The loudest cheers weren’t necessarily for the hard-fought rebounds during the Murray High versus Hillcrest High girls basketball game nor for the one-possession game during the second half of the boys basketball game, but for the unified basketball scrimmages that took place at the halftimes.

While Murray emerged victorious in both games, there was excitement and spirited support for the Murray and Hillcrest unified basketball teams, who showcased their skills during the breaks.

Unified basketball teams mix students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same squad, based on the belief that practicing and playing together fosters friendship and understanding, said Boston Iacobazzi, Special Olympics Utah college-growth coordinator for unified champion schools, who added the program’s popularity has soared in recent years; there are more than 200 high school coed unified basketball teams.

Dean Domiguez, a coach for Murray’s unified team, said the scrimmages offered a unique game-like experience.

“It’s hard to duplicate this big crowd cheering in an ordinary practice, so it’s an opportunity for the players to understand the crowd is into it and supporting them,” he said. “This experience builds a positive environment, and it helps to give more exposure to people who are unfamiliar with what unified is and see the opportunity to participate or support the unified teams.”

Murray’s unified team member Vale Condori can score, but he prefers dribbling and passing.

“My favorite part is playing to win,” he said. “I like playing with my friends, and I love when my family and teachers cheer for me. It makes me happy.”

Senior Hailey Farmer plays alongside Condori and other unified teammates. 

“I’ve made so many great friends I wouldn’t have made if it wasn’t for unified sports,” she said. “We practice once per week and get to spend our day together at tournaments, playing and cheering on everybody. It’s a warm and welcoming community, and I’ve learned patience and to make the most out of what I’m doing.”

Domiguez said he’s seen improvement with his team.

“A highlight for me is just watching them develop and see them have success. You see the players who start with a certain skill at a certain level and through practice, they’re getting better,” he said. “Another highlight is seeing the happiness when the players interact with them. They’re just excited to see each other. Unified sports is another way to integrate these kids into society.”

Hillcrest High sophomore Yadi Rodriguez is enthusiastic about his unified team.

“My team is my favorite; Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors is my second favorite,” he said. “My team is skilled and we want to win the championships. We’re good friends too.”

He said while he has fun scoring baskets, he likes to pass the ball to his teammates.

“I love cheering when they score, just like they do for me,” he said.

Hillcrest junior Khloë Buchanan, who pulled on a jersey over her cheerleading uniform to play in the scrimmage, has been a peer tutor and has played unified sports for three years.

“I just fell in love with it,” she said. “Unified brings the whole school together. It’s both competitive and fun. Everyone supports each other, and we make sure everyone gets a chance to dribble or score. Everybody cheers for everyone, and we celebrate everyone’s basket. It’s awesome to see the fans here supporting the unified teams.”

Hillcrest’s coach Rebecca Remy was proud of her teams. It was a rematch of last year’s halftime scrimmages.

“They did awesome; their smiles are worth all the hard work,” she said. “We want to make it a tradition, even though we’re not in the same region next year. It’s cool to give the kids opportunities to play in front of so many fans.”

Murray Athletic Director Brady Smith sees the value of the scrimmage.

“It gives both teams a platform with lots of support, and it allows them to showcase their incredible talent,” he said. “At Murray, we’re fostering an inclusive environment across all of our basketball programs. Unified basketball brings inclusion and positive energy, giving every student a chance to perform. It also allows the entire community—students, parents and others—a chance to witness the magic that happens when students with and without disabilities play together.”

Both schools’ team played at the tournament Feb. 10 hosted by Canyons School District. Murray High was slated to host a tournament Feb. 20. Both Murray High and Hillcrest High are scheduled to play in the regional tournament the week of March 10. State unified basketball is set for March 26 at the Delta Center. λ