As the NBA Playoffs begin we start to hear terms like 'meaningful games' to describe what is being played this postseason, but the real meaningful games are taking place at Center Moriches.
This is the first year for the Unified Program at Center Moriches High School and their unified basketball team has already created a buzz with the students and around the community. The team is coming off of a nice victory against Riverhead 47-38, but this is about much more than just wins and losses.
The Unified Program combines students with or without intellectual disabilities, to play the game together as one team. There are regular practice schedules as well as playing various area teams around Suffolk County. Center Moriches is sponsored by the Special Olympics and recognized by NY State Public High School Athletic Association.
Led by Head Coach Katy Doherty and her assistant Lisa Ann Zlatnisk, the Center Moriches Unified basketball team has a good mixture of all students and their classmates have taken notice. The team combines athletes and partners that brings forward not just a fun environment but a competitive and exciting brand of basketball. The goals don't stop at winning and losing though. This program was built to increase social inclusion with personal relationships, make basketball an inclusive environment that has an acceptance of all students. The team is made up of students of different strengths and abilities, embracing sports to build relationships, exactly what every great team needs.
The team dynamic, and inclusive environment, has really paid dividends as some of the more reserved athletes now are taking their place as leaders and are starting to be looked at as such. Coach Doherty said "It takes a village" to run the team. With help from the athletic directors, para professionals, special education department and especially the parents, Doherty went on to explain it is such "an awesome and rewarding program for everyone involved."
It is said that often that sports brings out the true character of a person, and in this case each one of the athletes has shown that elite character by just getting on the court. That pride is certainly not lost on the parents and cheering students section. "During the first game of the year there were tears in the eyes of people in the stands," explained a proud and emotional Coach Doherty.
And, there are more athletes on the horizon as Center Moriches is planning to begin a Unified Bowling league. You can come out to support the basketball team on April 29th at 4:00 PM at Center Moriches High School.