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It takes a mere three minutes for Nate Maquiling to get to Lincoln Park Borough Fields from his family’s house.
For the last three summers, Maquiling, a Boonton High School senior, held his own rigorous camp there, spending 11 or 12 hours per day on the basketball courts honing his skills.
The disciplined, hard-core approach to working out has paid off in many ways, most recently with Maquiling scoring his 1,000th career point in a dramatic 53-51 victory over Belleville on Saturday, Feb. 17. He is the fifth Boonton boy to accomplish the feat.
“I got up at 6 a.m. and did a lot of shooting,” Maquiling said, recalling his summer routine. “I’d be at the park for four hours and then I’d go home and eat lunch. Then I’d go back again until 8 or 9 and eat a late dinner.”
The lengthy, rigorous sessions stemmed from Maquiling’s desire to elevate his game. Reaching 1,000 points, he admits, was a goal when he arrived at BHS, although he didn’t know if he could get there.
Maquiling made varsity as a freshman but saw limited action, appearing in five games. He was JV most of the time and made an impression. Called up to play varsity at midseason, he attempted a buzzer-beater shot in overtime that nearly clinched a victory.
“Coach (Mike) London knew about me before high school,” Maquiling said. “He asked if I was coming to tryouts. They already believed in me but I really didn’t have much confidence as a freshman.”
It made sense that Maquiling, whose family moved to the United States from the Philippines when he was 5 years old, would develop into a talented basketball player. His father, Edgar, played the game and often took him to the courts. Maquiling’s older brother, Marshall, a 2016 BHS graduate, was a member of the team all four years. Gabe, the youngest, suited up as a freshman and sophomore.
His mother, Desiree, he said, has been “a big presence” and is his number one fan. She screams as loud as she can, telling him to “shoot the ball” and to “get back.”
“I’ve always been an athletic kid and basketball was a staple in our house,” Maquiling said. “I held a ball at 5 and it has stuck with me ever since. I’m not very tall. I’m just 5 foot 6 but I have a lot of heart and determination. I like to compete even if I’m the smallest one on the court. I’m not scared of anybody.”
So, ever since learning how to dribble, Maquiling has been adept at navigating the court, utilizing his strengths and making himself into a dead-eye shooter. All of those attributes were on display in the win over Belleville, which was highlighted by his 1,000th point and Sebastian Bruno’s game-winning basket at the buzzer.
Maquiling entered the game needing 10 points to achieve the milestone and attained it with 4:23 remaining in the third quarter on a 3-pointer from the left side. Better yet, the field goal from outside the arc put the Bombers in control to stay, 29-27.
One minute and 15 seconds before, Maquiling, who had 14 points, fired in a 3-pointer to bring Boonton within one, 27-26.
Members of the crowd, many of them former players on hand to cheer on Maquiling, rushed the court to engulf Bruno and celebrate.
At first, Maquiling, perhaps suffering from nerves and anxious to surpass 1,000, was a bit off and missed three 3-point attempts in the first quarter. He did, however, sink two free throws. He did not score in the second period.
“From the start, I was saying ‘I’m close. I have to get it,'” Maquiling said. “I was rushing. Too anxious. I wasn’t taking my time and I wasn’t focusing. My dad told me to slow down and take the right shots. My teammates and coaches said it, too. I should let the game come to me, let it flow. That’s when I made the shots. I was calm and composed.”
After halftime, Maquiling began converting and connected from mid-key 37 seconds into the third quarter. His go-ahead 3-pointer ensued.
Maquiling was one of three Boonton players in double figures with 14 points in what was easily the most exciting game of the 2017-18 campaign. Lorenzo LeBrun topped all scorers with 21.
“The support was great and meant a lot to me,” Maquiling said. “Coming in, I wanted a lot of people to be there. I didn’t expect to see guys who graduated. That was special. Having it happen on our home floor was special. That made it even better.”
London had high praise for Maquiling, who never missed a practice during his scholastic career. Maquiling hopes to play in college (Caldwell is a possibility) and aspires to become a trainer.
“Nate is the best teammate I’ve ever coached,” London said. “His leadership skills are excellent and there’s not a selfish bone in his body. I’m glad we won today. Nate would have been mad if we lost. I know he’s very proud of his 1,000 points.”
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