"I wanted to get that out of the way as fast as possible so we could concentrate on getting the win," he said.
With Morgan producing 18 points, including four three-pointers, the host Indians overcame a 12-point deficit and turned back the Galloping Ghosts, 65-56, in Newtown.
Said C.R. North coach Derek Wright: "I told him afterward, 'There's nothing better than getting your 1,000th point in a big victory.' "
In 29 minutes, Morgan shot 7 for 14 from the field (4 for 9 on treys). He added three assists, three rebounds, and a steal.
"He's the one who carries us," said senior forward Arron Goodman, who equaled Morgan's 18 points and hauled in 19 boards. "It all starts with him. The ball is in his hands more than anybody else's."
After Morgan's accomplishment, the game was stopped briefly to give him a chance to celebrate with coaches, teammates, and, on a quick dash into the bleachers, family members.
The 17-year-old, who is averaging 13.7 points, is headed for Maryland-Baltimore County.
"It's close to home, my family can come and see me play, and I've been told that I'll get the chance to play right away," Morgan said.
On the cusp. Boys' Latin senior guard Maurice Watson is primed to become the 23d player in Southeastern Pennsylvania boys' history to score 2,000 career points.
With 1,994 points, the 5-9, 160-pounder needs only six in Thursday afternoon's home game against Public League Division A rival Simon Gratz to join the prestigious group. The Warriors play at Shepard Recreation Center, at 57th and Haverford Avenues.
Watson is set to become the fourth Public League player to enter the 2,000-point club, joining Strawberry Mansion's Maureece Rice (2,681), Overbrook's Wilt Chamberlain (2,206), and Bartram's Tyrone Garland (2,198).
With 2,883 points, Kobe Bryant, whose career at Lower Merion ended in 1996, is Southeastern Pennsylvania's all-time leading scorer.
