Congratulations to Sam Clachko!
The Staples High School gym rocked last night, as the basketball quad-captain scored the 1,000th point of his career.
And he’s only a junior.
Clachko’s milestone came on a twisting layup, early in the 4th quarter of the Wreckers’ 85-53 demolition of Darien.
Sam Clachko scores hsi 1,000th point.
After a slow first quarter start — which began with him 31 points away from 1,000 — Clachko caught fire. Teammates set him up, knowing the next 2 games will be away. A raucous student section — letting loose after the last day of final exams — urged him on.
But Clachko was unselfish. Several times he fed teammates, rather than taking a shot.
The last previous boys basketball player to reach 1,000 points was John Baumann, in 2004. Arianna Gerig is the most recent Wrecker, on the girls’ side.
When Clachko scored his 1,000th (and 1,001st) points, his teammates mobbed him. He received the game ball, as a momento. Coach Dave Goldshore gave him the rest of the night off.
Staples is now 9-0. Another goal lies ahead: the FCIAC and state tournaments.
Sam Clachko, with coach Dave Goldshore after the game. (Photos courtesy of StaplesBasketball.com)