GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — With 1.4 seconds melting away on the clock, the score was tied, 47-47. A bitter battle of overtime was all but settled for Kenowa Hills and Catholic Central on a Jan. 11 game.
Until freshman George Rauschenburg got the ball.
The JV Boys game was a nail-biter each quarter, shifting custody of the lead multiple times. But with a foul called with just a few seconds on the clock and a Catholic Central player standing on the free throw line, Kenowa Hills thought their chance winning in the fourth quarter was gone.
But the gym, silent from held breaths, erupted into cheers as George sunk a half-court buzzer-beater, earning his team the 50-47 victory — and earning George a massive middle-of-the-court bear hug from his teammates.
"I was thinking we just needed to get a shot off before the buzzer," said George.
When he heard the swish, all he could think to do was look towards his bench and coaches.
"[It was] satisfying. Pretty cool," George said.
For George's mom, Jessica Rauschenburg (who can be heard yelling in footage of the game-winning shot), the impressive feat was simply a testament to his dedication.
''My dad bought him his first plastic hoop when we lived in Oregon when he was 5," said Jessica. "He has been playing ever since, rain or shine, outdoor, indoor, wherever he can find a hoop."
There must've been something in the air that night. The Rauschenburg family saw this one coming.
"My dad actually said to me right before they inbounded it, that George was brewing up a buzzer beater. It all happened so fast. When those moments happen, I can barely breathe," she said.
The celebrations were not limited to the courts.
"Everyone jumped out of their seats and began screaming, jumping up and down, and high-fiving," Jessica recalled.
It was not just a game-winning shot for Jessica. It was a moment of pride for her son and her community.
"I am so proud of George and the way he carries himself on the court and off. He is a true leader by example," said Jessica. "That was a really fun moment for the community, and I think we are all proud of him."
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