A Wichita teen with special needs is smiling big after he scored his first points in a middle school basketball game. 

Tyler Zarchen, 13, loves basketball. If he could, he said he would spend every day on the court.

“I heard that he had an interest and he wanted to play and try out for the team, so I invited him to come out to tryouts and it was a no brainer at that point,” said Stucky Middle School Head Basketball Coach Robert Bedore.

Bedore said the team immediately embraced Tyler.

“They really enjoy having him around,” Bedore said.

“He brings joy to this team. Everybody loves playing with him,” said teammate Marcus Zeigler.

Tyler doesn’t get a lot of playing time, but he did get a chance to shine during a game on February 4.

“This is his first game where he’s got lots of shots,” Bedore said.

Tyler took nearly 10 shots in the game. His didn’t make his first nine shots.

“You saw a couple of my players doing extraordinary things and getting him the basketball and the other team. I credit to the other team and their head coach. They were all involved too and they just made that moment so special for Tyler and everybody in the gym,” Bedore explained.

Zeigler was one of the athletes who continued to rebound the ball and give it back to Tyler.

“I did it because I just wanted to see him score because he hasn’t scored in a game. I just had to make sure he scored,” Zeigler said.

When Tyler scored, the gym erupted.

“I just got so excited. I didn’t know what to do after that,” Zeigler said. 

“Everybody started cheering and jumping up and down. Both teams rushed the court,” Bedore said. “Tyler was excited. All of the kids in the locker room started jumping around and patting him on the back and telling him good job.”

KSN asked Tyler how he felt after he made his first bucket. He smiled and said, ‘good.’

Bedore said he is proud of his squad.

“They just do so well at being an actual team and they exemplify what it is to be a good team,” he said.

The Stucky team is 10-0. If they win their next two games, they will take home the middle school division title.