Riverside basketball has a new record holder. On January 31st, senior Jake Graham scored 50 points in the Rams’ 81-44 win over Colville, surpassing the previous single-game scoring record of 43 points set by Dean Koesel in 1971.
The moment was not missed by Koesel who took the time to pen a letter both reflecting on his own record-breaking performance over five decades ago including memories of support from his sister, who tracked every point in a notebook he still treasures today. While records are made to be broken, Koesel sees something more important: how the love of the game, the lessons learned, and the values upheld connect generations of Riverside athletes.
“I am very pleased that Jake Graham was the player who set the new record,” Koesel wrote. “He made a great memory for his teammates, his coaches, the school, the community, himself, and his parents. The world needs more players like him.”
Riverside School District Superintendent Dr. Ken Russell agrees. “We know that activities and athletics are more than the competition, more than winning or losing, more than playing the game. We know that students benefit from participating. In Riverside, that benefit extends to our entire community who loves and supports these kids and shows up to cheer them on.”
In Riverside, the past inspires the present, and the present honors the past. Koesel’s most cherished game wasn’t his highest-scoring performance, but the one where his hardworking father was finally able to watch him play. It’s a reminder that moments of connection—between teammates, families, and generations—are what truly last.
Riverside celebrates Jake Graham’s achievement, Dean Koesel’s legacy, and the bonds that make this community strong—one game, one generation, and one memory at a time.