By TR HARLAN

There are some records that are just more important than others.

In Indiana, to be the school’s all-time scoring leader in boys basketball puts you on a pedestal few others will ever achieve.

Zack Novak, welcome to the club.

Novak’s three-pointer from the left corner, the start of a rare four-point play, in overtime Saturday afternoon against Mishawaka pushed him to 1,234 career points eclipsing the record of Lenny Eason (1,231).

“This is Zack’s day,” Chesterton coach Tom Peller said with a smile. “This is a special record he’s got now. I’ll go give him a hug and see if he can get another 1,200.”

And now his name will be considered around Trojan greats like Eason, Matt Nover, Brett Buscher and others.

“Zack is just a special player,” Peller said. “If he’s not the best all-around player in this area, I don’t know who is.”

Novak scored just 15 points through the first three quarters and wasn’t concerned with the record. He was worried about overcoming a 50-46 deficit.

“Before the game, everybody was trying to figure out how many points I needed,” Peller said. “I didn’t have any idea where I was at. When I made that shot, I was pumped about us having a chance to win the game.

“When the buzzer sounded, I knew that was it.”

Next up for the Trojans on the court is the Duneland Athletic Conference opener against Merrillville next Saturday. But, Novak wants to do something else before then.

“I’m a little disappointed (Eason) couldn’t be here today,” Novak said. “He’s had it for over 50 years now. To hold a record for half a century is unbelievable.

“I’d really like to sit down and talk to him.”

Eason tallied his points while playing for Chesterton from 1949-1953.

“I met one of his friends at a football game this year,” Novak said. “I guess he was a heckuva athlete. He said he just missed the Olympics in the shot put.

“I’d just like to sit down and talk to him and see what he’s like.”

The two have met in person though. Last year, Eason tossed up the ceremonial opening tip against Valparaiso at CHS.

“I met him last year when he threw up the ball against Valpo,” Novak said. “I didn’t get to really talk to him that night though.

“I just want to congratulate him for having the record. That’s such a long time. It’s unbelievable to me.”

Posted 11/26/2007