Shelby students and staff shoot for greater understanding

It came down to a final shot.

With less than 30 seconds left in overtime, a group of Shelby Teachers and students on Wednesday lost by two points to the Sterling Heights Challengers in a wheelchair baskeball game.

The final score was 56 to 54 - the Shelby team was spotted 40 points by the Challengers - but it wasn't the result that mattered. It was the lessons learned about disabilities that scored big with participants.

"It was really challenging to be in a wheelchair," said Shelby eighth-grader Ben Campbell.

The Sterling Heights Challengers are a nationally-ranked team consisting of students 18 years or younger who have a disability. The team competes in National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

One of its key players, Adam Rose, recently earned the Rising Star Award through the Disabilities Hall of Fame.

A senior at Henry Ford II and the Center for Science and Industry, Rose said competitions like the Shelby game help others understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

"It gets them in a wheelchair and gives them this experience," Rose said. "

Even with the 40 point spot, Rose said the Shelby team was fierce competition.

"The staff put up a great effort and the students were amazing," he said.

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