NH High School Senior Scores The Perfect Final Basket

PELHAM, N.H. (CBS) -- The Pelham High School basketball coach put senior Bryan Doherty in the game for the first time.

Doherty, who has Down Syndrome, fills the role of team manager. Last week he was given a shot to play his first game. With the clock winding down, he scored the final, perfect basket that further propelled the team to victory.

"He acted instinctively and that shot was Bryan," said teammate Jake Diaz who recorded the amazing play.

In the two minutes he had, Doherty put fans on their feet and brought tears to his teammates' eyes. 

Bryan Doherty. (WBZ-TV)

Doherty said nerves were not part of the play.

"I was trying to shoot and did one and everyone was going crazy," said Doherty.

Doherty is well-loved and known by his teammates as their motivator.

"He told all of us sometimes we have to wake up and smell the flowers," said teammate Keith Brown. "He always gets us pumped up for the second half."

On Sunday, Doherty and his teammates gathered to watch the video of his play air on ESPN's SportsCenter.

For the team, the shot was more than just a game-winning basket.

"I couldn't picture a without him, love him buddy," one teammate said during their gathering.

"No matter what he'll always be my best friend," said another.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.