Principal John Murray and Assistant Principal David List are pleased to share the conclusion of the successful first season of the Medway High Unified basketball team.

The team played a total of six games in its first season, concluding the season on Monday, Nov. 1 with a final game against Norwood. 

The Unified Sports program in Massachusetts, run by Special Olympics Massachusetts in partnership with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, allows students with disabilities the opportunity to play high school sports alongside their peers in a fun and supportive environment. 

As part of the program, student athletes with disabilities are paired with students without disabilities. For basketball, there are three athletes and two partners on the court at all times, sharing responsibilities and playing as a cohesive team.

The Medway Unified basketball team was started by Best Buddies club leaders Shaina Lieberman, Hayley Ravella, Paige Dwyer and Paige Diminico who wanted to find a way to engage in the peer-buddy relationship beyond the scheduled meetings. 

There are a total of nine peers and six buddies from all grades on the team who have been working together this season. The team is coached by Meg Keohane who also coaches the junior varsity girls basketball and girls lacrosse teams, and is the assistant coach for the varsity girls basketball and girls lacrosse teams. 

“I’d like to commend Shaina, Hayley, Paige and Paige for spearheading the Unified basketball program at MHS,” Assistant Principal List said. “I’d also like to thank Coach Keohane for her work with the team, as well as our MHS students, families and community members who came out to support our team. Congratulations to the players on a wonderful first season, and we are looking forward to future seasons.”