A basketball player in Michigan died Thursday after making a game-winning layup in overtime that clinched his team’s undefeated season.
Wes Leonard, a 16-year-old junior guard and the star player for Fennville High, made the shot and was running back up the court as seen in this TV report from WoodTV.com in Grand Rapids.
Leonard later fell as teammates and fans rushed the court, according to The Holland Sentinel. The basket gave Fennville a 57-55 victory at home over Bridgman. Leonard was declared dead about an hour later, news reports say.
“It’s tough to take in,” teammate Shane Bale told The Sentinel as Leonard was been taken by ambulance to a hospital. “It’s like somebody from your family, you know?”
Leonard scored 21 points in his final game and helped his team come back from a 14-point deficit, the newspaper said. Leonard also was quarterback of the football team.
Michigan Team Wins State Playoff Opener After Player’s Death
Fennville High, the boys team that lost its star player in the tragic ending to a region championship game last week, won its state playoff opener in Michigan on Monday, beating Lawrence 65-54 in Holland, Mich.
On Tuesday, large crowds were expected at the funeral service for Wes Leonard, the senior guard who collapsed moments after a regional victory on Thursday. Leonard had made the winning basketball in overtime to give Fennville a 20-0 record heading into the Class C state playoffs.
Read Article >
