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LHS Basketball Coach Steven Bailey, Jonathan Davis and Ken Davis -
The Dublin Athletic booster Club served up BBQ during Friday night’s home games to benefit the family of Mariah Jimenez as she faces recovery from a single-vehicle accident last month. Paul Gaudette | Citizen staff photo
A good team lifts each other up and that’s exactly what the Lingleville Cardinals did on Jan. 2 when Lingleville senior Jonathan Davis scored against the Three Way Braves at the Hico ISD Gym.
Davis has faced challenges for most of his life as he was born with cerebral palsy and other challenges.
“Jon had some physical problems early on, but he wanted to participate,” said Jonathan’s father Ken Davis, the head football coach who moved to Lingleville four years ago when he enrolled his son in the school. “We started him in slowly but surely.”
Jonathan took part in several sports and participated in special Olympic events, where he revealed his speed after getting gold in the 400-meter dash.
“One thing about Jonathan is he’s got wheels,” said Lingleville Basketball Coach Steven Bailey. “I sure can’t catch him.”
The Cardinals had racked up a sizable lead in the third quarter when Jonathan sank the ball, but he had been in the action for almost half the game.
“Jon got to play a whole bunch that night,” Bailey said. “I told Jon, ‘Go shoot,’ and the kids took over.”
What followed was a touching display that Bailey and his player didn’t anticipate. The Cardinals boosted up their fellow player and set him up to score in the eventual 72-12 Lingleville victory.
Teammates rebounded the ball and passed it to Jonathan as he missed six three-point attempts. When the big moment came, Jonathan went for a three and realized he wasn’t going to sink it so he went for a layup. After he missed that, the senior stepped back and made the rebound. The gym erupted in cheers.
“I felt strong and powerful,” said Jonathan. “I never would have expected I’d be playing that much.”
Bailey and Ken Davis both said they were touched by the way the Cardinals and even the Three Way players worked together to reward a player who has faced challenges that never affected his drive and passion for the game.
“It was pretty heartwarming,” said Bailey.
“They love Jon,” said Bailey of his players. “He practices everyday and plays a bunch on JV too depending on the day.”
Bailey assured that Jonathan has hit the court several times since the appearance, bringing his speed and a “smothering defense” to the Lingleville game.
“I love the game,” said Jonathan, a player who was bolstered by competing teams and gym full of spectators on one special night.