Gym Erupts Into Cheers When Legally Blind Teen Sinks Shot In Last Seconds Of Game.

Few sports-loving teens could come close to matching Clay Warner’s passion for basketball.

Out of all his teammates, the 18-year-old has clocked the least amount of time on the floor during varsity basketball games. But to his team and coaches at North Polk High School, there’s no question he’s the most valuable player.

clay warner
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The teen from Alleman, Iowa, has overcome more than his fair share of struggles. He was born prematurely with cerebral palsy at just 23 weeks. He’s also legally blind. That said, he hasn’t let either get in the way of playing for the North Polk Comets for the last four years. He’s even worked out how to aim well by focusing on the rim of his glasses when he shoots the ball.

the north polk comets
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This year, he’s been waiting very patiently for his turn on the court, dressing for every single varsity game. He wouldn’t get that chance until Feb. 1, during the team’s game against their rival, the Roland-Story Norseman.

“I wanted to get him in. It was Senior Night,” head coach Nick Wilkins said. “If there’s an opportunity that presented itself, I wanted to take advantage of it. All the players were for it, too.” So with a minute left in the game, Wilkins finally put Clay in for his first game of the season… and the crowd was already cheering.

basketball game
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“Clay Warner, the heart and soul of North Polk, is coming into the game!” the announcer yelled. “This is a big moment.”

One of Clay’s teammates passed the ball to him shortly after. He dribbled, preparing for the moment of truth. Then he took a shot…

clay takes a shot
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…and scored!

clay takes a shot
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The entire gymnasium erupted into cheers as players from both teams congratulated Clay for a job well done.

clay
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“I knew the moment he went in he was going to make his first shot. That’s just the type of person Clay is,” Cam Markert, one of Clay’s teammates said. Clay’s school and community clearly care for him a ton and it’s so heartwarming to see. We wish Clay nothing but the best in his future ventures and hope he reaches all of his dreams.

Watch as Clay nails the shot in the video below, and be sure to share his awesome feat.


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