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Today — 21 January 2025Sport News

High school basketball player jumps into action to save opponent's life after harrowing on-court collapse

21 January 2025 at 19:04

A critical moment prompted a high school basketball player in Oklahoma to put aside competition. When Randy Vitales, 16, went into cardiac arrest in the opening minutes of a basketball game Jan. 9, Magnus Miller rushed to his aid.

According to Oklahoma City news station KOCO-5, Dover High School was competing against Life Christian Academy in Orlando, Oklahoma, when Vitales collapsed about three minutes into the game. Dover coaches determined Vitales did not have a pulse, according to King Fisher Press.

Miller reportedly had undergone lifeguard training and used an automated external defibrillator to help Vitales. The high school student also took the lead in performing CPR.

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Once Vitales' heartbeat was restored, CPR was administered until medical personnel made it to the gymnasium.

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The Guthrie Fire Department credited Miller for his actions, telling KOCO-5 the student-athlete "without a shadow of a doubt" saved his opponent's life.

Miller said there was no hesitation once he became aware of the situation. 

"I didn’t have any second thoughts about it," the 18-year-old told the news outlet. "I just jumped in and took control."

Miller admitted that being described as a lifesaver was somewhat unsettling.

"It’s weird hearing someone say you saved their life," Miller said. "But it wasn’t really me. It was God just being there for me and him. Obviously, I didn’t go there to play basketball that day."

Dover Public Schools previously confirmed Vitales was transported to an Oklahoma City hospital and eventually placed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Once Vitales was admitted, doctors said an abnormal heartbeat caused the cardiac arrest.

"Randy is undergoing several tests and will be moved to ICU," a statement released Jan. 9 said. "Doctors did say that the quick response by our coaches and the training they received is probably what saved his life. Counselors and some area pastors were at the school when our teams returned to talk and pray with our students."

The Oklahoman reported Vitales was breathing without the assistance of a ventilator as of Jan. 11.

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Coveted rookie card of Pirates star Paul Skenes pulled by young collector after offer from MLB team

21 January 2025 at 18:02

The coveted one-of-a-kind autographed MLB debut patch card of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is no longer on the market. 

An 11-year-old collector from Southern California decided to pull the card, which was featured in the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set.

The card of Skenes, who was named the 2024 National Leage Rookie of the Year, drew significant interest when the trading card and collectible manufacturer unveiled it in November. 

Shortly after the card became public knowledge, the Pirates became vocal about getting it.

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While any Skenes autographed card carries some value, the MLB debut patch edition is a one-of-a-kind collectible, making it highly sought.

The Pirates offered a lengthy package of perks in exchange for the card. A pair of premium Pirates season tickets for a three-year period, a meet and greet with Skenes and autographed jerseys were among offerings from the team. 

Despite the latest turn of events, the Pirates confirmed the team remains ready to honor the offer.

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"An 11-year-old collector just pulled the Paul Skenes 1/1 Debut Patch card! Our offer still stands... you know where to find us," the Pirates posted on X Tuesday.

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, who is dating Skenes, added another incentive to whomever locates the card. 

"Let's raise the stakes…the person who finds this card can sit with me at a Pirates game in my suite," Dunne wrote in a post to her Instagram story.

Skenes, 22, delivered a season to remember in 2024, finishing 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts.

Before winning NL Rookie of the Year, Skenes was named to the MLB All-Star team. Skenes was the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and made his big league debut in May. 

Rookies have worn MLB debut patches on their jerseys since 2023. Topps acquired the patches and created the unique cards.

In November, Sports Collectors Digest projected the card could command a six-figure price tag.

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