VIDEO: LCM’s Bonner, much more than just a scorer, passes 1K milestone

Posted: January 24th 2024

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

When people walk into the gymnasium at Lower Cape May Regional High School, they’re eventually going to see Macky Bonner’s name immortalized as one of the great scorers in the school’s basketball program’s history.

On Wednesday, the senior point guard became the latest Lower Cape May player to reach 1,000 career points when he passed the milestone during a 75-12 home victory over Cape May Tech.

“It was a really cool night, especially to be able to experience it at home,” Bonner said. “I had a lot of family come out and a lot of the community came out to support, so it was really an awesome night.”

While he’ll now be remembered as a great high school scorer, Bonner’s true impact to the program at Lower Cape May has been much more than putting the ball in the basket.

“He’s a vocal leader but he’s also one who does it by example the way he does it in front of everyone at practice,” Lower Cape May coach Scott Holden said. “He’s been incredible to coach. A bit of a coach’s dream.”

Bonner has been the engine that makes the Tigers go since he entered the program as a freshman. He led the Tigers to an 18-8 finish last season. This season, the team is 14-3 after Wednesday’s victory.

In addition to his scoring, Bonner, at 5-11, also leads Lower in rebounding, assists and steals this season.

“If he keeps his averages going to the end of the season, he’s going to finish with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists and 125 steals in his career,” Holden said. “The kid just does everything.”

As good as Bonner is at basketball, he’s also a standout in lacrosse, which is the sport he’ll play next scholastic year at Ursinus College. With this most likely being his final season of organized basketball, Bonner is doing his best to enjoy the experience.

“I’m really enjoying the season so far,” Bonner said. “We’re playing a different (up-tempo) style this year and I’m having a lot of fun. This is probably the last time I’ll be playing basketball so I’m trying to soak it in and enjoy it and have fun with the guys every day.”

Bonner said he’s humbled by the thought of seeing his name added to the 1,000-point banner in the school’s gymnasium.

“It’s going to mean a lot knowing how much work I put in the last four years,” Bonner said. “What means more to me is that I never would’ve gotten to 1,000 points without my teammates and coaches and everyone that’s helped me over the years.”

Bonner finished with 22 points in the win. Brayden Melo added 14.