UXBRIDGE, Mass. — It was a heartwarming to finish to the Uxbridge High School Boys Junior Varsity Basketball season on Friday.
The Spartans’ dedicated assistant team manager, Jaeden “JC” Morales, took the court for the first time.
Morales has Asperger syndrome and his teammates convinced their coach to get him a jersey and let him play in their final game of the season.
“These people are really supportive of me,” Morales told Boston 25 News as he delivered a message to his supporters. “Guys, I want to thank you for all your support and helping me get to where I've gone to today.”
Morales scored the final eight points of the Spartans’ win as his teammates, classmates, family and fans cheered him on.
Morales’ mom, Jennifer Therrien Morales, shared video on Facebook of her son playing in the game. The video has since been viewed more than ten-thousand times.
“I'm just overwhelmed with all the reaction from everything,” Therrien Morales said. “Everyone has been sending me such warm-hearted messages.”
Jaeden’s nickname is “JC” because he’s a huge fan of WWE Wrestler and West Newbury native John Cena. He hopes to meet Cena someday.