For one special night, Hill took center stage
RUSSELLVILLE — The Tharptown High School gym was full of noise on senior night, but the loudest cheers came before the varsity game even began.
Caden Hill, a Tharptown senior who has been part of the Wildcats basketball program since seventh grade, took the floor for a pregame matchup created just for him. Vina High School joined in, treating the moment like a true game, complete with defense, fast breaks and a cheering crowd.
Caden has Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition that affects development and learning and varies in severity. Despite those challenges, his family and coaches said he has always gravitated toward basketball and being part of a team.
For his senior night, Caden scored seven points. He added two steals, a fastbreak layup, a jumper from the free-throw line and a 3-pointer that brought the gym to its feet.
For his mother, Tiffany Hill, the moment was one she never expected to experience.
“Caden is always so excited and cheering on the team from the sidelines,” Hill said. “Just to hear his friends cheering for him instead … seeing that other people also think he’s amazing, that was the best part.”
When Hill first learned Caden would be allowed to play, she said she expected only a brief opportunity for Caden to shoot uncontested before the game. Instead, she watched as the teams lined up and played a full contest.
“When they had a full game set up, I was just blown away,” Hill said. “My video was shaking because I was ugly crying.”
Caden missed much of the season after undergoing open-heart surgery four months ago. Head coach Winston Nolen said Caden was only able to attend a handful of games and practices before returning more consistently.
“He really missed a chunk of the games,” Nolen said. “But once he was back, he was back.”
Nolen said the idea for senior night came together with help from teachers who knew how much basketball meant to Caden. For him, the decision reflected the larger purpose of high school sports, especially in a season that did not produce many wins.
“That’s what the sport’s about,” Nolen said, “everybody getting a chance to have fun and be a part of something.”
The night also marked a full-circle moment between coach and player. Nolen met Caden when he was a senior and Caden was in seventh grade. The two formed a bond that continued long after Nolen graduated.
“I’ve loved it,” Nolen said. “We’ve had a big old journey that came from playing ball together.”
Hill said the relationship has been meaningful to her family throughout Caden’s time in the program. As she spoke about their bond, Caden reached out and exchanged a dap with his coach.
Senior night was just as meaningful for Caden’s teammates. Bryson Borden said sharing the court with Caden was the highlight of his season.
“I think it just kind of opened everybody’s eyes to what basketball is about,” Borden said.
During announcer introductions, Borden helped guide Caden and stayed close during the possessions he participated in. He said the experience shifted his perspective on teamwork and competition.
“A lot of times we get caught up in winning,” Borden said. “But I think that showed us it’s not just all about winning.”
Hill said she hopes Caden’s experience shows other families of children with disabilities that inclusion is possible.
“It’s lonely sometimes,” she said. “But this school, these people have made it a lot less lonely.”
She said senior night was one of those moments which made the challenges worth it.
“You just have to find those bright spots,” Hill said. “And this was one of our bright spots.”
For one night, surrounded by teammates, opponents and a supportive crowd, Caden got the chance to do what he has loved for years — play Wildcats basketball.
