Memories that will last a lifetime

The kids these days.

What with their Beyonce and belly rings. Their texts and their twitters.

They never listen.

They're just too caught up in the moment. They never think toward the future.

Usually.

Wednesday night, a group of nine Hickory High seniors proved to be the exception. Oh, there was the moment. One precious— seemingly surreal— moment.

And there was little question that the years ahead were definitely on their awestruck minds. Ah, the stories they will tell their children … and grandchildren … and maybe even great grandchildren.

There they stood, Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Green and Bobby Frasor. Three stalwarts on a North Carolina team that had been wearing the crown of a national champion less than 48 hours.

Joining the trio were Greg Paulus and David McClure, members of Duke's Atlantic Coast Conference tournament title squad.

The twinkle in Trevin Parks' eyes was there. He may not remember the 118-71 victory by the Carolina Barnstorming team, but he'll gleefully pass along the constant jabbering between him and Green as he shifted his way up court.

The broad grin across Bryce Middleton's face was illuminating. He won't remember the missed attempts inside, but his stuff of a Hansbrough shot in the lane? Well, just let him describe it.

"I still find it hard to believe," said Middleton. "I'd have to see a replay to believe that it actually happened.

"But I don't think he liked it too much. He seemed to get a little mad."

The dog may not have any more fights on the collegiate level, but it will be many years before the fight has left the dog for one of the most decorated players in the history of college basketball.

To feel the buzz emanating throughout David W. Craft Gymnasium at Hickory High and to see the joy sprawled across each Red Tornadoe's face throughout the night, however, gave me pause.

Honestly, we have so few truly magical moments in our lives. There will be some to follow for Parks, Middleton and their cohorts. Some that many of us have already experienced.

Wedding days, the birth of a child. Treasured moments to be sure.

But the ones they will deem magical will be rare. No doubt, Green, Hanbrough and Frasor are experiencing "one shining" one now.

Stepping onto the court, they and their other Tar Heels teammates were treated to shouts and screams normally reserved for rock stars, and at least one of them was caught off guard by the boisterous welcome received.

"I didn't expect that," said Green about the rowdy and raucous packed house in attendance. "The night was just a lot of fun, and it was great to get that kind of love and support.

"Plus they actually played pretty well, which made everything even better," he added, referring to his opposition.

But as much as the night was about fans packing a facility to catch a glimpse of their heroes, it was just as much about nine teenagers experiencing the most special moment in their short lives.

"It's just something I'll be able to keep and share with people forever," said an admittedly still star-struck Parks following the game. "It was the best last game I'm ever going to have at Hickory High.

"A couple of days ago, I was watching them on TV, and the next thing I know I was playing against them. I still can't believe it.

"I had to get the jitters out (when taking the court). I was just so anxious, and I tried to get it out of my mind that I was playing against ACC Division I athletes."

Thankfully for Parks, he never will.

That's the joy of the magical moment.

And those are the ones you have to get caught up in.