Anytime Kyrese Lukens steps onto a basketball court, he’s not just playing, he's continuing a family legacy. The Herrin High School senior recently became the program's all-time leading scorer, surpassing the 1,700-point mark in a home game against Mascoutah.

"You could tell when I was about to score it," Lukens recalls with a smile. "Everybody knew, so it felt real good."

For Lukens, basketball isn't just a sport—it's in his blood. His grandfather and uncle both played at Herrin before continuing their careers at John A. Logan College. His uncle went on to play at Manchester University and Kentucky Wesleyan, achieving success at the Division III and Division II levels respectively.

"I've probably been playing since I was born," Lukens explains. "I've always been around it. With my family, it's hard not to be."

Despite his record-breaking achievement, Lukens remains focused on team success rather than individual accolades. As Herrin (21-8) prepares for their regional championship game against perennial powerhouse Centralia, his primary goal is advancing in the postseason.

"My main goal is just to get past sectionals," he says. "I've never been past the regional championship."

Lukens is known for his three-point shooting, particularly from the top of the key, though he also enjoys the artistry of mid-range jumpers. "Mid-ranges are fun," he says. "Especially like spin, turnaround mid-ranges."

While his scoring prowess has earned him recognition, Lukens knows he still has room to grow. "There's still a lot I can improve on—shooting, free throws, everything," he acknowledges.

With aspirations to continue his basketball career in college, Lukens plans to start at a community college like John A. Logan before potentially transferring to a Division I or Division II program. His dream school is Alabama, whose fast-paced, three-point-heavy style matches his own game.

"That's really the goal," Lukens says about advancing to a higher level. "Just practice, practice, try to get there."

Off the court, Lukens maintains solid academics with A's and B's, though he admits school isn't his favorite activity. Having an assistant principal for a mother helps keep him motivated academically.

"My mom always has been really strict with the school stuff," he says. "I really feel like I can't slack off too bad." He does enjoy English class, particularly writing papers about topics that interest him.

Lukens draws inspiration from his mother, Kaci, an Assistant Principal at Herrin Elementary School. "Just seeing my mom, what all she does for me, and how hardworking she is—it kind of inspires me to do the same," he says.

As a single parent, Kaci has been Kyrese's rock. "She's been at everything. She's never not been there," he says appreciatively. "It's always been good to have someone on your side."

Lukens sees the strong relationship between the school and community as one of Herrin's greatest strengths. "The kids here always support each other, are nice to each other. The community is very good supporting the school," he notes.

For now, Lukens is concentrating on helping his team advance in the playoffs while adding to his record-breaking point total. And when he broke the scoring record? His celebration was as humble as his approach to the game—just a trip to Chick-fil-A.

With every shot, Kyrese Lukens isn't just adding to his own legacy; he's continuing a family tradition of basketball excellence at Herrin High School.