A lot of people have been at a loss for words following last weekend's deadly crash. But a Parker student found his own unique way to pay tribute to the Vollmers.
Ryan John had known Alyssa Vollmer ever since pre-school. The two were good friends and classmates at Sioux Falls Christian.
But this school year, Ryan transferred to Parker to play basketball.
"I remember this summer when I told her I was leaving the school, she texted me and said, 'Our whole class is going to miss you, especially me,' and now I'm going to miss her a lot," Ryan said.
So on Tuesday night, before the district semi-finals, Ryan had an idea of how he was going to remember and honor his friend. He wrote her name and number on his shoes, along with several Bible verses.
"Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord, Psalms 27:14," Ryan said as he read from the shoe.
Ryan also wanted to make a three pointer for Alyssa.
But as a sophomore and with Parker clinging to a 10-point lead, there was little chance Ryan was going to play. That is until the seniors spoke up. Ryan got in with 10 seconds left in the game.
"Coach called a time and he's like, 'We're going to run a play for Jaiden and hold the ball.' All the seniors stepped up and said, 'We think we should run a play for Ryan and let him shoot it,'" Ryan explained.
But the coach didn't want anyone to shoot, so he told Ryan to hold the ball and run out the clock. The players felt differently.
"We set up the play called picket fence, fourth guy screens and I came off it and got the ball," Ryan said.
When he got the ball, there was no hesitation. Ryan shot it and drained it, fulfilling his three-point promise.
"I never felt so good. I was crying. I was pointing up to the sky and said, 'I miss you,'" Ryan said. "I really could feel Alyssa was with me. I had her arch on that shot. She had the greatest arch in the world. I swear it touched the sky. I bet it hit the ceiling. It was so awesome; I honestly felt her right there next to me," Ryan said.
It wasn't the shot heard around the world, but Ryan knows it was heard in heaven.
Parker won the game 71-58. After the game, Ryan went over to the opposing coach and apologized for running up the score. But Freeman's coach said he understood. Ryan says he believes Alyssa and Caleb are playing basketball in heaven.
Watch the shot by clicking on the play button below.
Comments