Single Dad Janitor Was Asked to Shoot a Basketball as a Joke — But What Happened. Everyone’s hair stood on end…

It was just another Friday afternoon at Westbrook High. The gym buzzed with laughter and squeaking sneakers as students gathered for the annual pep rally. Music blared, cheerleaders danced, and the varsity basketball team showed off their tricks.

For the upcoming state championship dot in the corner of the gym, quietly sweeping the bleachers was Mr. Ray Thompson, the janitor. Most students barely noticed him. He was the kind of man who kept to himself, always in his faded gray jumpsuit, pushing a mop or changing light bulbs.

But everyone knew he was raising his daughter alone after his wife passed away five years ago. He never missed a day of work. No matter what, hey Mr. T. One of the seniors shouted suddenly, grabbing the mic.

Why don’t you come show us some skills? The crowd burst out laughing. It wasn’t cruel, but it wasn’t kind either. Everyone expected an awkward, airball or a clumsy mess.

Ray paused, hands gripping the broom handle. He glanced up slowly, locking eyes with his daughter Lily, a shy freshman sitting in the front row. She looked nervous, worried he’d be humiliated.

But then she gave him a tiny, encouraging nod. Without saying a word, Ray handed his broom to the assistant janitor and walked toward center court. The gym quieted, sensing something was different.

A student tossed him the ball with a smirk. Let’s see what you got, old man. Ray bounced the ball once, then again…