This Pioneer wore No. 42 for no particular reason.

Some famous athletes have donned that number, but for the basketball fans of the Pinnacle High Pioneers the No. 42 will always belong to Brandon Wechsler. Wechsler made history Friday night when he likely became the first Arizona high school athlete to start a varsity game while in a wheelchair.

It was a great way to honor a kid who serves as an inspiration. Wechsler, 18, hasn’t walked since he was 10.

But living with a life threatening disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, hasn’t kept Wechsler from touching other people’s lives one smile at a time. Pinnacle coach Charles Wilde organized a great way to honor Wechsler, Pinnacle’s four-year manager.

In December, Wilde asked Sandra Day O’Connor coach Luke Neibling if Wechsler could start during Friday’s game and receive at least a pass. Neibling immediately gave his blessing and so did the Arizona Interscholastic Association.

After Friday’s tipoff, the ball was given to star forward Drew Bender, Wechsler’s best friend. Bender then placed the ball on Wechsler’s lap.

A timeout was then called, allowing Pinnacle’s fans to continue celebrating the life of a remarkable Arizona high school student.

“It was great,” Wechsler said. “I’ve been waiting for this moment the rest of my life. It was so surreal. Those fans were crazy out there.”