On Jan. 28, Flathead High School’s Mike VanArendonk stole the ball from a Helena Capital player in the waning seconds of a basketball game tied at 48. VanArendonk quickly put up a shot to beat the buzzer and give the Braves a dramatic 50-48 victory.
Just to be present for such a spectacle would be enough for any parents, but VanArendonk’s parents – John and Lori – made sure the moment will never be forgotten: they captured it on camera.
The photograph you see was taken by Lori and e-mailed to me by John. It’s a great photo. It has the actual game-winning shot in midair, along with everyone’s bated-breath reactions.
Look at the faces of the fans and cheerleaders. You get a glimpse of that microsecond when paralyzing anticipation is about to give way to riotous celebration. My favorite is the cheerleader to the right of VanArendonk. She pretty much sums up everything that’s fun about sports.
Thanks to Lori for being on her toes and taking the photo. And thanks to John for sending it in.