Hoops for Autism set Saturday

Coach Robbie Graham and Legend Allen.

When GRC Hoops Coach Robbie Graham welcomed autistic student Legend Allen as the team manager last fall, he didn’t imagine the life-changing result.

“Legend has been such a joy to have around,” Coach Graham said. “Our players and coaches have fallen in love with him, and he loves being part of the team. He teaches us something every day.”

That relationship inspired Coach Graham to learn more about autism and ultimately led to the creation of “Hoops for Autism,” an autism awareness game designed to educate the community and celebrate students on the spectrum.

Held during the Fox 56 Showcase set for Saturday at GRC Arena, the event will receive an extra spotlight.

Mental health professionals and other organizations will be on site to share information and resources, with brochures available for families.

Students across Clark County who have been diagnosed with autism have been invited to attend and will be recognized at halftime.

For Coach Graham, the game is taking a backseat to the activities that surround it. “I get emotional talking about it because I am so excited about this,” Graham said. “The players and I cannot wait for Saturday.”

The impact of the event on Legend’s family and our community is impossible to measure.

“Hoops for Autism is more than just a basketball event for our family,” said Legend’s mother, Aleisha Allen. “It’s a celebration of inclusion, understanding, and opportunity.”

She credited his case worker, Olivia Sparks, for helping open doors that allowed Legend to be part of GRC Hoops, and Coach Graham for welcoming him with open arms.

“Basketball is something Legend loves, but being part of the team has given him so much more than that,” Ms. Allen said. “It has given him confidence, responsibility, friendships, and a true sense of belonging.”

Coach Graham said the response to the event, including a heartfelt message from Legend’s family, has reinforced why the effort matters.

“This is something we’re going to continue as long as I’m head coach,” Graham said. “It’s about making sure every student feels important.”

Director of Exceptional Children Abby McCormick said employees and volunteers have been eager to help put the event together. "So many people have put work into this," she said, specifically recognizing Ms. Allen, CCPS employee and parent Cassie Puckett, CCPS employee Mary Grashel, and Karen Hadley from Finding Hope.

"I hope this is the first of many events school groups, community members and families work together to share awareness and celebrate all of our students," Ms. McCormick said. "Coach Graham is growing more than great basketball players; he is Growing Greatness."

For Legend’s family, the night represents optimism, breakthrough, and a supportive community.

“For families like ours, events like Hoops for Autism mean the world,” Ms. Allen said. “They shine a light on the abilities, not the limitations, of kids on the spectrum. They remind our community that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Watching coaches, teammates, and fans rally around Legend and other kids like him shows what real acceptance looks like. Moments like these are the memories that last a lifetime, and we will never take them for granted.”