OREGON, Ohio — Two game-winning plays on the same night is a career memory for any basketball player, but what made it truly special for Cardinal Stritch's King Wilson Jr is why he earned WTOL 11's Athlete of the Week award sponsored by Dave's Running.
"When I got home, I was still happy," Wilson Jr. said. "I was jumping around and doing a lot."
The gift of opportunity provided a reward that won't be forgotten by his family and team.
"It was a lot," Wilson Jr. said. "I was nervous, I was scared because I almost thought we were going to lose, but I knew we had faith in our team. Especially with our group of seniors."
On Tuesday, the Cardinals traveled to Elmwood seeking a second straight win. With under 15 seconds to go in the game and Cardinal Stritch up 36-35, Wilson Jr. stepped up to seal the victory.
"Coaches always say stay ready, be ready," Wilson Jr. said. "They called my name to get in and I went in and secured the game-winning rebound to help our team win."
It was a highlight moment for the sophomore who helped his JV team win earlier that night after sinking a buzzer-beater.
"These sophomores are all hungry for playing time at the varsity level. We don't just give it away, they earn it," head coach John Yost said. "Especially on his birthday week, he works so hard in practice and is just a great kid."
The day before his spectacular showing, Wilson Jr. celebrated his 16th birthday. When asked where it ranks, he didn't hesitate to say "number one."
Although he didn't specifically wish to be the hero for his program on Tuesday, the team did present this rising talent with a "Make Em Say Wow" chain which is awarded to one player after each game.
"The most fulfilling moment is when the whole team cheers for King because he's the new chain person," Yost said. "That's the part that's fun as a coach, when you see a player's teammates cheer for them and be excited for their success."
Wilson Jr. did not make the varsity roster at the beginning of the year. Yet, through his performance at practice, he earned a spot just three weeks into the season and is now flourishing with the minutes he's attained.
"Seeing is believing. Now, he's got that memory of he knows he belongs out there," Yost said. "The opportunities will continue to come and we'll see what's in store for him the rest of the season. We're excited."
Wilson Jr. continues to split time between JV and varsity as he continues to develop as a sophomore shooting guard and small forward. Cardinal Stritch is scheduled to return to action on Friday when they host Northwood in a TAAC contest.
For Wilson Jr. though, his week has already been made.
"They were just proud of me, especially my dad," Wilson Jr. said. "I kept getting messages of, 'I'm proud of you son, you make me proud.'"
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