James Meiergerd is an 18 year-old senior at West Point-Beemer High in Nebraska who happens to suffer from Down’s syndrome. Thanks to a new viral video, James has found himself become a hometown hero that also has fans all over the globe!
James plays for the junior varsity basketball team at his school, but he has so much school spirit that he attends all of the varsity games as well. During one of these varsity games a couple weeks ago, James realized that he had a talent for making a certain kind of trick shot.
The video shows James standing at the center of the court with his back to the hoop and throwing the ball backwards. Much to his surprise, he actually made it!
James had been practicing this move for weeks, and he finally decided to perform it during his school’s game against Wisner-Pilger, which is their rival. He attempted to perform the shot and failed a few times, but the video shows the moment he succeeded in making it.
The crowd went wild as soon as he made it, and James quickly ran into the crowd to get hugs from his adoring classmates. His mother Karen Meiergerd tweeted the video and was surprised when she got a response from the Harlem Globetrotters, who asked if James would be their special guest when they play in Omaha in April!
James’ classmate Greg Johnson called him “the heart and soul of this basketball team.”
“The kids love him, and it’s great to see how they respond to him,” said teacher and assistant basketball coach Matt Hinkel. “He’s one of them.”
Check out his brilliant shot
