5 Stories You Must Know for March Madness 2021
A quick look at some of the most incredible and inspirational story lines of this year’s March Madness.
Evan Battey - Junior, University of Colorado
On December 26th, 2017 Evan Battey was playing pick-up basketball when his leg went numb. In a matter of seconds, Battey lost all feeling in the right side of his body and his ability to speak. The healthy 19-year-old freshman from the University of Colorado was suffering a stroke. On the way to the hospital, Battey had two seizures.
11 months later, after having to relearn to speak, Battey made his debut for Colorado. Since then, he has been a major contributor for the Buffaloes, and this year has led Colorado to a number 5 seed. Battey and Colorado are poised for a deep tournament run.
Nah’Shon Hyland - Sophomore, VCU
Three years ago, Nah’Shon ‘Bones’ Hyland was at home watching March Madness when a fire broke out at his house. Bones was forced to jump out his second-floor bedroom to save his life. On the way down, he slammed his right knee into some brick stairs. Tragically, Bones’ grandmother and cousin died in the fire.
Doctors feared the knee injury would end Hyland’s career but Bones pushed through and underwent a 6 month recovery. Just months later, Hyland committed to VCU, making him the highest rated VCU recruit since 2016. This year, Bones averages 19 PPG and leads the Rams into a first round March Madness matchup against the Oregon Ducks.
Jason Preston - Sophomore, Ohio University
In 2015, Jason Preston’s Mom passed away. With his Dad out of the picture and his guardian in Jamaica, Preston moved in with a friend in Florida. As a high school senior, Preston averaged 2 points per game and was preparing to attend UCF as a student only.
After playing in an AAU tournament, a coach convinced Preston to go to prep school. There, Preston posted a highlight tape on Twitter of himself playing on the school’s C-team. The highlight tape got him an offer at Ohio University. Preston is now one of the best scorers in college basketball and many believe will be a top NBA prospect one day.
Andrew Jones - Junior, University of Texas
In January of 2018, Andrew Jones saw a doctor after experiencing what he thought were flu-like symptoms. Jones and the Texas Longhorns were shocked to learn that he, in fact, had Luekemia. In August 2018, Jones completed his first round of chemotherapy, but started another round of treatment at the end of 2018.
On January 9th, 2021, three years to date after the Texas Longhorns were notified of Jones’ diagnosis, Andrew Jones hit a game winning 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining to beat 14th ranked West Virginia. After a miraculous recovery, Jones leads the Longhorns into March Madness as one of the most explosive teams in the tournament.
Damien Chong-Qui - Junior, Mount Saint Mary’s University
Damien Chong-Qui was four-years-old when his mother was shot and killed. Years later in 2010, Damien’s father was caught in a crossfire while picking up dinner. While in his car, Damien’s father was shot in the back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. For years, Damien was his father’s primary caregiver, dressing him and carrying him down the stairs daily.
Standing at 5’8”, Damien has stopped at nothing to pursue his basketball dreams. This season, Damien averages 15 PPG and leads Mount St. Mary’s to their sixth ever March Madness appearance.
