Athlete of the Week: Blayke Webber, Lincoln North Star’s manager

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A high school student had his number called last week at the end of a game, and was more than ready for the moment.

Blayke Webber, a senior equipment manager for Lincoln North Star was on the sidelines helping the team with whatever they needed in their game vs. Norfolk. But, with 2:47 remaining in regulation and the Navigators up big, Blayke heard his number called.

“It was crazy. I wasn’t expecting to play at all,” said Webber.

When Blayke checked in, the fans and the team we’re going crazy. They cheered even louder when the first shot he put up was nothing but net.

“When we told him, he was surprised but also excited,” said Bryan Castor, Lincoln North Star’s Head Coach. “When he got in, it was Blayke’s night. The rest was history.”

Blayke went on to make three three pointers, the crowd getting louder with each shot.

He’s loved basketball all his life and credits his performance from the practice he puts in each night.

“I practice every day after school. I can just hit the crazy shots, so I just did it here. Same thing.”

Coach Castor says he has noticed his passion for the game, and saw the opportunity to give him a chance at an unforgettable night.

“He’s one of the guys that comes in and puts a smile on everybody’s face. I thought it was only right that I put him in the game,” said Castor. “He’s never played high school ball, and I know he loves the game.”

After the Navigators 77-39 victory over Norfolk, the team celebrated him with a water bottle shower in the locker room.

“I was kind of expecting them to do that, but not really. They all like me.”

It was the first time Blayke had a chance to suit up for the team this year, and right now Lincoln North Star is 13-3 overall, and playing some of their best basketball in recent years.

If they keep this up, Coach Castor says there could be more playing time for Blayke down the road.