Video: Third-Grader Hits Half-Court Buzzer-Beater

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqj81we0ME8

The video is from a basketball game in a third and fourth grade tournament in Oklahoma where third-grader Austin Worthen hit a half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third-quarter as his team went on to win 25-4.

KOBI and KOTI NBC affiliates in Medford and Klamath Falls, Oregon reportedly first got the scoop on how Worthen made the play of a life time. According to his father, Worthen has practiced the half-court shot at least a thousand times at home or during the team’s practice, but this was the first time he had ever made one in a game.

By watching the video it is obvious Worthen knew exactly what he was doing. He looked up at the shot clock and timed exactly how far he needed to dribble before he had to launch the ball in the air with all his might. Watching him throw his entire body as he heaved the ball towards the basket is funny but not as priceless as the reaction of his coach on the sideline.

The coach jumps up and down with both arms in the air twirling his body around as if he just hit the shot himself. Meanwhile, Worthen is running around and jumping in the air with similar excitement as his teammates embrace him with high-fives and hugs.

I am sure everyone at Springfield (Colorado) Elementary School, the school Worthen plays for, will be buzzing with excitement when he returns.  No news on how the team finished in the tournament but sharing in that experience was probably worth it all on its own.

Buzzer-beaters are one of the most exciting actions an onlooker can experience during an event in all of sports and they are even better when it comes from mid-court or beyond. Of course, when it is an elementary school student accomplishing the rare feat it is even better.