On February 17 at 7 pm, the Unified Tiger Basketball team hosted police officers, resource officers, medics, and firefighters in a game to raise funds for the Unified Cheer and Basketball team. The highly anticipated match concluded in the Unified Tigers blowing out the emergency responders 74 – 24. However, they would like everyone to thank the emergency responders for their hard work and for supporting the tigers.
Although the game was for a fundraiser, this gave the Tigers the motivation they needed to dominate their upcoming matches. Before this game, the Tigers were 3-1 in their first 4 matches. Notable players of the three games include: Roberto Evans ‘29, Aaron Horton ‘28, Rodrick Jones ‘27, Logan Wade ‘26, and Jeffery Graves ‘26.
The Belleville Unified team, which started 4 years ago, has become one of the most supported programs throughout the school. This year, the program implements the Unified Cheer squad. They want to allow more students to connect and dance to support the team, no matter the differences. These teams are being run by Ms. Holt, Ms. Sprague, Mrs. Parker, and Ms. Crane. In addition, it gives an amazing opportunity for disabled students around the school to connect and play with other students. However, the Unified Basketball team is not only about the connection between students, but they also try their hardest to dominate their matches.
Unified Basketball has 3 more upcoming home games. They occur on 2/24 at 4 pm, on 2/25 at 4 pm, and in a game in March, with details not yet disclosed. The team will be heading to Little Caesars Arena on 2/25 at 12 pm against Sterling Heights.
In an interview with Coach Ms. Sprague, she stated that, “The Unified Teams are basically an opportunity for students with disabilities to connect with students around Belleville High School. It also provides lots of fun as the competitiveness of the teams makes it interesting.” In addition, Bre, a member of the Unified Cheer, stated, “Being in peer to peer made me get involved with Unified Cheer. It allows me to more actively participate with my peers and gain the same experiences with them. My experience has been amazing. Working with my peers gives me a sense of joy that I look forward to every day. The environment is such a comfortable and accepting experience.”
As the 4-1 Tigers continue to compete, they hope to receive more support in their last remaining games.
