Nansemond River High School alum and current Arizona State University guard Shannon Evans II eclipsed the 1,000-career-points milestone Thursday evening against the University of Colorado.

Evans, a 2012 NRHS graduate added 18 points to his total in a 78-77 thriller. He was the leading scorer for the Division 1 Sun Devils. His performance put him at 1,003 career points.

“It’s a great feeling, something that’s hard to put in words,” Evans said of accomplishing his milestone.

Going into the game, Evans needed 15 points to reach 1,000. He knew the milestone was within reach, but the game was so back-and-forth Thursday night that he never had a chance to think about it.

“I knew what I needed going into the game,” Evans said. “The game was so intense that I just forgot it and was just focusing on a way to win. After the game, I looked up, and I had 18.”

Sixteen games into his junior season for ASU, Evans is averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 assists. The Sun Devils have a 9-7 record and are sixth in PAC-12 Conference standings.

Being a native of Suffolk is something that motivates Evans every day. He is proud of his hometown and thankful for the opportunity to represent the city in his own way.

“A lot of people from home reach out to me on social media wishing me good luck and saying, ‘Make us proud,’” Evans said. “Things like that keep me going every day.”

After leaving Nansemond River, Evans went to Buffalo University for two years. He averaged 15 points per game his last year there. The coach he committed to at BU then took the job at Arizona State.

Evans later transferred to ASU not only to be with his coach but to give himself the biggest platform to succeed throughout the rest of his college career. Last year, he had to sit the season out to comply with NCAA rules, but he has been an asset to the team since becoming eligible to play this year.

“I love Buffalo. I still do and always will,” Evans said. “At that point of my life, coming to ASU was the best choice for me and I’m glad I’m here.”

During his last year at NRHS, Evans led the Warriors to their first Southeastern District title since 2007. In his career at NRHS, he was selected to All-District, All-Region and All-City teams, and was also an All-State honorable mention.