JCHS Boys Have Sweet Victory in Special Olympics Tournament

L/R: Jaden Clark, Nelson Weekley, Isaiah Dixon, Brandon Bennett, Jordan Clark (Not Pictured: Christian Mitchell, Austin Davis)
Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

The Jefferson County Special Olympics Basketball Team had a sweet victory for Valentines Day weekend last Saturday.  The boys competed in the East Tennessee Regional Tournament in Maryville, in conjunction with Special Olympics of Tennessee.

The team, headed up by Coach Josh Hensley,  included Jaden Clark, Nelson Weekley, Isaiah Dixon, Brandon Bennett, Jordan Clark, Christian Mitchell, and Austin Davis.  “These boys have worked very hard,” said Hensley in a recent interview.  The boys had to try out and work hard to be on the team.  After many practices, and “lots of running,” according to Jaden and Nelson, all their hard work paid off in a big way: a very tough game that ended up being tied 29-29 with 20 seconds left. Following a missed shot by Christian Mitchell, Nelson Weekly caught the rebound and passed the ball to Jordan Clark, who got the buzzer beater!  Jaden played a big part of the defense, which was his favorite part.  Isiah got a couple of three-pointers to the basket, which he was very excited about.  Ultimately, JCHS won the game 31-29.

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When asked how it felt to make the winning shot, Jordan said, “I was so happy, every one came up to me and started cheering me on; I was so excited.”  Brandon also had a big play, and sank a big shot in, but his favorite part of the whole experience was indeed, “EATIN””.   All the boys said they were “so happy and excited” to have the big win, and they are enjoying being famous.

Coach Hensley also wanted to thank Coach Poore and the Jefferson County Boys Basketball Team, who donated the use of their uniforms and helped take care of the logistics of getting the boys to the tournament.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley