Last week’s Warhorse basketball game drew a large crowd as the boys played in their last home game of the season. Not only was it an important district game, but the night had special meaning to the team, coaches, and to the fans. Wearing number twenty-one on his jersey, senior Justin Salcedo received a warm welcome as he returned to the court and started the game for the first time since his diagnosis last year. Salcedo has made leaps and bounds in his recovery by beating his battle with cancer, and bouncing back to play with his team again.

“There were some days where I just couldn’t take it anymore, and I just wanted it to all stop. I’d tell my mom ‘I just can’t do it anymore’ and I was scared I wasn’t going to make it,” Justin said to FOX 29’s reporter Ted Garcia. “I’ve been to a dark place with cancer.”

Justin took a big step in his recovery last week, and Devine was more than excited to see him do so. His team and community were extremely glad to have him back where he belongs; the basketball court. Everyone has been rooting for him since day one, and the crowd was definitely pleased to be able to root for him on the court last week. Justin has showed true character as both a Warhorse and a person, and Devine couldn’t be more proud.

“I think it just means so much for everybody to see a good kid who has something tragic happen to them and to see him stand up and fight it, not hold his head down, and say ‘I’m going to beat this, I’ve got this’,” head basketball coach Jerel Beaty said.

Justin has been an inspiration to everyone, and his return to the court was a great moment for the team. The Warhorses have the whole team together again and have high expectations for their upcoming playoff season.