NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA- Two Points--That is what stands in the way of Episcopal standout Nick Alikakos reaching the coveted 1,000-point plateau. The fact that he is only a junior augments the impressive meter.

As a freshman, Alikakos exhibited untypical skills typical. He was confident, focused, and balanced.

"I knew I would probably be able to reach this milestone due to my scoring ability," said Alikakos. "I'm excited."

On Friday night at Malvern Prep, Alikakos will add a fourth digit to his career production. Alikakos said he doesn't care regarding how he scores, whether on a field goal, a three-point shot, or even a free throw.

"I don't have a preference," he said. "I mean, a dunk or something would be nice. But it doesn't really matter."

In the Churchmen's latest contest, a 57-40 win Tuesday afternoon over host Haverford School, Alikakos scored 30 points. It marked the fifth time in the last nine games that Alikakos has scored at least 30 points. The 6-foot, 7-inch junior forward leads the Inter-Ac in scoring both overall (25.3 average in 15 games) and in league play (24.5).

Last year, in route to being named the Inter-Ac's Most Outstanding Player, Alikakos averaged 19.6 points per game overall and 19.0 in league play, thus forging a three-way tie for high-scoring honors. As a freshman, his 11.5-point average helped him be named second team All-Inter-Ac.

While aware of the upcoming career celebration, Alikakos is most concerned about the big picture. The Churchmen are 10-5 overall and 1-1 league. Their win over Haverford School followed a listless loss to Penn Charter four days earlier.

"It was very important for us to have a bounce back game and show that we are not the same team from last Friday," Alikakos said. "We played much harder and tougher on defense and had better ball movement."

Friday's game begins at 7:30. Those hoping to witness point number 1,000 had better get there early.

(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com.)