The Huntington High School Unified Basketball team hopes to take the court for the first time late next April. The new sport program was sanctioned by the New York State Public High School Assn. and Section XI almost two years ago, but the Blue Devils’ inaugural squad wasn’t able to begin play last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unified Basketball is a varsity sport that features Special Olympians paired with general education students who serve as teammates and assistants on the co-ed rosters.
Whether the team actually takes the court is still to be determined due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and state regulations on high risk sports. All sports in that category are currently on hold. No indication has been given as to whether or when high risk sports will be cleared to play.
All of that said, Huntington UFSD is still planning for the Unified Basketball season with the hope that the team will be able to suit up and play for the first time ever during the late April to mid-June season.
The Huntington team will be coached by J. Taylor Finley Middle School physical education teacher Jordan Ioviero, who is preparing for his second season as the high school varsity boys’ basketball team’s head coach. Special Education Chair Linda Costello-Roth will be assisting with the squad.
The Blue Devil team is still in the development stage. Home games will be played in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium at the high school.
“We are excited to be sponsoring a Unified Basketball team,” said Georgia D. McCarthy, district director of athletics. “This is going to be a great experience for everyone involved and a lot of fun.”
Participation in the Unified Sports program is “rooted in the principle of meaningful involvement which ensures that every player is given an opportunity to contribute to the success of his or her team through their unique skills,” according to NYSPHSAA. “Inclusive activity is among the most conducive ways to break down stereotypes and foster relationships.”
The Special Olympians on the team will take leadership roles. The athletic department plans to work on getting the entire high school involved to support the new Blue Devil team.
Last spring’s team was scheduled to play six games and then advance to the playoffs if it qualified for the post-season. With the high school sports seasons compressed due to COVID-19, the number of games played could be reduced. Schedules will not be posted for many weeks.