Personal information | |
---|---|
Born | 1942 (age 81–82) West Virginia |
Nationality | American |
Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
Career information | |
High school | Burnsville (Braxton County, West Virginia) |
Position | Forward |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Danny Heater (born 1942) is an American record holder for the highest single game scoring performance by one player in high school basketball history worldwide. [1]
On January 26, 1960, [2] Heater, a then 17-year-old senior at Burnsville High School in Braxton County, West Virginia scored 135 points against Widen High School of Clay County. [1] [3] In the 32-minute game, Heater made 53 of 70 field goal attempts and 29 of 41 free throws. [3] While Heater is best remembered for the controversial [4] scoring exploit, he also grabbed 32 rebounds and dished out 7 assists in the game. [3]
Heater was encouraged before the historic game, by teammates and coach alike, to try to break the state of West Virginia all-time record of 74 points. [5] By halftime, Heater had scored 50 points, and capped off his 85-point second half with his final 55 points in the last 10 minutes alone. [5] [6] The record is certified by National Federation of State High School Associations and is the highest total ever on a high school or professional level in the United States. [5] It is 35 more points than Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record of 100, but three fewer points than Jack Taylor's 138 of NCAA Division III Grinnell College. [5]
Danny Heater is now retired and lives in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia with his wife. [4]
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