In what kind of seemed like a high school basketball version of “Rudy,” WHS ninth grader J.R. Wise, a student with autism, made a game-winning basket that allowed the Kangaroos beat Arlington Bowie, 45-44. It was his first time on the court, his first time getting the ball, and his first time making a shot attempt.
“He drained it,” WHS freshman boys basketball coach Ricky Beaty said.
Beaty said that Wise has pretty much been like a member of the team for the entire season.
“He shows up during athletics period, and he’s good friends with the players,” Beaty added, “so I let him suit up each game.”
Beaty said although Wise didn’t make all the games this season, he was still able to attend all of the home games.
“I had been planning on getting him in all year,” he said. “About a week ago, I received a text from one of my players, Brett Blevins, asking if there was any way we could get him in the game…and that he wanted to be the one to pass the ball to J.R.”
Beaty lived up to his word.
Prior to Monday’s ballgame against Arlington Bowie, Beaty discussed the scenario with the opposing coach.
“The plan was to let J.R. enter the game, receive a pass, take a shot, and then return to the bench,” he added. “That’s when things got a little tricky.”
Weatherford was down, 43-44, with just over a minute to play when Beaty decided to put Wise into the game.
Wise took his position just outside the free throw area before catching an in-bound pass from Blevins. Then, he turned around and swished the basket.
“Bowie then took the ball and continued to run down the court while the clock was running,” Beaty said, “and we only had four players on the court because J.R. had already returned to the bench.
Bowie was unable to make another basket for the remainder of the game, and Wise’s shot turned out to be the game-winning basket.
Campus administrators at the Ninth Grade Center said Wise has been a “proud young man” walking around school all week.
Tuesday morning’s announcements began with this basketball report:
With about one minute left in the game, J.R. Wise got in the game. And with an assist from ‘Big Daddy’ Blevins, J.R. hit the game-winning shot. A truly inspiring moment.
VIDEO
Click on the file below to view a video clip of J.R.'s game-winning basket.