LUSK – Niobrara County High School senior Cory Bruegger joined the 1000 point club to become the 15th Lusk player (boys and girls) in school history to accomplish the feat. Just ahead of him is his brother Ryan (1025 pts) and mother Lisa (1070) and a deep postseason run could put him in the top ten all time.

Entering Friday’s game at Tiger Gym against Lingle-Fort Laramie, Cory was just nine points shy and put the large crowd on edge with a quick five points. He got closer in the second with a short basket, but would have to wait until after the break to get the milestone.

A broken play at the Dogger end led to a fast break and Aidan Mattheus came away with the ball. He fed a streaking Bruegger for the layup just 20 seconds into the third period. A quick timeout allowed the packed house to rise and celebrate the moment, before Lusk went on to the 82-67 win.

The two time All Conference player is second on the team in scoring and steals, while leading in rebounds and assists. In all four categories he is among the top ten in a powerful 2A East Conference.

He put up 60 points as a freshman, and was there when brother Ryan joined the 1000 point club late in the 2020-21 season. During his sophomore season, Cory scored 351 points before a similar junior season with 354 points.

Neither of the boys or their father Travis were present when Lisa hit the milestone late in the 1992 season for the State Champion Lady Tigers. 

The NCHS 1000 point club includes:

1. Casey Fosher – 1,792 (1997-2001)

2. Allison Luchsinger – 1,490 (1996-2000)

3. Dustin Nelson – 1,443 (2000-2004)

4. Tami Tully – 1,334 (1988-1991)

5. Brett Hytrek – 1,308 (1996-2000)

6. Steve Cockreham* – 1,258 (1965-1969)

7. Cody Gault – 1,122 (2006-2009)

8. Hunter Dockery – 1,114 (2012-2016)

9. Bud Reed* – 1,084 (1950-1954)

10. Sally Powers – 1,081 (1992-1996)

11. Lisa Arnett – 1,070 (1990-1992)

12. Ryan Bruegger – 1,025 (2017-2021)

13. Cory Bruegger^ – 1,011 (2020-2024)

14. Phil Martin* – 1,008 (1956-1959)

15. Denis Peterson* – 1,002 (1972-1975)

*prior to the 3 point line added before the 1985-86 season.

^and counting… (as of 2/2/2024)