On December 28, 2024 Zach Schweid was able to join the 1,000 point club as he reached a total of 1,006 points by the end of the boys basketball game against Becton Regional High School.
Ever since Schweid was a freshman he has shown hard work and dedication in regards to his basketball career. Schweid’s basketball coach, Coach Gabriele has been his coach since he began high school basketball. Gabriele has watched Schweid from the start and was a huge factor in the confidence Schweid has gained throughout his career.
“Zach leads by example. I have coached some really great players at both the high school and college level. Zach is one of the hardest working players I have ever been around. He practices hard, watches videos, and is always trying to find ways to get better,” Gabriele said.
Gabriele is a strong mentor to Schweid that has strengthened the way Schweid is on and off the court. As Schweid takes on his final season of high school basketball he has a total of 1,121 points and counting.
Northern Valley Demarest’s record consists of 1,265 points from John Buckley in 1985 and Schweid is determined to break this record!
“The all-time leading scorer is John Buckley with 1,265 points. Zach is currently at 1,143 points. Hopefully he will break the school record in the middle of February,” Gabriele said.
It is clear that Gabriele feels Schweid can break the school record. As February rolls around, Schweid will continue his training. He also feels he can accomplish this goal of his.
“When I was a freshman I set two goals for myself, the first was to hit 1,000 points and the second was to lead the team to a state championship…Over the years a third goal arose that my freshman self never would’ve thought of: breaking the all-time NVD scoring record,” Schweid said.
Schweid expresses how proud he is of himself and how proud his younger self would be. He has worked extremely hard to conquer his goals since he began his basketball career at age two.
“I have been playing basketball since I was two years old. It has always been an outlet for me and will continue to be for my entire life. I have loved basketball and have sacrificed many things to achieve this success,” Schweid said.
When he arrived at the basketball game against Becton Regional High School his emotions took over his body and Schweid was scared that he would be unable to play to his maximum potential.
“It was a relief to achieve my 1,000th point. I was definitely nervous going into the game but once I saw the basket it was like a weight off of my shoulders,” Schweid said.
Schweid mixes his love for basketball with the drive he was born with. He has been a role model for many young basketball players and will continue to show kids the importance of hardwork and determination.
“It is going to be hard for me to give up the sport at a competitive level after this year but for now until the end of the season, I am going to make the most of it,” Schweid said.
Update: As of February 4, 2025, Zach Schweid has broken Northern Valley Demarest’s basketball all-time scoring record.
