REEDSPORT — One of the most valuable players on Reedsport’s basketball team can’t dribble with his right hand.

In fact, Devon Orr can’t do much of anything with his right hand because of cerebral palsy, an affliction he’s had all his life after he and his twin brother, David, were born three months early, each weighing about 2 pounds, on Feb. 20, 1989.

But that hasn’t stopped Devon from being an athlete, or from earning the praise of his coaches and teammates.

“I’ve played sports my whole life,” Devon said.

He and David grew up playing basketball and football together. When they reached middle school, it seemed only right to keep going.

With support from his coaches, Devon has continued as an athlete throughout high school. His final game will be Monday, when the Braves finish the season at Glide.

Devon considers himself lucky to have grown up in Reedsport, where the coaches have given him the chance to participate.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a coach that told me I couldn’t do it,” he said. “They’ve been really supportive.”

Reedsport athletic director Lynn Fulps considers himself lucky to have been given the chance to coach Devon.

“He’s one of the best kids I’ve ever coached,” Fulps said.

“He’s never missed a practice. He’s never been late for a practice.”

Players on the team realize the effort Devon puts in, Fulps said.

“The kids listen to him,” he said. “He’s a leader.”

Fulps coached Devon in football, a sport seemingly unfitting for a person with limited use of one of his arms.

Devon never looked at that as a disability, and never complained about it, Fulps said.

He remembers asking Devon what position he wanted to play.

“He said, ‘Play me wherever,’” Fulps said.

Devon played primarily on special teams, especially kickoff coverage, but he got a few chances to carry the ball as a running back, and on senior night during football season, he got to start at nose guard. The opponent that night was Gold Beach, which had perhaps the best offensive line among Class 3A schools.

“I was kind of unusual, a 5-8, 140-pound (nose) guard,” Devon said.

Against the Panthers, he was facing players nearly twice his weight.

“That was pretty intimidating,” he said.

But it also was something he’ll treasure, just like starting last week in the Braves’ home basketball finale against Myrtle Point.

“That was pretty neat,” he said. “That was a cool experience.”

Devon hasn’t gotten a lot of time on the court during games, but he’s been a treasure in practice, said James Hixenbaugh, the varsity basketball coach.

“He’s a team leader in his own way,” Hixenbaugh said. “He works hard in practice. I think the other kids feed off that.”

Devon also has an unending positive attitude.

“Devon is the man,” said teammate Jason Fishel.

Asked how Devon contributes to the team, Fishel responded, “What doesn’t he bring to the team?

“He’s got the good attitude. He works harder than everybody. He sets the tone for the bench and keeps the bench in the game.”

And when Devon does get to play, it’s a special moment for everyone.

“When he goes in, it’s Devon time,” Fishel said.

Two moments stand out during the basketball season.

Against Pacific in a preseason tournament, Devon hit a shot from well beyond the 3-point line, drawing cheers from all the fans from each team.

“It’s the luckiest shot I ever made,” said Devon, who describes himself as a “streaky shooter.”

Devon uses both arms to gather in passes from teammates and then lofts one-handed set shots with his left hand.

He made another 3-pointer against Sheridan during Reedsport’s tournament, shooting the ball over a taller defender.

That, too, thrilled the crowd, Fishel said.

Fulps, who coaches the girls basketball team at Reedsport, and watches the boys games, said the crowd at Cascade Christian this week became big fans of Devon.

“Not very often do other schools applaud for your kids to make shots,” he said. “(The) Cascade Christian fans cheered for him every time.”

Devon loves that type of response, but he never wants to be treated differently because of his condition.

Phillip Lopez, who was the defensive coordinator for Reedsport’s football team, said Devon told his teammates not to take it easy on him.

But that’s not why he earned the respect of his coaches.

“He’s always doing the extra stuff,” Lopez said. “You wish the studs on your team would show his heart. People like that are going to be successful in life because they’ll do the right things.”

Devon’s work ethic and positive attitude stand out, Lopez said.

“Every coach thinks the world about Devon,” he said. “He never complains about time (in games). He conducts every day like he’s a starter.

“He deserves everything he gets.”

Devon, who plans to study at either the University of Oregon or Southwestern Oregon Community College after he graduates this spring, said he would encourage any student who loves sports to try to participate.

“Just play and have fun,”  he said. “Don’t think you can’t do it. Never give up.”