It was a high-energy, feel-good home opener for Brentwood High School’s Unified Basketball team on May 5 – as laughter, cheers and school spirit filled the Sonderling gym and players lit up the court with teamwork and hustle.

With the visiting team from West Babylon High School, players on both sides cheered each other on, embodying the true spirit of Unified Sports. Competition takes a backseat to camaraderie, and sportsmanship means making sure everyone gets a chance to sink a shot.

Coaches Anthony Jimenez and Megan McNicholas work together to teach the fundamentals of the sport, with an emphasis on “fun.” Jimenez is also the head coach of the varsity boys basketball team. Unified players also got a helping hand from the girls varsity basketball team; players Jada Hood, Angela Williams and Precious Johnson passed the ball around to their fellow Brentwood teammates with smiles and encouragement.

Unified Sports – a program developed by Special Olympics – joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, creating opportunities for connection and camaraderie both on and off the court.