Tennessee. She was honored during a halftime ceremony on Tuesday, January 10, during the Tigers’ home game against Watertown.

VanVranken was presented with a 1,000 career point game ball during the ceremony, where she was joined by her teammates and coaches in celebration. She had passed the 1,000 point mark on December 21, 2022, in Maryville as the Lady Tigers took on Ezell-Hardin, where she scored 26 points in the game.

“I was very excited to get my 1,000th point. It’s been a goal I’ve had for myself ever since I was a freshman,” said Ella. When asked if she would push for 2,000, VanVranken said, “That’s a pretty big goal to push, but we’ll see if it will happen.”

Ella, daughter of Zach and Kristen VanVranken, scored her 1,000th career point on December 21, 2022 in a holiday tournament between the Lady Tigers and Ezell Harding at Wilson County High School in Lebanon leading the team in scoring with 26 points that day in a 56 to 51 victory for DeKalb County.

During her freshman year, Ella scored 367 points, had 123 rebounds, 33 assists, and 60 steals and received Freshman of the Year and 3rd Team All District honors.

As a sophomore, VanVranken scored 427 points, had 158 rebounds, 67 assists, and 70 steals and earned 2nd Team All District, a DTC award, and was voted on by her team as the Offensive Most Valuable Player.

Currently, in her junior year at the time of the award, Ella had scored to date 376 points, had 67 rebounds, 50 assists, and 36 steals. During the Kerry Malone Christmas Tournament, where she scored her 1,000th point, Ella received player of the game honors in both games of the tournament. At the time of the ceremony, VanVranken had scored 1,170 points for her high school career with 348 rebounds, 150 assists, and 166 steals.

DCHS Lady Tiger Coach Brandy Alley talked about VanVranken’s achievement. Ella is a joy to coach. Every time she suits up, she gives 100 percent. Ella leads by example and does her best to take over when the team needs her. Ella has stepped up to every challenge we have given her. I am very excited to see what her future holds,” said Alley.

Assistant Lady Tiger Coach Madison Parsley also had praise for the player. “Ella is an amazing player who is always willing to do whatever it takes to win. Over the past three years, I have seen her grow both on and off the court. In every role she has been asked to take on she has exceeded expectations. I believe she will succeed in anything she chooses to do with her life,” Parsley said.