Cougars win unified basketball season opener

The Niwot High School Cougars' unified basketball team tipped off the season with an exhilarating 52-50 victory over the Longmont High School Trojans on Friday, Jan. 10. With the crowd buzzing and cheerleaders on hand to keep the energy high, the game was a showcase of inclusivity, teamwork, and the unbridled joy of competition.

Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Joe Brown donned a referee's whistle to oversee the action for the afternoon. From the opening tip, it was clear that this matchup would be a close one. Niwot started the game strong with a big layup, setting the tone for an intense back-and-forth battle.

The first quarter was highlighted by steady contributions from both teams. The Cougars worked hard to regain their lead each time Longmont tied the score. With chants of "Defense!" and "Let's go, Niwot!" echoing through the gym, the Cougars and Trojans traded points, ending the half with Longmont ahead, 30-22.

In the second half, Niwot rallied behind some clutch scoring that kept the Cougars within striking distance. The excitement in the gym was palpable, each basket being met with thunderous cheers from the student section.

The Cougars tied the score at 38-38 late in the second half. From there, the game remained neck and neck, with both teams refusing to back down. As the final minutes ticked away, Niwot's team delivered a last push in the closing seconds to secure a 52-50 victory.

This win was about more than just the score. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and support from fellow students, coaches, and fans reaffirmed what unified basketball is all about. The Cougars will look to build on this momentum in their next game against the Mead High School Mavericks on Friday, Jan. 24 at 2:45 p.m. in the main gym at Niwot High School.