Boys' Basketball Team Manager Scores First Points of Senior Night Game

Luke Atkinson, a senior at Middletown High School, has served as the manager for the Boys' Basketball team for four years.

Atkinson, along with the other seniors on the team, was honored Tuesday night, but there was a special surprise for him. Atkinson received his moment to shine by starting for the Middies against the Mason Comets and getting the chance to score the first points of the game.

It took Atkinson five tries from close range, but with 7:34 left in the first quarter, he made a basket, and the large crowd at Wade E. Miller Gym arena him a standing ovation as he walked off the court.

Read coverage about Atkinson's moment to shine on the court from these local news outlets:

WCPO: "Watch: Middletown basketball team manager with Down syndrome scores first shot of senior night game"

WLWT: "Middletown HS basketball team manager shines on court during Senior Night"

FOX19: "Middletown High School spotlights boys’ basketball team manager on Senior Night"

Journal News: "Middletown senior with special needs starts, sinks a basket, a 'Middie for life'"

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Middies leading 63-53, Coach Bill Edwards Jr. put Atkinson back into the game. He took five more shots — from 3-point range — but all missed. He finished the game one for 10 from the field for two points.