Many ball players have spent time sitting on the bench in the hopes that one day their talents will be recognized and they will be given their opportunity to shine.

One special basketball player at Rising Starr Middle finally got his moment in the spotlight in early February. After serving two years as the team’s manager, eighth grader Ethan Harris suddenly got called from the bench. As Ethan stepped onto the court, the crowd cheered and screamed his name.

With his team down by eight points with only minutes left in the fourth quarter, the player with Down Syndrome was ready to try to even up the score. Ethan made two baskets that evening and was the highest scorer in the fourth quarter.

Although Rising Starr lost the game despite Ethan’s efforts, they had set a new record in compassion and understanding of disabilities.
“Coach [Billy] Middlebrooks saw what Ethan had given to the team for the past two years and felt is was time to see him shine and that is exactly what he did,” said Ethan’s dad, Nick Harris.

As Ethan’s teammates picked him up and carried him off the court, he had fulfilled another dream. Last year, he and his team, the Georgia Bulldogs of the Peachtree City Little League Challengers Division, played in the Little League All Star Game.

Although he enjoys baseball, Ethan’s favorite sport is basketball, which was why being called into the game was such a big moment for him, according to his dad. Nick Harris says he thanks Rising Starr’s coach as well as the visiting team (Dutchtown Middle in Henry County) for making a dream come true for him and his son.

“The coach wasn’t concerned about winning that game; he was concerned about giving Ethan a chance to have his moment in a game that he loves. I thank everyone at the school for giving Ethan his moment. I especially thank the visiting team for allowing him to play and giving him a chance to be a success,” Harris said.

Harris credits the Fayette County System and Rising Starr Middle for embracing students of all disabilities and giving them the education, support, tools and opportunities to realize their full potential.

“You not only made a dad’s dreams come true, but you also touched the heart and soul of Ethan and took him to the top of his mountain of glory. Ethan is still on his mountain, he may be there for a long time,” said Harris.

As basketball season winds down, Ethan is gearing up for another season of baseball as shortstop for the Georgia Bulldogs. His first game is March 18.

login to post comments