Wheelchair sports an outlet for those who roll

cambered wheels so players can turn and move quickly downcourt without tipping over. The chairs also feature smaller wheels on a metal bar along the back to prevent backward falls.

But that cost shouldn’t deter people interested in playing — the city of Las Vegas has about 35 chairs for use. The Yuccas practice twice weekly at Rancho High School, and nobody on Foster’s squad is getting an easy ride. “We don’t coddle anybody,” he said. In a game Sunday, Carruth snagged a rebound and stormed downcourt, wearing the intensity of the moment on his face. Ball in hand, he drove toward the hoop. A defender appeared, stopping Carruth short.

With a clash of metal, Carruth smacked the floor, losing the ball. His teammates grimaced. Carruth planted his only foot on the planks, pushed his wheelchair upright and flowed back into the play.

“He always gets up,” Carruth’s wife, Tabetha said from the sideline. Contact Blake Apgar at bapgar@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5298. Follow @blakeapgar on Twitter.

RACHEL ASTON The Las Vegas Yuccas’ Nate Carruth (00) shoots at a wheelchair basketball tournament against the Magee Spokesmen on Sunday at the Paul McDermott Physical Education Complex at UNLV. Carruth, born without a femur, had his foot amputated. He discovered...