Photo story: Maori Davenport's return full of smiles and celebration

Nicole Craine for ESPN

Maori Davenport waited weeks for this night, these 32 minutes that make up one game. After sitting out since Nov. 29 due to a widely criticized suspension by the Alabama High School Association, the Charles Henderson senior basketball star returned to the basketball court Friday night.

Buoyed by teammates, T-shirts, coaches, signs and fans, Davenport said it was a night she will never forget. She scored 25 points in Charles Henderson High's 72-17 win over Carroll High (Ozark, Alabama). Here are some of the lasting images: