Feature Photo By: VeThalia Warren – Senior, Micheal Shumake dribbles the ball to the sideline. Shumake won athlete of the month for the month of December.
The Rangeview Unified sports team has been a part of the Rangeview athletic department for four years; with flag football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and soccer in the spring. Currently, the team is in their basketball season and many would say the Unified team has been doing really well.
“It feels good to hoop them up and score”, said unified player Nyeema Jones.
Within the last month, the Unified Basketball team has played 4 games against Regis, Smoky Hill, Legend, Brighton, and Vista Peak.
Recently, Rangeviews’ Unified team got invited to the Pepsi Center for a Special Olympics Day. The Denver Nuggets and Special Olympics “(Colorado),” worked with the unified team alongside the Kroenke Sports Charities clinic; afterwards, they participated in a unified game against Smoky Hill High School, with the honor of being coached by former Nuggets player, Ervin Johnson. The team also joined the Nuggets during their game against the Houston Rockets. During the game the Unified Basketball team not only watched the game, but they also fundraised the Unified Sports program by selling programs at the game.
“I feel really good and connected with players. We are really close, we know each other, and hope to make a great season.” Stated, unified player Micheal Shumake.
Comparing this season to thelast, the Unified Basketball team has gained more students without disabilities which they refer to as, ” partners”. Many say that this is a fun opportunity for students without disabilities to work and get to know students with disabilities. “We pride ourselves on our sportsmanship and we just make sure to always be kind to each other and make sure that everyone gets to play and feel like a champion,” said coach of the Unified Basketball team and student services teacher, Mrs. Warner.
Many teachers at Rangeview –including Mrs. Warner –encourage the students with disabilities to do well in their classes so that they can play on the Unified team.
Last Friday February 15th, the Unified Basketball team participated in a tournament at Gold Grown in which the tournament started at 9 am and end at 2:30 pm.The Unified Basketball team has 4 games left this season . Come support your Unified Basketball team Raiders as they take on Vista Peak at home in the small gym, 3:45 pm today!!
Below is schedule of their upcoming home games:
Today 2/19 vs Vista Peak at 4:00
Friday 2/22 vs Brighton at 4:00
Tuesday 2/26 vs Gateway at 4:00
Wednesday 2/27 vs Regis 7:00
