Basketball season just started at Maize South Middle School. Yet, the best play of the season may have went down on Tuesday night.
The Mavericks played its first game over at Valley Center Middle School. The seventh-grade “B” team was leading the game, and then Coach Chris Kallenbach made a last-minute call.
“My goal was really to have him running up and down the court for a couple minutes,” he said. “He was thrilled about doing that.”
Kallenbach said he was excited to give Dennis Sanders a chance to play. Dennis, 12, is the team’s manager. He also had autism. It was an opportunity Dennis didn’t expect.
“I was like, ‘Yay!” said Dennis, recalling the moment.
As for the game itself, he said it was a rush. “We were dominating,” he said. “We had good possession of the ball. No turnovers.”
Dennis has a big love for basketball. It’s his second-favorite sport behind baseball. His favorite player? Lebron James. Favorite team? The Cavs and KU.
His mom, Danielle, was hesitant about allowing him try out for the team, but coach said he’d make room for the boy, who works hard and has enthusiasm unlike most kids his age.
Danielle said her family has been on standby for this opportunity. She even had a camera on hand to capture the moment.
“When he told him that it was time to go in, we were so excited,” Danielle said.
She then captured the last few minutes of the game. Dennis, in his No. 12 jersey, runs up and down the court.
“He shot once and missed. Next time he shot again and missed,” Kallenbach said.
Soon, Valley Center’s boys caught onto what was happening. The crowd and players cheered on Dennis, who possess the ball in the final seconds of the game.
“Everyone’s yelling Dennis, Dennis, Dennis,” his mom said. “Takes a shot and he makes it. It was awesome.”
“I was like. Whoa! I just scored,” Dennis exclaimed. “I scored my first 3 points on this team.”
Danielle said she’s grateful that both teams were able to make a pretty special moment for her son, who just wants to be a part of the team.
“They all were just so kind and very generous. They were amazing,” she said.