On Feb. 20, 2026, Brighton High School played Hartland High School in BHS’s annual Unified basketball game assembly. Though the game was close, BHS managed to come out on top, beating Hartland 64-62. Key moments in the game included multiple three-pointers by junior Kate McKaig and baskets by senior Parker Brown that drew especially loud cheers from the crowd.
Special Olympics Unified Sports brings together athletes with intellectual disabilities and partners to provide support, creating an inclusive athletic environment. Students, including members of the LINK program—a program that offers support and encourages inclusion for those with disabilities—worked hard to prepare their players leading up to the game. Encouragement, positivity and inclusivity were shared not only during the game but also while preparing for it.
“Just encourage them, you know? Tell them they’re going to do good, not to be worried, and then, you know, sometimes we’ll go shoot around, have some fun. But, I mean, mostly just encouraging them,” senior Aidan Mendez, a LINK who also plays on the Unified basketball team, said in reference to the support Unified partners helped provide leading up to the game.
Encouragement goes a long way when it comes to success during a schoolwide game. Mindset and determination from the partners and players alike allowed for a fun experience for all involved.
“We practice a ton. You know, it’s talked about every single day. It’s brought up every single day. And we just answer any questions and just do anything they need, really,” senior Kate McAllister, another partner on the team, said.
Though practice may not always make perfect, it does allow players to work to their fullest potential on and off the court. Practice and positivity showed off the hard work of the team at the assembly. Teamwork and effort off the court helped facilitate the successes made on the court, and constant communication was key to this.
“You know, we just we talk about it a lot,” McAllister said.
Creating a positive and communicative environment made teamwork possible, ultimately helping propel the Bulldogs to a win.
