Inclusion Wins: Niwot High School unified basketball game highlights sportsmanship and skill

Niwot High School's Unified Basketball team edged out Longmont's Main Street School team in overtime on Feb. 6. The matchup wasn't just another high school basketball game, it was a celebration of inclusivity, teamwork and the joy of competition among students of varying abilities.

Players for Longmont's Main Street unified basketball team arrived at Niwot High School early and in high spirits while the Niwot players were finishing their final classes of the day. Amber Jasmin was among those on the visiting team. A graduate of Frederick HIgh School, she is currently participating in the two-year Life Skills Academy (LSA) program. She was bubbling with excitement about her team and the upcoming game, and proudly shared that she had scored a three-pointer in her very first game.

As the Main Street team entered the gym for warm ups, the high-volume dance music further energized the already-excited spectators. Referee Joe Brown, who serves as the Niwot High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, was putting finishing touches on his installation of wall banners honoring Niwot's four senior players.

The Niwot team members soon arrived. Two of the seniors, Sofia Keronen (#30) and Ashlee Wood (#5), happily posed below their posters for photos. Keronen proved herself to be an impressive shooter. Wood proudly shared that she already has her next step after graduation lined up- "becoming a teacher's aide."

Just before the game started the players from both teams ran out on the court individually to cheers as their names were called. Each team is co-ed and composed of five players, three with disabilities and two mentors. Three squads of players rotate court time.

This was the penultimate game of their season and it was obvious from their impressive teamwork that their months of practice had paid off. Both teams moved down the court smoothly. Although stats are not recorded, some of the players clearly had impressive shooting percentages. When a player missed a first shot, they were usually given an extra chance or two to make the basket and most did. Some team members chose the option of using a lower basket for their shots.

Near the end of the game at least a couple of the mentors jogged off the court, somewhat to the confusion of others. It turned out that they not only play on the unified team, but also on the NHS girls varsity team, and they had to dash off to their away game.

At the end of the second half, the score was tied at 68-68. The two-minute overtime was a nail-biter, with several near-misses but no additional baskets for most of the period. It was nearly at the end of overtime when Niwot pulled ahead for a final score of 70-68.

After the game, Ethan Withnell (#4) literally jumped at the opportunity to chat about his experience as a member of the team. Withnell, a sophomore and second-year player, flashed a smile bright enough to light up the gym. He said his participation is, "amazing, it's amazing how close the games are and all the friends I made."

All of the points were scored by the players with disabilities.There were no fouls called, no roughhousing, and no outbursts from the court or the stands. Everyone cheered for everyone else.

The Niwot community involvement and support for the Unified Basketball Program has become deep and widespread. For some of the teachers, administrators, retired staff, parents, other family members and community members, this has become a special addition to their long-time support of other Niwot sports.

The high school students participating in the Unified Program as mentors also deserve a pat on the back for their efforts. Diversity and inclusion in the area of sports is in its early stages, and participating in this sport can be uncomfortable initially for all involved. High school students are busy juggling their many classes, sports, and activities.

The commitment, joy and mutual respect among these trailblazers is obvious as they build friendships and on-court skills, as well as off-court relationships that contribute to making all students at the school feel a part of the NHS student body.