In its first home game of the season, Sanford High School’s Unified Basketball team takes on Kennebunk High School.
Photo: Sanford School Department
By Sam Bonsey
Sanford Schools Communications Coordinator
At a recent practice at Sanford High School, the Unified Basketball team worked through drills, with partners organizing plays while athletes took shots at the basket. Unified Basketball partners – students with developmental disabilities (Unified student-athletes) and students without disabilities (Unified student-partners) — join to train, compete, and represent Sanford. The program has grown to include approximately 10 athletes and 10 partners who practice together through the winter.
For sophomore partner Andrew Boissonneault, the appeal is simple. “It’s really fun. I mean, it’s just great to see everyone have a good time,” he said. The team plays eight games during the season, with each athlete getting playing time every week.
The season kicked off Jan. 22 with a game at Thornton Academy, followed by a matchup at Kennebunk High School on Jan. 27. The team played its first home game of the season against Kennebunk on Jan. 29 and traveled to Massabesic on Feb. 2. Sanford has four games remaining, including three home contests: Feb. 10 against Wells, Feb. 24 against York, and March 9 against Biddeford. The team will play at the University of New England’s Biddeford Gym on March 5.
Commitment to the program runs deep. Despite juggling academics, other sports and various obligations, the partners make Unified Basketball a priority. Coach Stephanie Boissoneault has seen that dedication grow stronger as each season progresses. “By the end of the season, we have all our partners showing up every week, and the athletes never miss,” she said.
During games, the partners play a crucial role in organizing the floor: setting up plays, creating spacing, and ensuring the flow of the game keeps moving. But it’s the athletes who finish those plays, taking the shots and celebrating the baskets. Every athlete gets an opportunity to score during each game, creating special moments where they have the spotlight.
At the first home game, athlete Jacob Cote took in the scene around him. “It’s like an arena sort of thing,” he said. Though the team came close in a tight contest, Cote’s focus extends beyond the scoreboard. “I love to be our cheerleader. I like to cheer. I love to stay calm, and I like to cheer my friends on,” he said.
For the partners, witnessing the athletes’ success creates unforgettable moments. Drew Vessels joined the team this year as a partner and has quickly embraced the experience. “I love it. I mean, it’s just great to see everyone come together and participate in the games,” he said.
The program has also drawn support from other athletic programs at Sanford, with members of the track and field team stepping in as partners throughout the season. As the season progresses, the Unified Basketball program continues to build connections that strengthen Sanford’s culture of inclusion, one practice and one game at a time.
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