- November 27, 2024
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Moore's teammates look on with anticipation, predicting a basket.
The Mainland bench celebrates Moore's shot, which has become a genuine custom.
Chris Moore points to his supporters in the bleachers after nailing a three-pointer. Photos by Jeff Dawsey
Pull quote: “It's great when he can get his few points and we see him happy; we like to jump up and down with him.” Cyrus Fagan, on Chris Moore scoring his three-pointers
From the beginning of the game to near its conclusion, Matanzas posed no threat to the Bucs, as they routed them 67-39 Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Matanzas.
Mainland never looked enthused to be running away with the game, until that comfortable fourth-quarter lead led to the substation of coach Landis McCoy’s favorite player of all time, Chris Moore.
Moore, who is partially blind, has created a name for himself with his signature three pointers, which he gets at the end of certain games. While they may not have any significant value of determining a winner or loser, his made shots usually send the Mainland bench and crowd into a frenzy. He didn’t disappoint tonight.
Up by more than 25 points with less than five minutes remaining, Moore was signaled to go in. Every Mainland possession, he sprinted to the left corner, his sweet spot, looking to fire away. After two missed attempts, accompanied by his teammates yelling, “Oh!” just as the ball hit the rim and rolled off, it seemed as if his magic wasn’t going to happen.
But, the third try was a charm. Moore sprang up and released the ball at his highest point in the air, and, everyone waited with eyes glued to the rainbow shot, as it fell right into the net without touching any part of the rim. The bench and junior varsity players went crazy, cheering and screaming for a shot they’ve seen numerous times.
“It's great because he is a special needs kid, but he is one of us, and, when he scores, it is a blessing,” said teammate Cyrus Fagan. “He never complains about anything, and he always has a smile. It's great when he can get his few points and we see him happy; we like to jump up and down with him.”
