FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A Clovis teenager is recovering after what began as a normal basketball practice at Fresno City College turned into a life-threatening medical emergency.<\/p>\n
Jackson Scarborough, 18, an incoming freshman at Fresno City College, began experiencing chest pain during basketball practice nearly two weeks ago. His mother, Joanna Scarborough, said her son had no history of heart problems, making the diagnosis unexpected.<\/p>\n
Jackson has spent much of his life playing basketball. His mother said he has been involved in the sport since childhood.<\/p>\n
“He’s been playing since he was in first grade. He’s been playing competitively since fourth grade,” Joanna Scarborough said.<\/p>\n
Standing about 6-foot-9, Jackson helped the Clovis High School Cougars win the Central CIF Division Two championship this year and graduated from high school this spring.<\/p>\n
Fresno City College athletic trainer Francisco Gamboa said the team had just finished watching film when Jackson reported symptoms.<\/p>\n
“They had just gotten out of the film, so they hadn’t done any physical exertion at all,” Gamboa said.<\/p>\n
Jackson alerted coach Rob Haynes, who called over Gamboa. After checking Jackson’s condition, Gamboa became concerned.<\/p>\n
“I saw the readings, and they weren’t matching up with what was being shown,” Gamboa said.<\/p>\n
Joanna Scarborough said her son called her from the trainer’s office.<\/p>\n
“He called me from the trainer’s office and said, ‘Mom, I’m having a hard time breathing. The trainer wants to talk to you. From there, he said ‘We’re calling EMS,” she said.<\/p>\n
Jackson was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, where testing revealed he needed emergency surgery.<\/p>\n
“They thought it was an aneurysm, and when they got in there, it was an aortic dissection, which was a lot more serious,” Joanna Scarborough said.<\/p>\n
An aortic dissection is a life-threatening tear in the aorta. Jackson underwent nine hours of surgery, which his mother said was successful.<\/p>\n
“What we’ve heard is that only 30% of people to whom this happens actually make it to the hospital,” Joanna Scarborough said.<\/p>\n
His mother credited the athletic staff at Fresno City College with recognizing the seriousness of the situation and acting quickly.<\/p>\n
“They’re the heroes here. They recognized it and they made the call to get him here in time,” she said.<\/p>\n
Gamboa said responding to emergencies is part of the training the athletic staff receives.<\/p>\n
“It’s a bit overwhelming. It’s what you train for, hoping you never have to use it. But the fact that I actually got to implement it and save someone’s life is very gratifying,” he said.<\/p>\n
Jackson is currently undergoing rehabilitation at San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Northeast Fresno. While his family hopes he will eventually return to basketball, their focus remains on his recovery.<\/p>\n
A GoFundMe has been established to help the family with medical expenses. Click here<\/a> if you would like to donate.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n