Fans rush court after Phoenix special needs student makes half-court shot
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It was a moment they’ll be talking about for years at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix, after a beloved student with special needs sent fans into a frenzy.
Jackson Hileman, 17, was invited to take part in a halftime promotion during Tuesday night’s varsity basketball game.
The senior, who has Down syndrome, hit a half-court shot and won a $100 gift card from Slim Chickens restaurant.
“It was so exciting,” said Hileman.
Moments after Hileman made the basket, hundreds of fans stormed the court and surrounded the surprised student, like he had just won a big playoff game.
“The crowd went wild,” said his mother Deb Hileman. “I couldn’t help but get a lump in my throat. It was very emotional.”
The heartwarming event was all caught on camera, with the video now creating some buzz on social media.
Jackson Hileman has made a lot of friends on the varsity basketball team and often comes to practices to shoot around with them.
They were all very excited to see Jackson Hileman have his championship moment.
“The fact that he didn’t feel the pressure, didn’t feel eyes on him, and made the shot,” said player Colton Watson. “Then to see everyone rush the court, it was really cool to see everyone reacting and having a big heart like that.”
His mother said that seeing students circle her son, shows the kind of support they have at this school, even for kids with special needs.
“It was absolutely the embrace,” said Deb Hileman. “It was not just them cheering him on for one more try, one more shot, but when he made it, the rush onto the court with that group of kids and their excitement made it all so incredible.”
“I was so hyped up,” said Jackson Hileman. “Great to have all my friends come out and support me.”
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