The Middle Tennessee Regional Basketball Tournament recently occurred at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Preston Sensabaugh, 22, competed with the Wildcats of Rutherford County in the tournament.
For Sensabaugh, stepping on the court as the Wildcats’ leading scorer is an experience driven by passion, athleticism and pure joy. Playing two games Saturday, he led the Wildcats to victory with scores of 21-7 and 29-21.
“It feels good, I feel excited,” Sensabaugh said about being out on the court. “Shooting threes and stealing the ball are my favorite parts about being an athlete.”
Sensabaugh has been fueled by fearlessness and competition, playing basketball for nearly 15 years. Winning both games during the the event, he scored 34 points for the Wildcats, proving to be a true powerhouse on the court.
Sensabaugh took on a leadership role on the Wildcats and loves being part of the team and making a difference. The encouragement of his coaches, the trust of his teammates and cheering from the crowd give him pride and confidence as a player.
Micheal McCafferty, Rutherford County-Area 16 Director and Wildcats coach, has coached various sports for Special Olympics for nearly four years. He highlighted Preston’s immense athletic ability, calling him unstoppable on the court.
“Preston is a great player; he is super fun to watch,” said McCafferty. “Working with all our athletes is awesome; I love seeing them compete at the highest level.”
For McCafferty, every chance with a Special Olympics team is a chance to inspire and be inspired. He said how rewarding it is for himself and everyone involved with the team.
“They get to play with like-minded individuals that love the sports they love,” McCafferty said. ”It’s cool to see how they support each other, even from other teams.”
The Middle Tennessee Regional Basketball Tournament was an unforgettable experience where all athletes showcased their athleticism, competed at a high level, and created unforgettable memories centered on teamwork and sportsmanship.
