High Point student announcers go wild on call for March Madness upset over Wisconsin

The two student radio voices of the Panthers couldn't contain their excitement after the team's stunning victory.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:42am

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High Point University's student radio announcers Jimmy Rosselli and Griffin Wright went viral with their enthusiastic call of the school's 83-82 upset win over No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The two could barely contain their excitement as High Point made a late defensive stop to preserve the victory, with Rosselli exclaiming "Throw on the glass slipper! It's a Cinderella story in Portland, Oregon!" This isn't the first time the duo's calls have gone viral, as they also gained attention last year during High Point's run in the Big South Conference Tournament.

Why it matters

High Point's Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament has captured the imagination of college basketball fans, and the student announcers' viral calls have only added to the excitement. The small North Carolina school's success is a feel-good story, and the student broadcasters' passion has resonated with viewers.

The details

With High Point clinging to a one-point lead in the final seconds, Panthers forward Owen Aquino made a crucial block to preserve the victory. Rosselli and Wright's call of the play spread across the internet, with Rosselli shouting "Blocked! There it is! There it is! Throw on the glass slipper! It's a Cinderella story in Portland, Oregon!" The two students said they were dreaming of calling a moment like that, and their fandom and excitement came through in their voices.

  • High Point's 83-82 upset win over Wisconsin took place on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.

The players

Jimmy Rosselli

A 20-year-old student radio announcer for High Point University.

Griffin Wright

A 22-year-old senior student radio announcer for High Point University.

Owen Aquino

A High Point University basketball player who made the crucial block to preserve the team's upset win over Wisconsin.

Chase Johnston

A High Point University basketball player who gave the team the lead late in the game against Wisconsin.

Braden Hausen

A High Point University basketball player who reacted emotionally to the team's upset victory over Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“That final minute was just, I mean, that's what you dream of when you put your head down at night. I mean, I know we were dreaming of it last night. Waking up and having a close game, obviously, wasn't a buzzer beater, but it was the magic of March.”

— Jimmy Rosselli, Student radio announcer

“As a color guy, I don't like to interrupt Jimmy at all. I don't like to talk when Jimmy talks, but I did not care. I love that team. So I think in that moment it was so much emotion because we got to experience it there, and I would've had the same reaction if I was on the couch.”

— Griffin Wright, Student radio announcer

What’s next

The Panthers' upset win over Wisconsin sets the stage for them to face Arkansas in the second round, where they will have another chance at March Madness immortality.

The takeaway

The passion and excitement of High Point's student radio announcers have captured the hearts of college basketball fans, adding to the feel-good Cinderella story of the small North Carolina school's unexpected NCAA Tournament run.