The Waseca Bluejays delivered a statement win Tuesday night and witnessed history in the process, as senior Deron Russell became the program’s all-time leading scorer in a thrilling 61–57 victory over Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.
Russell poured in 25 points against the Bulldogs, who entered the game ranked No. 1 in Class A in the QRF and No. 3 in the Minnesota Coaches Poll. His performance pushed his career total to 2,025 points, surpassing the previous school record of 2,005 points set by Malik Willingham (2015–2019).
The milestone came in a highly competitive matchup, with Waseca holding off one of the top-ranked Class A teams in the state down the stretch. Russell’s scoring effort was highlighted by timely baskets in key moments, helping the Bluejays secure one of their most impressive wins of the season.
Willingham’s record had stood for several years as a benchmark of excellence in the Bluejay basketball program. Russell now takes his place atop a distinguished list of Waseca’s all-time leading scorers, which includes Malik Willingham (2,005 points, Class of 2019), Nick Dufault (1,913 points, Class of 2016), Andrew Morgan (1,811 points, Class of 2021), Ryan Dufault (1,774 points, Class of 2021), Kyreese Willingham (1,516 points, Class of 2021), Damarius Russell (1,508 points, Class of 2025), Eric Wood (1,467 points, Class of 2001), Monte Dufault (1,461 points, Class of 1988), and Kellen Driscoll (1,412 points, Class of 2002).
With six games remaining in his senior season, Russell will look to continue building on his historic total while leading Waseca in pursuit of a strong finish to the year.
The Bluejays (13–7, 6–5 in the Big South Conference) return to action on Friday, February 6, when they hit the road to take on the Worthington Trojans (3–15, 1–8 in the Big South Conference), a team the Jays defeated 72–34 earlier this season.
Russell’s achievement adds another chapter to the proud tradition of Waseca Bluejay basketball and places him among some of the most accomplished players in program history.