Major League Basketball Honors

U.S. 62 RIVALS BLEND FORMING TEAM MCKAY

PRAIRIE GROVE — Prairie Grove hosted the 2014 District baseball tournament and scheduled an appearance by retired major- leaguer Ryan Dempster to throw out the first pitch prior to the opening game.

Dempster played 16 seasons in the big leagues as a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. He retired after winning a world series ring in 2013 with the Red Sox, a keepsake Dempster was sporting when he came to Prairie Grove.

The twist was Dempster came to honor basketball players from U.S. 62 rivals, Farmington and Prairie Grove, for sportsmanship in a February game, in which Tigers’ coach Steve Edmiston subbed in manager McKay Gregson for the final possession.

With coaches, players and fans of both teams rooting for him, teammate Ty Tice sent McKay to his favorite spot on the floor and got the ball to him in 3-point territory while the Cardinals camped in the key on defense. McKay’s shot clanged off the rim and was rebounded by Farmington guard Jeremy Mueller.

Without hesitation, Mueller threw the ball out to McKay, who had taken a step backwards after the initial release and was now standing in NBA 3-point territory.

In a play reminiscent of Larry Bird and Julius Erving with a two- on- none fastbreak for the East witnessed during the 1984 All- Star game at Denver’s McNichol’s Arena, Bird unselfishly gave up the basketball.

And just like Erving elevating for one of his patented skywalks finishing with a thunderous slam- dunk, McKay’s mindset with ball back in his hands was one of ‘I know what to do with this thing, thank you very much,’ and promptly swished his first career field goal with a deep 3-pointer as the crowd exploded with cheers.

There were several revealing features in a series of game photos documenting McKay’s feat. Farmington assistant coach Matt Mahan and Cardinal center Mack Spears can be seen with arms raised and fingers circled in a sign of approval wishing the shot to go in with the ball in the air.

As the ball dropped through the net, expressions of jubilation can be seen on the faces of Farmington players Skyler Barnes, Mueller and Matt Thomas and in conclusion referees are visible in the background walking off Prairie Grove’s basketball court with great, big smiles.

Dempster’s 5- year- old daughter, Riley, and McKay have been challenged by 22-Q-11 Deletion Syndrome — 22Q for short, is described in medical terms as a deficiency in the 22nd chromosome that can present a wide variety of health issues and complicate learning and social interaction for those affected.

Dempster Family Foundation was formed to bring more awareness to 22Q and Dempster presented McKay and Jeremy with a “Pitching In” award for their sportsmanship also recognizing both school’s varsity boys basketball teams present for the ceremony.

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Farmington’s Jeremy Mueller (left) and Prairie Grove’s McKay Gregson were honored for sportsmanship during a U.S. 62 rivalry basketball game in February by retired major league pitcher Ryan Dempster prior to the start of the 4A-1 District baseball...