On Feb. 7, South’s unified basketball team had an exciting win against Clawson as their last away game before Little Caesars Arena. They won 44-28. Along with the win, Donte Ormond ’26 was overjoyed to win Player of the Game for the first time this season.
“(I think I won) because of my act of kindness to Alex Runk,” Ormond said. “I helped get rebound for him and I also played really well.”
Unified basketball is all about fairness, inclusivity and having fun. South proved this during the game when partners Maggie O’Brian ’25 and Maddie Swarthout ’26 focused on making the game fair for everyone instead of just winning.
“(My favorite part was) when our two partners, Maggie and Maddie, both offered up the ball to the opposing team so they could have a chance for their team to score more points,” Partner and Paraprofessional Abaigeal MacDonald said.
The team values showing teamwork, drive, support for each other, and respect for their opponents. The team’s growth is about more than just skill improvement to them but about developing strong relationships and a sense of community.
“I think that they have all made improvements,” MacDonald said. “Both in the sense of being athletes, but more than anything, being partners and teammates with one another.”
With the season coming to a close, leader of fans in the stands Amanda Bungard, who has worked on the team for many years, has seen the team not only improve but has seen their spirits grow as well.
“I think this is one of the most exciting seasons we’ve had,” Bungard said. “Everyone’s just really happy to be a part of it.”
