White cemented name in Chattahoochee’s record book

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

ALPHARETTA, GA – AJ White wrote down some goals and was locked in to accomplish them.

This unsigned senior became the school’s all-time leading scorer in Chattahoochee High history. A week later, he surpassed another personal goal: scoring his 2,000 career point. He has been on a roll since helping the Cougars capture the 6A state championship last season. The only thing that stopped White has been Covid-19.

Chattahoochee was in quarantine for two weeks after a player tested positive before a scheduled showcase at Norcross. The Cougars (6-0) take on Kell (6-2) in the National Division of Tournament of Champions at 3 pm Saturday hosted by Wheeler High. It is part of a loaded schedule.

This is Chattahochee’s first game since December 11, when White became Mr. 2K.

White’s teammates and family in attendance were thrilled about him reaching the milestone. He was much more reserved. 

“It is definitely a good feeling,” said White, who sits at 2,016 points and counting. A lot of people don’t get to 2,000 in their high school career. It was one of my accomplishments. However, the focal point for me is winning. The points are going to come.”

White is correct.

Getting 2,000 career points is not an easy feat considering the attention it brings. He is the focal point of every team’s defense. This will be the case on Saturday against the Longhorns. It was the case when the Cougars played Johns Creek several weeks ago.

White surpassed the milestone in the second quarter against the Gladiators on Dec. 11. He knocked down a mid-range jumper on the left side of the floor. It cut through the net cementing White’s name in the Cougars history book and securing a spot on the list of Georgia high school all-time leading career scorers.

Current Los Angeles Clippers’ Louis Williams, from South Gwinnett, is the state’s all-time leading scorer notching a total of 3,390 points between 2001-2005. 

White arrived at Chattahoochee as an unknown freshman. When he did get into the game he didn’t wait to assert himself. White just took it upon himself to make an impact. He has not relinquished this role at all.

“AJ came in as a freshman and is a coachable kid,” Cougars’ coach Chris Short said. “He picked up on things we were trying to do right away. He remained coachable, hungry and had these moments on his mind from the start.

“Our program wouldn’t be where it is today, including the state championship last year and the wins we’ve been able to rack up the last few years would have happened without a player like him.”

About the Author

Alfonso

Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.