Huntington High School’s brand new varsity Unified basketball team will take the court for the season opener on Thursday at Commack at 5 p.m.
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
Huntington is coached by Finley physical education teacher Jordan Ioviero. He is being assisted by district special education chair Linda Costello Roth and several teacher aides.
The team has been practicing in the high school’s Louis D. Giani Gymnasium, working on skills and strategy and drilling in anticipation of the six game regular season.
The Blue Devil roster features Danny McClellan, Jake Cordes, Camilla D’Anna, Alisha Harvey, Maria Verfenstein, Sebastien Romero, Greg Nielsen-Goldstein, Nicholas Smalling, Ella Ackerman, Emerson Evans, Yanira Rivera, Tyler Peck and Alexander Morris. The Special Olympians on the team will take leadership roles.
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.”
Huntington’s home opener will be played next Tuesday (May 17) at 4:45 p.m. at Finley Middle School. (The game was relocated from the high school gym due to the budget vote and trustee election and district art show that same day.)
Away contests will be held at Half Hollow Hills West (May 19) and Northport (May 24) at 5 p.m. on both dates. Home games are set for the high school gym against Half Hollow Hills East (May 26) and Kings Park (May 31) with tipoff on both days at 4 p.m.
For more information about the Blue Devils’ Unified program send a message to Coach Ioviero at jioviero@hufsd.edu.