Abbeville High Senior With Autism Turns out to Be a Sharpshooter on Basketball Court

Devounce Lampkin’s place on the Autism Spectrum does not affect his  intense love for basketball. He has served as a team manager for Abbeville High’s basketball team in Alabama for several years, but all that changed when his amazing teammates asked their coach to make him a real member of the squad.

“We’ve been in school together from elementary all the way through high school.” Senior player Eric Truitt shared with Dothan Eagle . “I love Devounce. He’s just a good person to be around.” 

Lampkin’s athleticism and outgoing personality made him the perfect fit for Abbeville’s varsity team. This season, Lampkin was able to dress out with all his varsity teammates during home games. Lampkin was very excited to make significant plays for his team. Basketball is everything to him, this opportunity was not taken lightly.

“He practices everyday at home,” Lampkin’s Grandmother, Arlene Jones told Dothan Eagle. “He loves to have fun.”

Lampkin had big time fun at Abbeville’s senior night, competing against Ashford High on Monday January 27th. The starting 5 lineup had a new and ambitious player added. Lampkin took full advantage of his new starting spot on senior night. Even though Lampkin was not officially a part of the roster, arrangements were made with Ashford’s coach, to add extra time to the clock. Lampkin sunk in a free throw, and connected on a shot. 

“Practice makes perfect,” Lampkin said when discussing his big game. “It was a lot of fun.”

Lampkin’s High school basketball career may be over, but we all hope he continues to hoop in his spare time!