Team helps senior with neurological condition

GROTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- A senior in Groton who suffers from a neurological condition got to live out a special moment before graduation.

Joey Mullaney won't remember the score, but he'll never forget he played.

“It felt surreal when it happened, when I heard all the applause,” said Joey Mullaney.

Joey Mullaney grew up playing basketball with his twin brother Sean, until a progressing neurological condition sidelined him.

“It was very tough, it was just weird at first. We played together our whole lives. It starts with the legs and works all the way up. So basically, I have trouble walking, my speech is slurred because of it,” said Joey Mullaney.

For the last four years, Joey Mullaney has managed the Lawrence Academy Basketball team that Sean played on. But in the last game of their last season, the team found a way to put the brothers back on the court together.

“I think I’ve probably coached 450 high school basketball games, I think I felt better after that one than any of the other 449,” said Kevin Wiercinski, Lawrence Academy Basketball Coach.

To honor Joey Mullaney, his teammates gave him an assist. His game opening dunk has scored more than a thousand views on YouTube. It's earned him a few points at home too.

“It brought back memories. Not of him dunking, but it brought back memories,” said Sean Mullaney.

A crowning moment of a high school career shared by the team that wanted to lift Joey up.

“I want to show them anything is possible. The sky's the limit really,” said Joey Mullaney.

This was Joey’s last game with Lawrence Academy, but he is heading to Quinnipiac University where he hopes to be part of the basketball team.