After a successful soccer season, Unified basketball looks forward to another season of new friendships and hard work. Unified basketball coach and math teacher Joseph Narus, and special education teacher Aileen Saporito are ready for the upcoming season. With the first practice on December 14, there’s still time to join the team.

  “It’s super easy to get involved with unified sports! No athletic experience necessary, just a willingness to have fun and meet new friends,” Saporito said.

  Unified basketball meets twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30. The team will participate in two tournaments at local high schools towards the end of their season.

  “Something that sets basketball season apart is that we also play at halftime of four varsity basketball games, two [here] and two at Avon High School. Our team partners with Avon to form one unified sports team,” Narus said.

  With a focus on inclusion, Unified basketball hopes to embrace students of all skill levels and lead by example.

  “The main focus of Unified sports is to foster friendships and connections between students with disabilities and their typical peers and to encourage inclusion in the culture of our school,” Saporito said.

  Students enjoy participating in Unified basketball and believe it’s an experience that leads to high spirits.

  “For me the best part about Unified basketball is the interaction with all the friends. I love how energetic they always are, and how they never fail to get me in a good mood. For those considering joining, you should know that all you need to participate is an open mind, energy, and enthusiasm,” senior Lauren Rossitto said.