The crowd chanted, “Kelly, Kelly” and “Put Kelly in” until 1:45 was left on the clock at the Lady Lancer Senior Night basketball game on Feb. 13.
After three years of serving as the team manager, senior Kelly Pinney who has Down Syndrome, was given her chance to shine.
Before the game even started, she was winning fans over as she was introduced in full team uniform. Next, she led the squad in pre-game warm-ups and kicked off the night by shooting three free throws as the sixth honorary starter. The crowd cheered in support as she made her first and second attempt granny-style. Then her third try was the charm. She made a perfect swish and the crowd went wild.
The game continued as Pinney resumed her regular managing duties, that is until Lindbergh Coach Bill Thoele gave Lafayette Girls Basketball Coach Jennifer Porter the nod.
Porter sent her into the game.
“We didn’t know if we would be able to get her into the game or not. A lot of things had to go right in order for that to happen,” Porter said.
She continued, “I didn’t want to put his team or him in a bad position and wanted to make sure they were okay with the plan. He told me, if the game wasn’t close in score at the end to put her in the game.”
Although Pinney didn’t know she was going to play, she held her own on the court.
“It was kind of hard,” Pinney said, “But I got them.”
The team fed Pinney the ball three times to give her an opportunity to make a shot. None were made, but the crowd sat on the edge of their seats in anticipation.
Then at 8.8 seconds until the end of the game, Pinney took the free throw shot when LHS was fouled. Both hit the rim, but didn’t make it in. No one cared.
At the final buzzer, the team encompassed Pinney in a huddle as they jumped for joy.
The stands were no different.
Lafayette’s Superfans rarely attend girl’s games, but for Pinney a mass Facebook inbox was sent out to all members encouraging them to cheer her on, just as she has for the team.
Pinney doesn’t just manage the team.
“Everyday, she shows us how much she loves the game of basketball and how much she loves the team,” Porter said.
Pinney writes the team notes, puts smiles on their faces, coaches from the sidelines and comes to all the team functions.
“I’ll really miss that passion,” Porter said, “It motivates the girls to give their best.”
Player Dawn Dickerson said, “It was such an encouragement. She’s worked as hard as we have and she’s pushed us harder than our coach sometimes.”
Senior Jenna Bishop agreed. “It was great and inspiring to me. It’s been phenomenal, she keeps our heads up and encourages us.”
Pinney loves the team. She said she will remember the team forever and that playing in the game was, “the perfect ending,” to her Lafayette basketball career.
Pinney’s parents, Jodi and Keith Pinney, said basketball has been wonderful for her and the team has made her feel like she truly belongs.
Porter said, “I knew it would be a dream come true for her and I was so happy that she was able to get in the game. I was very proud of her as well as the other girls. It’s been an awesome experience for all involved.”
“I was also touched by the support of the Lindbergh coaches, players and fans. They really went out of their way to make it a great experience for Kelly. I was very emotional, it’s one of the best moments I’ve had as a coach,” Porter said.
She added, “For her to be able to play in the game with the girls makes it a storybook ending.”
