You play to win, if that’s what sports is all about. The Keystone Boys Basketball team has enjoyed success in the 2024-2025 season. The team currently sports a 17-6 overall record and finished 7-3 in KSAC action. Playoffs loom on the horizon. This year, however, has been about more than just basketball for this unique group of guys; it has been the sense of inclusion that reveals the true character of this Panther squad.
Meet McKinley Weaver, a member of this year’s team who has earned the respect of his teammates. McKinley is eager to be part of the team. He puts in the work practicing drills and learning the offensive and defensive sets, just the same as his counterparts.
McKinley Weaver
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McKinley is also involved in the “Snack Shack” program, the gardening club and is a member of the bocce team at Keystone High School.
McKinley has been practicing with the basketball team for the past two years and is currently considered a 9th grader at Keystone High School. McKinley who was diagnosed at an early age with Autism, has not let that stop him from doing something he enjoys, playing basketball. However, due to the loud crowd noises, buzzer, etc., he does not participate in any games, he just enjoys being a part of the team.
McKinley’s mom, Holly Weaver, can attest to the impact being a part of the team has had on McKinley’s life. “Being apart of the basketball team at Keystone has been a bright spot in McKinley’s life. He has always struggled when it comes to peer interaction. His lack of communication skills has been a big challenge over the years. The team has given him the confidence to be a part of something that accepts him for him. I will always push for acceptances and inclusion for McKinley and this is exactly what this team has done. McKinley comes out of practices with a big smile on his face and that says it all. I have always worried McKinley would be picked on or easily made fun for being on the spectrum, but at Keystone and with those boys he is safe. What more would a mom ask for? We are so blessed to live in an area like we do. Those parents are raising those boys to be good men.”
This past week, McKinley was presented with a new pair of black and gold sneakers by his teammates. A show of appreciation for their teammate who they enjoy sharing the gym and game with.
In the words of Pat Conroy, the author of My Losing Season, “the greatest teachers fill you with hope and shower you with a thousand reasons to embrace all aspects of life.”
Keystone basketball has always held themselves to a higher standard, their banners of KSAC and District IX Championships in the gym are a testament to that. But sometimes it is not all about wins and losses and this story is a testament to that.
Members of the team include: McKinley Weaver, Gabe Demmer, Dom Corcetti, Xavier Vantassel, Drew Keth, Keaton Himes, Eli Nellis, Austin Grata, Joey Spence, Andrew Hoffman, Conner Burns, Brinden Hartzell, Chaz Renninger, Spencer Heeter and Seth Slaughenhaupt, Brady Dunlap, Dylan Pheiff, and Tyler Pheiff. Head coach of the Panthers is Greg Heath and he is assisted by Matt Clark.
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