Boy with Down syndrome nails backwards trick shot

WEST POINT, Neb. (FOX 13) - An 18-year-old from Nebraska didn’t seem to feel the pressure when he nailed a backwards trick shot in front of a Harlem Globetrotter.

James Meiergerd has Down syndrome, and is an honorary member of his school’s basketball team, as well as wrestling. He sank in the half-court shot earlier in January, but this time, he did it in front of his whole school and one of the Globetrotters.

On Monday, the Globetrotters sent player, Orlando Melendez to West Point-Beemer to personally involved Meiergerd to become a honorary member of the team when it plays at Omaha’s CenturyLink Center on April 5, reports Live Well Nebraska.

Melendez called Meiergerd to center court, telling the students that the senior is a wonderful example of perseverance. It took a few attempts, but one finally hit the backboard and sank in the net.

The whole stadium broke into a loud cheer.