Seven months ago, Joe Gaffney’s future in competitive sports seemed finished. The Charlevoix senior was traveling with his school’s golf team when a fleeing driver deliberately crossed the centerline on M-115 in Benzie County. The head-on collision left the team with serious injuries.

Gaffney’s body absorbed catastrophic damage. His diaphragm ruptured. His pelvis shattered into pieces. Doctors spent 10 hours reconstructing his pelvis with over 70 screws. He spent nine days in the ICU. Medical staff called his survival remarkable.

On December 3, 2025, Gaffney walked onto the Charlevoix basketball court for his senior season opener. He started the game. He scored six points on two three-pointers. His team rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat Ellsworth 50-45.

The recovery tim

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