Justin Ortiz Achieves Milestone at Hewlett High School
Justin Ortiz has made a significant mark at Hewlett High School, becoming Mr. 1,000.
This impressive senior point guard is only the eighth player in the school’s history to reach 1,000 career points, but he’s not stopping there.
“I think I’m around 1,150 right now, but my goal is 1,450,” the 17-year-old shared, perhaps a bit excessively focused on that figure.
“The school record is set at 1,445 points.”
From a young age, Ortiz was deeply passionate about basketball. Growing up, he played pickup games in front of his house, a local rite of passage for neighborhood boys.
“Playing with my brothers and kids twice my age prepared me for this,” Ortiz reflected.
That pivotal moment for him came in late December, during a decisive 73-48 win against Law Enforcement and Public Safety High School, but the focus shifted with his achievement fading into the background.
“Right before halftime, I took a half-court shot that went in — of course, it marked my 999th point,” he remembered, though he wasn’t complaining about making the record-setting 3-pointer right after.
For Ortiz, being the highest scorer in Bulldog history takes on special meaning this season, which has been particularly emotional for the team.
Jonathan Welsh, Ortiz’s assistant coach, is faced with a personal challenge as his 2-year-old daughter battles a genetic condition that poses a risk of organ failure.
The team showed their support by organizing a sold-out tournament named The Rowynne Grace Classic to honor Welsh’s daughter.
“My dad passed when I was six months old,” Ortiz said, revealing a deeper connection.
“Coach Welsh is like a father to me… he’s someone I admire. When one of us faces a struggle, we all feel it,” he added.
Ortiz’s on-court performance, closely observed by friends from his neighborhood who’ve moved on to college or other paths, has helped him feel a connection to his late father.
“During my 1,000-point game, I wore a wristband that said ‘Dear Dad.’ After I set the record, I pointed to it,” he shared.
“I believe he’d be proud of the man I’m becoming.”
