Thrilling, joyful and fun are just three words to describe this season of the unified basketball team. From a close rivalry with North to being able to play at Little Caesars Arena, it was a memorable season. South’s team ended with an impressive 9-5 record, led by a roster of talented players.
“Hopefully, we can have the same success next year while allowing the kids to develop strong teammate bonds, and understand the importance of good sportsmanship,” Assistant Head Coach Steve Zaranek said. “It’s not enough just to teach them about the love for the game of basketball, it’s equally important to prepare them with good sportsmanship habits for the future.”
It’s not only the coaches that had a fun season. The players had a blast playing against other schools, such as Lakeview High School at Little Caesars Arena.
“I would rate this season a ten out of ten in terms of how fun it is,” Donte Ormond ’26 said. “I can’t wait until next season when I shoot a 3-point shot to win the game and blow out North at home.”
However, Zaranek said that he can only do so much on his own. So, a group of helpers play in the game and help improve the player’s skills. In each game, there are three unified players from each team playing and two helpers getting rebounds to ensure that each kid gets a chance to play and hopefully make a basket.
“I like being able to help each game by giving everyone at least a chance to score, not just the tall or stronger ones,” Mia Labadie ’27 said. “There’s nothing like seeing a smile on the kid’s face when they score their first basket and celebrate.”
Zaranek said that it’s not only the coaches and helpers that go into the kid’s enjoyment of the game. Students show up to home games and cheer them on to create the best environment possible. It makes the kids happy to see all the support that they are given.
“I thought we saw some major growth in the skill and attitude level of our players during this season,” Zaranek said. “I look forward to seeing everyone that came out to support us this year back next year to cheer on another great season.”
