John S. Roosma enshrined as a player in 1961

John S. Roosma

Enshrined 1961
Born: September 3, 1900
Passaic, NJ
Died: November 13, 1983

John Roosma may have been the most feared of the many weapons that the Passaic High School "Wonder Teams" ever produced. A prolific shooter and scorer, Roosma was a three-time All-State selection, leading Passaic to 57 of its 159 consecutive victories. As a senior, he scorched opposing defenses for 882 points. In 1921, under General Douglas MacArthur urgings, Roosma attended the U.S. Military Academy, and excelled on the Army hardwood. Playing under Hall of Fame coach Harry Fisher, Roosma scored 1,126 points in 86 games, and is believed to be the first player in college basketball history to score 1,000 points. In 1923, he led the Cadets to an undefeated 17-0 season. Roosma was also selected All-Eastern and All-American three times each.