Once In A Lifetime Buzzer Beater Hero!

Taylor had one of those once in a lifetime games this season playing varsity basketball his senior year. The kind that he will remember for the rest of his life. The kind that when he is an adult and having a bad day, he can look back on this game and remember how it felt and his day will automatically get better just from the memory of it all.

As a mother, I think it means even more to me because I have watched him play this game through four high school seasons now and there is nothing you want more as a mom than to have your child get some kind of pay back for all the many hours, sacrifice, time away from home, unfair treatment at times, injuries (he is playing this season with an injured wrist on his right hand and as a sophomore he played with a broken hand for part of the season- both football injuries of course!), and the MANY things he gives up in order to be on the team. He has had a lot of success, don't get me wrong, but something like what happened at this game only happens to a very few. He is one of the lucky ones!

They have struggled this season a bit at the start which is really sad because their record doesn't show their talent or how good they really are. They have had some tough losses that could have easily been wins IF that last shot would have gone in, or if that call had gone the other way, or if they would have made that ONE free throw. You know...just the game of basketball! But currently they are neck in neck with the other region teams. They have won the last three in a row.

Suffice it to say, they proved their value at this game.

They played Mountain Crest (a team with a winning record) at home a couple weeks ago.

Taylor saluting to Shad as the starters were announced.

Taylor "high bumping" Josh

The team ready for a barn burner!

They just didn't know it yet!

The game was very intense from the first second and didn't let up at all for all four quarters. Taylor had a great game overall with many rebounds, steals, and deflections.

He was a rebounding machine!

He made some great shots!

Right before halftime, we were behind by 6 points. Shad made a three pointer and then Taylor immediately stole the ensuing inbound pass and made a two point lay-up right as the buzzer went off!!! The crowd went crazy! We were now only behind by one point going into halftime. But as exciting as that was, it gets even better!!!

McKay got to shoot for some $$ at halftime.

2nd half.

The game was within one or two points for most of the second half. It was getting very intense. We were up by four at one point with only minutes to go. Each team called several time outs. Then we were down by four. It went back and forth for quite a while. It could go either way. I had to turn away several times because I couldn't watch! It was a real nail biter!

Then we fouled Mtn. Crest and they got to shoot for two points with three seconds left in the game and the score 51-50 for us. They made the first shot putting it at 51-51!!! VERY INTENSE! Then they shot the second one and MISSED it! We got the rebound (Cobbley) and he passed it to (Malone) who passed it to Taylor who had run down the court waiting for a pass and a chance to score.

Taylor went in for the lay-up and SCORED at the buzzer!!!!!

WE WON THE GAME!!!!

The crowd went wild!

Not to mention the team. They were jumping on him!

They mobbed Taylor!!!!

He was the HERO!

The crowd stormed the floor!!!!

I don't ever remember such excitement in a game before!

You would have thought it was a state championship game. I know now why they put the hero up on their shoulders. It's to protect the one being mobbed!

The MOB Squad!

What excitement!

The students were told to get back in the stands.

Once they got the crowd under control and back in the bleachers, they sang the school song to the team!

What a victory! They played SO well!!!

I love these two pictures!!!

FINAL SCORE!

One of those once in a lifetime moments... to be the hero in a very important game!

The team going back into the locker room.

This time very very HAPPY!!!!!

High fives from the coach!

Allie patiently waiting for Taylor to come out of the locker room...

That's one happy face!

Awwwwwww!

Dave had to leave right after for a meeting so he's not in the photo.

With our HERO!

Congrats Tay! I'm so proud of you!!!

And even more proud that you say it was a team effort without taking the credit.

The next day at school was Taylor W. day at school. Yeah, he even got his OWN day! Of course, he didn't mention that little tidbit to me. I found out from another parent at McKay's basketball game.

Our local paper wrote up a nice article all about his big game winning shot and his tough defensive playing and contribution to the team all season. I was not impressed the paper's photographer didn't get a photo of his buzzer beater shot (at either half!). WHAT? The photo he put in was one of Taylor being mobbed after. I may have to copy it and add it to this. The local paper from the other team had a really nice write up as well. I can't go anywhere without someone mentioning something about this exciting game.

What a great way to seal up your senior year!!!

Now on to the final few games we have left. Thinking about the season ending is NOT a fun thought for me. I will be lost when this all comes to an end. But I am so grateful for the great memories made along the way.

GO BEES!!!

(Click to enlarge)