CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – On Thursday, Dec. 5, Richview girls basketball player Imari Berry scored her 1,000th career point at Montgomery Central.

Berry attributes reaching the rare feat to her coaches and teammates.

“It’s really just Coach [John] King putting me in the right positions to score,” Berry said. “I can’t thank him enough.”

During her Richview career, Berry averaged 14 points per game as a sixth grader, 20 points per game as a seventh grader and is currently averaging 25 points per game in eighth grade.

“Imari recognizes the valuable contributions of her teammates and the support of her friends and family, understanding their importance in her successes,” said Richview girls basketball coach John King. “Her awareness is so high that she knows where everyone should be and is able to direct action to them to set them up, even if they are out of position. When she is on defense, she anticipates how girls are going to react and is able to adjust accordingly to get a steal or block.”

As a sixth and seventh grader, Berry helped take her team to the final four of the state sectional tournament. Under Berry’s leadership, Richview has a total win-loss record of 46-13 and a 78% winning percentage.

When it comes to the game of basketball, Berry enjoys the comradery the sport has to offer the most.

“On a 2-on-0 fast break, Imari will pass to a teammate even though she has a clear lane to the basket to score,” King said. “She’s that type of player. There are so many times I catch myself at practice and games standing in awe of a play she has made and I’m looking to see if anyone else saw it. She just goes about her business in humble fashion.”

When she’s not on the floor competing for her school, Berry can be found on the AAU circuit starring for the Tennessee Sol.

“I was in third grade when I first started playing basketball,” Berry said. “I love getting to travel and meeting new people. I have a lot of fun and enjoy it.”

Berry has already drawn the eyes of many including former WNBA and University of Tennessee women’s basketball player Bashaara Graves.

“She’s really cool and nice,” Berry said of Graves. “She told me to come to more of her camps, gave me her number and told me to reach out.”

Before Graves went on to accomplish great things at the some of the highest levels the sport has to offer, she herself donned the purple and gold at Clarksville High.

“Bashaara came to Richview last year and talked to the team,” King said. “She also talked to Imari separately to encourage her and give her advice on handling all of the attention. She has been very gracious and even allowed one of my journalism students to interview her about Imari.”

Next season, Berry will make the transition from middle school to high school and play for Clarksville girls basketball coach Brian Rush. She gave her thoughts on what she expects the competition will be like at the next level.

“It’ll likely be more challenging,” Berry said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

For King, it’ll be bittersweet to see one of his most decorated athletes turn the page and continue the next chapter in her career.

“I’m blessed to have been her coach for three years,” King said. “I’m going to miss her not just as a basketball player, but as a person.”