Emily Knowles, a senior on the girls basketball team at West Hartford’s Conard High School, now tops the record book in career points scored.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Paul Palmer

Conard High School senior Emily Knowles is the new all-time leading scorer for girls basketball at West Hartford Public Schools.

The senior passed former teammate and current Baylor University player Azaiyah Felder’s mark of 1,438 points with the final basket against Southington on Dec. 28, 2024. The four-year player has been one of the school’s and state’s top players going back to her freshman season.

“I came in and this has been a fun four years. I hadn’t thought about the record,” she said after a recent practice. “I’m only here (as record-holder) because of everyone around me. I’m grateful for that.” Through Conard’s first nine games of the season, Knowles has totaled 1,511 points in her high school career.

Knowles was named All-Conference in each of the last two seasons and was named All-State following the 2023-2024 season that saw the Red Wolves advance to the Class LL State Semifinal. Last season she set school records in points per game average (24.2) and total points score (653). She is also closing in on second place on the school’s all-time 3-pointer list.

On the court, Knowles leads by example, not only in her scoring, but in her willingness to do whatever it takes for her team to win. In addition to her scoring touch, Knowles grabs her share of rebounds, dives for loose balls, and dishes out assists, all with confident, quiet leadership.

“Emily leads by her actions. She does not have to be vocal,” said Laurie Cersosimo, her coach for all four years at Conard. “A lot of people see her score points, but there is so much more she does. She is the best all-around basketball player this team and school has had. Not only is she the number one scorer for us, she’s also the best defender.”

In each of her four years at Conard, Knowles has increased her points per game average and total points, and so far this season is averaging 21 points a game. She is comfortable shooting from anywhere on the court and is not afraid to take the ball to the basket, often drawing hard fouls.

Throughout her journey to the record, there have been two constant teammates playing alongside her. Knowles is quick to turn the attention, credit, and spotlight from herself to those around her – in particular her co-captains Nicole Gorman and Courtney McPhee.

“I’ve been with them since middle school basketball. I’m excited I can do it with them,” Knowles said. “Team chemistry is everything. It’s always been that way for us. They are my best friends and they are there when you get down during games.”

Conard coach Cersosimo has also been there to see the development of all three players and said she is proud of all of them. “Emily 100% deserves this, but she will tell you she never would have gotten here without her teammates. She wasn’t chasing this. It was never a goal for her, she just got it,” the coach said.

Knowles and her teammates have made steady progress each season – advancing to the state quarterfinals two seasons ago before last year’s loss in the semifinals to top-seed Sacred Heart during a 21-win season. “It’s hard to put into words how very grateful I am to be a part of what she has done for the program,” her head coach said.

One of the most valuable skills Knowles brings to the game and to life is her sense of humility. No matter how big the win or the basket she hits, she does not celebrate or show off. Her focus is on making herself and those around her the best players and people they can be.

“It is a testament to her mom and dad how she stays so humble and focused. To coach her is a dream and I never have to worry about her. She is an extremely composed young woman. Her sister Brooklynn is the same way,” Cersosimo said.

Next fall Knowles will attend and play basketball for Smith College in Massachusetts.

“I am unbelievably proud of her off the court as well,” Cersosimo said. “She is so genuine and authentic and that will take you far. I can’t wait to see where that takes her.”

The following West Hartford Public Schools girls basketball statistics are courtesy of Eddie Litos, Conard High School.

West Hartford Public Schools Girls Basketball 1,000-point Scorers

• Emily Knowles (Conard)—1,511 (2025) through Jan. 10, 2025
• Azaiyah Felder (Conard) – 1,438 (2021)
• Sue Sebolt (Hall) – 1,255 (1983)
• Amber Raisner (Hall) – 1,246 (2018)
• Callie Cosgrove (Conard) – 1,223 (2024)
• Sara Binkhorst (Hall) – 1,112 (2011)
• Delaney Connors (Conard) – 1,020 (2018)

Emily Knowles statistics by seasons

• 2021-22: 11.5ppg, 195 points scored
• 2022-23: All-League, 17.6ppg, 475 points scored
• 2023-24: All-League; All-State, 24.2ppg (school record), 653 points scored (school record)
• 2024-25 (through nine games): 21ppg, 189 points scored

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