STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In a day and age where so many kids are specializing in one sport, Tottenville’s two-sport phenom Grace Anderson is certainly bucking the trend.
Anderson, a flag football All-American, who was a key member of the Pirates 2025 city championship team, eclipsed 1,000th-point milestone in basketball Thursday night as the Pirates walloped host New Dorp, 80-26.
The junior guard, who entered the game with 989 career points, registered the magical number on a driving layup down the right sideline at the 3:00 mark of the first period.
“I’m relieved to get it over with,” laughed Anderson. “I knew I only needed 11 points, but I was a little nervous for sure in the beginning of the game. I just wanted to get it done early and then concentrate on winning the game. All of the scoring I could not have done without great teammates and coaches.”
Tottenville’s Grace Anderson scored her 1000th point against New Dorp on Thursday night. Anderson puts up the layup that would provide her 1000th point. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)
After transferring to Tottenville from St. Joseph Hill after her freshman year, Anderson has shined on the hardwood as well as the football field. In addition to copping a city title in flag, the Huguenot resident led the Pirates to the PSAL 4A semifinals in hoops a year ago.
“Grace is special player and a special person and to score the 1,000 points is such a great accomplishment for her,” praised Pirate head coach Jessica Althoff, who has led the Pirates to a sparkling 18-4 overall mark on the season. “She is a phenomenal teammate and always looks to get her team involved. She works extremely hard day in and day out to make herself and the team better and the training she does on the side is even more impressive.”
“My family has played a big part in my success as they’re always pushing me to be the best I can,” said Anderson, who fell in love with the game immediately when she started playing around kindergarten. “My dad (Jimmy) played D1 baseball at LIU, so I think I get my athletic ability from him, but I definitely feel I get my competitiveness from my mom (Sherri) – you have to see her in action! And my brothers are always pushing me as well,” noted the two-sport star, whose older brothers Jake and Mason starred on the diamond at Tottenville.
Tottenville’s Grace Anderson scored her 1000th point against New Dorp on Thursday night. Anderson, surrounded by her team and family, celebrates the milestone. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)
Though only a junior, Anderson will have big decisions coming soon, whether to pursue flag or hoops at the next level.
Or maybe both?
When pressed on which sport she prefers best, the wide receiver/DB paused before answering.
“Flag football is so much fun, I love playing it, but I couldn’t imagine not playing basketball,” laughed Anderson. “Realistically I want to lock in on D1 basketball now, but playing the two sports I love would be a dream come true.”
***
NOTES: Anderson tallied a team-high 19 points in the game to lead the Pirates to the 4A win. Araya Lichtman had 11, Brianna Ardolic 10 and Emily Greenberg and Lilyanna Goffredo split 18 as all 11 Pirates cracked the scoring column.
Tottenville’s Grace Anderson scored her 1000th point against New Dorp on Thursday night. Anderson smiles with her family during an on-court ceremony following the milestone. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)