Huntington High School’s Unified basketball team took the court for the first time this past spring, ushering in a new and inclusive era for Blue Devil sports.
Coached by Finley physical education teacher Jordan Ioviero, the roster included 17 players. The team played a schedule of six games with contests against Commack, John H. Glenn, Half Hollow Hills West, Northport, Half Hollow Hills East and Kings Park.
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.
The team included Ella Ackerman, Maikol Arreaga, Jake Cordes, Camilla D’Anna, Emersen Evans, Alisha Harvey, Aaron Idise, Daniel McClellan, Kei Shan Miller, Yanira Rivera Ronquillo, Sebastian Romero, Nicholas Smalling, Maria Verfenstein, Julianna Ackerman, Alexander Morris, Tyler Peck and Gregory Nielsen Goldstein.
“We came very close in our first year to winning four of the six games,” Ioviero said. “We lost our first game by four points; our third game by two points on a three pointer at the buzzer; our fifth game by four points and our final game by two points. Wins would have been nice, but more important than wins was the experience. Our athletes got the chance to compete in front of large crowds. They got to experience being a part of a team, taking bus rides together, cheering each other on and throughout the season had an opportunity to make friendships that will last a lifetime. The players gave it their all and I am so proud of them.”
As Huntington prepares for its second Unified basketball next spring, more on court success is expected. “The teams that we have been playing have been competing in Unified basketball from 2-7 seasons already. In our first year we proved we belong in the mix and I know we will continue to improve throughout the years.”
Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky, Principal Brenden Cusack and several school district trustees were regulars at the team’s six games.
Many players contributed to success
The Blue Devils owe their successful first season to many players. “Kei Shan Miller, Aaron Idise, Nicholas Smalling, Ella Ackerman, Greg Goldstein, Yanira Rivera Ronquillo and Emmerson Evans made a profound impact on our season and helped shape the program,” Ioviero said. “These students helped us in practices and competing in games. They helped make our first year of Unified basketball a success on and off the court. The stars of our team were our athletes. Camilla D’Anna, Tyler Peck, Jake Cordes, Julianna Ackerman, Alexander Morris, Maria Verfenstein, Alisha Harvey, Daniel McClellan, Maikol Arreaga, and Sebastian Romero led the way for us this year and I am so proud of them!”
Several other Huntington High School students also stepped up and pitched in to make the season a worthwhile experience. The group included Hunter Borenstein, Jimmy Viola, Kevin Drake, Finn Cocoman, Brady LaCosta, Marley Joseph and Shaneek Shand. “Although they were unable to participate in games, these students took the time to support our athletes throughout the season. Lastly, I would like to thank all of our assistant coaches including Linda Roth, Jimmy Byrne, Shannon Maloney, Erica Jessen and Jenni Barton. Two other staff members who helped us were Kristiana Salerno and Samantha Allen. I would like to thank them as well.”
During the offseason, Huntington UFSD bought the team new uniforms and pre-game shooting shirts for the spring 2023 campaign.
“Words cannot express how proud I am of every athlete on this team,” Ioveeriro said. “Seeing the camaraderie and growth in each of the athletes on the team throughout the season is what made me most proud.”
Senior Night fun
The final game of the season was dubbed Senior Night in honor of Greg Goldstein, Nick Smalling, and Yanira Rivera Ronquillo. “Each senior was given a rose to give to their mother,” Ioviero said. “In addition to recognizing our three seniors we also asked each player to recognize a staff member from Huntington UFSD who had a positive impact on them. Each faculty member was given a letter written by each athlete. Some students used communication devices in lieu of writing letters to express their gratitude to each faculty member. We also asked each faculty member to wear the home jersey of the player who selected them. The faculty members wore the home jerseys as they cheered on each player. It was a special night that not only highlighted the Unified basketball team, but also highlighted what makes Huntington so special. Huntington is filled with faculty members who love and support their students. The faculty members have dedicated their professional lives to educating and guiding our students in a positive way. It was so rewarding to see that on full display during our senior night. There is a saying that “it takes a village” and our Huntington village was made up of some of the best educators around.”
Shout-outs to Linda Roth and Jimmy Byrne
Special education chair Linda Roth was also recognized for everything she has done to get the program successfully off the ground. “I referred to Linda the ‘mayor’ of our village. Linda Roth has dedicated her life to helping our students. She has worked year round to better the lives of her students and she has been such a great advocate and role model for them. The team all signed a white leather basketball for her and it was presented to her before the game started. This was a small token of gratitude for all she has done during her time here at Huntington.” Mrs. Roth retired from the district at the end of June.
Volunteer assistant Jimmy Byrne was also recognized. “Coach Jimmy is the ultimate role model for our athletes. Jimmy serves as a constant reminder that individuals are not limited by the challenges that they may be faced with. Jimmy’s goal has always been to be a basketball coach and Huntington Unified basketball was lucky to have him on its staff. His enthusiasm and love of both the game and the students was on full display throughout the season. Jimmy encouraged the team with his inspiring speeches in the timeouts and in between quarters. He knew exactly what needed to be done and helped coach our players both in practice and in games. Coach Jimmy was vital to our team’s success and I hope that he inspires all of our athletes to chase their goals and dreams. I know that I am inspired by him to chase mine.”
Best part for the coach
The coach got just as much out of the season and his players did. “For me, the best part of Unified basketball has been watching the smiles on my players faces when they would score a basket,” Ioviero said. “It was so special to see them score, but also to see the community and their peers cheer them on. Every time a player would score and celebrate it brought a smile to my face. I also really enjoyed watching the partners help our athletes throughout the season. The kindness and compassion that they displayed were some of the greatest experiences I have ever had professionally. I can’t wait for next season.”
The season closed on a high note. “We only graduated three players,” Ioviero said. “We will have 14 players returning and I am very confident we will have plenty of more students entering the program now that we have had the opportunity to promote it. At our senior night game, the stands were packed and in the top left corner was a student section who was cheering our players on. Here in the middle school, all of the students were talking about the game the next day. Students are in love with what our program represents. It represents compassion, love of the game, and kindness. Students want to be a part of this program and because of that I know our program will continue to grow!”
