UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A youth league for wheelchair basketball athletes called the Charlotte Rollin’ Hornets is heading to Kansas in the next few days for the national competition.
The Rollin’ Hornets consists of two junior and two adult teams that compete within the National Wheelchair Basketball Association – and they are all ranked in the top five nationally.
Channel 9 went to one of the last youth practices at Marvin Ridge High School before the team heads to the final stage.
Marvin Ridge High School sophomore Adam Smith is a key member of the team who won a national championship in 2018 as part of the Rollin’ Hornets’ prep team.
“You have to have an insane amount of upper body strength to do this,” said Smith.
Smith said basketball has been his entire life since he started.
“I’ve always loved the game, and I feel like it has always loved me back,” said Smith.
Smith said he’s proud to be part of a team that feels more like family.
“The inclusion here is something that you don’t see in public or when you’re in your daily life,” said Smith.
Marvin Ridge Middle School 7th grader Cameron Ruis echoes that feeling.
Ruis is only 12 years old, but he is in his 9th season with the team. He has been playing since he was three years old.
“It’s insanely cool. It’s a privilege, and I’m so glad I get to play,” said Ruis.
His mother, Sheri Ruis, is glad too.
“He’s the only student at his school in a wheelchair so it’s a big deal to be around kids that have similar challenges,” said Ruis.
Ruis said despite the different challenges the team faces, they are true athletes.
“They are athletes just like any able bodies team out there. They work hard. They train just like any other team,” said Ruis.
(WATCH BELOW: Partners for Play - Wheelchair Basketball Players)
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