CHARACTER COUNTS

Scottsdale Desert Mountain special needs student gets chance to play for basketball team

Feb 9, 2014, 8:00 PM | Updated: 8:00 pm

A special needs student at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., got a chance to play for the men’s basketball team in the last game of the regular season.

And it was no coincidence that Jonathan Stern got to put on a uniform and take the court for his school; he has served as the team manager for four years leading up to that special moment.

So with the Wolves blowing out opponent North Canyon, Stern checked into the game — seen at about 30 seconds into the video — much to the delight of the crowd.

Stern came in with a lot of enthusiasm and even scored two buckets, each sending the fans into an uproar.

He later got hoisted into the air as people stormed the court after Desert Mountain’s win.

Assistant coach John Ortega called the moment one of the greatest things he’s been a part of in his 15 years of coaching.

Look for Stern in the No. 40 white uniform in the video below.

Jonathan Stern (#40)- Senior Night from Joshua Lee on Vimeo.

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Scottsdale Desert Mountain special needs student gets chance to play for basketball team