(File Photo) Fort Frye’s Chatum Courson passes to a teammate during a high school basketball game against Morgan earlier this season in Vincent.

BEVERLY — A Fort Frye High School varsity basketball player is recovering after suffering a serious back injury during a road game earlier this week, according to his coach.

Chatum Courson, a senior and member of the Fort Frye Cadets boys team, was injured Monday night while diving for a loose ball during a game at Belpre. Head coach Eric Henniger said Courson slid across the court and struck the padding at the end of the floor back-first.

“He made a really good hustle play,” Henniger said. “When he slid, he slid back first into the padding at the end of the court, and that’s how it happened.”

Henniger said initial concerns focused on Courson’s ribs, but further evaluation revealed a back injury. Courson was transported for emergency care and later diagnosed with a broken back, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser created to support his family.

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Henniger said Courson’s condition is stable and improving.

(File Photo) Fort Frye’s Chatum Courson (2) blocks a shot by Marietta’s Lucas Miller during a high school basketball game last season in Beverly.

“He’s doing better – as good as he can be, being broken,” Henniger said. “It’s pretty stable. He was actually at practice today with a back brace on.”

Courson is scheduled for a follow-up appointment and MRI in early January to determine whether surgery will be necessary. Henniger said doctors are hopeful surgery will not be required.

The injury occurred during a game against the Belpre Eagles, whose staff and players were credited with responding quickly and professionally.

“Everyone at Belpre handled the situation very well,” Henniger said. “Their athletic trainer came over right away and helped get him on his back and made sure we kept him still. All the coaches helped out as well. It was an unfortunate situation, but they did a great job handling it.”

The GoFundMe fundraiser states Courson will require specialized follow-up care in Cleveland, more than three hours from home, during the Christmas holiday week. His parents are expected to travel back and forth for appointments while also supporting their daughter, a high school junior, at home.

According to the fundraiser, both parents will need to take unexpected time off work, and expenses related to travel, lodging, meals and medical care are expected to accumulate. The fundraiser emphasizes that the family did not request assistance but that the Fort Frye community organized the effort to support Courson’s recovery.

“Fort Frye has always stood for grit, loyalty, and community,” the fundraiser states. “Right now, one of our Cadets can use our support.”

The GoFundMe fundraiser can be found at: www.gofundme.com/f/cadets-for-chatum