OAKLAND — One minute, Luke Patten was closely guarding an opposing player, his team trying to hold on for a spot in the WPIAL Class 6A championship game.

Moments later, the Butler junior guard was waking up, laying on the basketball court at Fox Chapel High School, wondering if his life had just changed.

Patten had taken a hard fall, sliding off the back of Pine-Richland's Kyle Polce and landing on the base of his neck.

“I was knocked out,” he said. “When I came to, there were all of these people standing over me.

“I was scared. I didn't know what was going on.”

Patten said he was asked to move his limbs.

“I couldn't feel my right foot, though they said I was moving it,” he said. “My right hand was numb.”

Three nights later, Patten was on the court at the Petersen Events Center, playing against Mt. Lebanon in the WPIAL finals. He scored 12 points, hitting five of six shots, including two treys.

He also collected five rebounds and three assists.

“That was probably Luke's best all-around game of the season,” Butler coach Matt Clement said. “He was solid in so many areas and was so aggressive.

“To see him play a game like that after the trauma he went through is a testament to the type of person he is. I'm proud of him.”

Despite being medically cleared after being released from Children's Hospital in the wee hours of Thursday morning, Patten did not practice Thursday night. Clement wouldn't even let him suit up.

He did practice Friday and was in the starting lineup Saturday night.

“I'm just thankful I was able to walk, let alone play in this game,” Patten said. “A few nights ago, I didn't know if I'd be on the bench in street clothes or even be in the building at all.

“I feel truly blessed, how this turned out. I didn't find out until I was in the ambulance that we won (Wednesday night).”

Teammate and fellow junior Ethan Morton said Patten's return to practice elevated the entire team.

“He's one of our brothers, one of my best friends,” Morton said. “Seeing Luke recover and play the way he did tonight ... He's a special person and a special player.

“The way that whole thing turned out was incredible. We are all so grateful.”