History is in the books!
Phoenix Glassnor broke the De La Salle basketball all-time scoring record of 1,516 points with his three-point shot Jan. 31 before a packed BroZone and crowd with 5 minutes 41 seconds left in the first quarter against Toledo Central Catholic in the Bill Fox Gymnasium.
It’s a milestone for Glassnor, who credits his family and coaches for being inspirations to the hard work that got him there.
“Putting in the hard work, I feel, gives me confidence, and that’s what I put into the court,” he said.
He looks to former DLS basketball coach, Gjon Djokaj, and football coach, Dan Rohn, for helping lead the way to his success.
Glassnor said it was Gjokaj who taught him “how to play basketball the right way.”
Djokaj, who was Glassnor’s coach for three years at DLS, is extremely proud of him, and said, “This accomplishment proves that as a great athlete, any time you set your goals high, root yourself in hard work, fundamentals and commitment to a process, you can achieve individual goals within a team setting.
“Phoenix, with the help of his family, has stayed as committed to the process of individual development as well as anyone I have ever been around,” he continued. “The most impressive part is that he ALWAYS allowed me to coach him hard like he was still trying out for the team rather than believing he had arrived. This is why he will continue to do great things in his basketball career.
“I hope Pilot Nation knows how lucky they are to have been able to witness his talent over the last four years and to have him represent DLS moving forward,” Gjokaj said.
The 1,516-point record, previously held by Kevin McKay, ’16, is an accomplishment for Glassnor, adding that highlights of his time at DLS include scoring 1,000 points last year, and being a three-time state champion (once in basketball and twice in football).
Glassnor also described Rohn, varsity football coach, as a “great mentor. He taught me about leadership.”
Rohn said that in his entire career as an athletic director, “I am not sure I have met an individual more dedicated to his craft. He has spent more hours in the gym and in the weight room, working to develop his game and take care of himself mentally and physically.
“We are excited for him and this opportunity to have broken this record and look forward to watching him compete at the University of Toledo,” he added.
Always by Glassnor’s side are his parents, Rodney Glassnor and Lady Rhodes, along with his siblings, including Jevon, who coaches DLS JV basketball. “My dad and brother… all of them have been there and helped me,” Phoenix said.”My siblings know what this means to me.”
His father, Rodney, said, “I’m super proud of how far Phoenix has come from freshman year to his senior year. He has shown great leadership qualities, and his work ethic is second to none.
“Plus he has grown from a boy to a young man before my eyes… I'm happy to say he is ready for the next stage,” he said.
Phoenix’s mother, Lady, said her son’s passion for basketball began at an early age. “He trained his mind and body while feeding his hunger for success,” she said. “His focus and dedication to his craft have been unwavering …Over the years, he has grown from a young athlete into the remarkable player and leader you see here today. I could not be prouder of his achievements, both on and off the court.”
As the JV basketball coach, his brother, Jevon, is frequently in the Bill Fox Gymnasium for practices and games. “Watching Phoenix grow these past four years in his maturity, determination and commitment has been one of the best things of my life,” he expressed.
Jevon called his younger brother’s growth as a leader one of his personal highlights, and added, “figuring out sometimes leading by example is not enough, having space for his teammates and classmates and setting the tone of dedication and competition.”
“His work ethic is another thing that amazes me; he’s worked for everything he has,” Jevon said. “It’s honestly been the biggest joys of my life being a part of Phoenix’s journey.”
Phoenix’s next phase of basketball is just around the corner. He will always be a Pilot, but will also take on the role of a Rocket as he heads to the University of Toledo this fall to play basketball.