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17-year-old McElwain delivered stunning performance in first game
updated 5:52 p.m. ET March 2, 2006
GREECE, N.Y. – Alone in the gym after practice, Jason McElwain went through his elaborate pregame ritual.
The 17-year-old senior, manager of the Greece Athena High School basketball team, drained a 3-pointer, a double-pump layup and a free throw, kissed the back of his ring finger at center court and sped off to the dressing room to exhort and amuse his teammates.
“You’ve gotta give it everything you got!†McElwain sang in rap verse. “The winner goes home all happy/The loser goes home and says/‘Mommy we lost the game, wah wah wah!â€â€™
McElwain, who is autistic, was back in his role as an all-around motivator on the eve of a sectional semifinal game Tuesday night — handing out water bottles, dispensing tips, helping run drills. Two weeks earlier, he suited up for a game and delivered a jaw-dropping performance.
His play drew national attention, and a flood of calls from Hollywood. His parents have received inquiries from about 25 production companies ranging from The Walt Disney Co. and Warner Bros. to independent documentary filmmakers.
“I don’t know what I’m walking into,†McElwain said.
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