They are all winners because they take the court and enjoy the game', is a simple thing to say but it rings true when you talk about the Unified Basketball teams across Suffolk County.
This year the Miller Place Unified team completed its second season and saying they were all winners is just the start of the praise of these young athletes. The team celebrated their seniors this week, who all completed two seasons on the newly found team.
Miller Place said of the team that the team "had an incredible second season built on teamwork, inclusion, and community spirit". The effort and enthusiasm of the athletes can be felt during every game, and they continued that in year two.
Miller Place's Unified team has had 26 student-athletes on their squad over the two seasons as they compete as part of Section XI Athletics. The team plays an eight-game regular season against other Suffolk County Schools, four at home and four on the road.
Last year when I spoke to organizers, they seemed to be using basketball as a baseline with hopes they would soon extend the unified model to other sports. It certainly has been a win for everyone involved and for those us covering these players.