In a homecoming of sorts, Sachem boys basketball hosted a special theme night to recognize their 1,000-point scorers.
Paired with a rivalry game between Sachem North and Sachem East, a packed house in Lake Ronkonkoma paid tribute to Jeff Ruland ’77, Jerry Schlie ’97, and James Butler ’20.
Each scored 1,000 points in their Sachem boys’ basketball careers and received a plaque from the Sachem Alumni Association commemorating their historic feat. A version of the same plaque will be placed in the trophy case at Sachem North.
Ruland is the top boy’s basketball player from Sachem, having played for several years in the NBA. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game in parts of eight seasons.
Schlie led Sachem to its only Suffolk County championship and later captained the men’s hoops team at the University of Miami.
Butler played in the modern era and scored his 1,000th point on the final shot of his career.
The alumni association is working on hosting a similar night for the girl’s basketball program, which has several 1,000-point scorers.
