The Clarksburg I-270 boys junior basketball team got a major surprise this week when WNBA Rookie of the Year and former UConn standout Paige Bueckers stepped in to help coach the team on Wednesday evening. Photos below courtesy of Frank Fitzpatrick.
Area Director for Clarksburg I-270 Brandon Childers told us, “When Bob Bueckers calls out sick and his daughter Paige comes to cover for the Clarksburg I-270 boys junior team.” Bob Bueckers, an assistant coach on the team, was out sick for the night and called in some very special backup, his daughter Paige, who was in town to watch UConn’s matchup in Annapolis.
Paige’s younger brother, Drew, is a member of the team, making the moment extra special for the Bueckers family. The family moved to Clarksburg about five years ago and has been active in the local basketball community ever since.
Bueckers, who was drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings, averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game in her rookie season. She was named 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year and earned All-WNBA honors, quickly establishing herself as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
For the Clarksburg players, having one of basketball’s biggest names leading drills was a dream come true. The impromptu coaching cameo brought national-level talent to a local Montgomery County gym, and gave the young I-270 players a story they’ll never forget.
