Milford's Patrick Kelly became the fifth player in Milford boys basketball history to score 1,000 points during his career, hitting the milestone with a foul shot just before halftime of a non-league game against Stamford Saturday afternoon.

The foul line wound up being a major part of the story line for Milford's 53-52 victory, as Kelly missed 5-7 foul shots before hitting 1,000, then made his final six, including the game-tying and game-winning free throws with 37 seconds remaining.

"I think Pat enjoyed that because he's struggled at times from the line," said Milford head coach Bill Crowley. "He's worked hard for this team for four years and I know the fans and this team appreciate it. He's an example that hard work does pay off."

Kelly entered Friday's Tri-Valley game at Laurens needing 22 points to reach 1,000, but had just 14 points in a low scoring, 42-28 victory. But the senior center only had to be patient for one more day, and when he swished a foul shot through, the game was stopped momentarily as he was given a basketball and a banner honoring his achievement.

Wildcat sophomore Joe Ward, filling in for injured senior Andy Work, scored a career-high 13 points while Kelly had a game-high 22 against Stamford.

"We were playing two road games in less than 24 hours, and Stamford is a solid club so that was a good victory for us," Crowley said. "Against Laurens, we only hit 4-22 shots in the first half, and had 10 points, but that's why you play defense. Our defense allowed us to win that game."

Milford then improved to 11-1 on the season with a 75-56 victory at Morris Tuesday night, and host Schenevus Friday before a full week off before hosting Edmeston Jan. 26.

"The tough part of our league schedule is still in front of us," Crowley said. "We still have two games with Schenevus, and home games with Cherry Valley-Springfield and Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton."

Crowley said in addition to Ward, senior forward Hamza Sinanaj also had a great week, grabbing at least 10 rebounds in each victory, including an 18 point, 16 rebound game against Morris.

"Hamza has really been a force, and Joe Ward is an extremely hard worker," Crowley said. "When Andy comes back Friday, Joe will go back to being the sixth man and the great thing is his versatility, I can use him at any position."

Kelly joins brothers Doug and Jeff Lifgren, Ryan Seward and Seth Petronis in Milford's 1,000-point club.

Petronis and Kelly were both starters on the Wildcats' 1998 Section Four Class D championship team, while Seward graduated in 1997.