Oxford High School Unified basketball is an organization where players with intellectual disabilities get the opportunity to compete and play with other students of similar age and ability. The program also allows senior partners at Oxford High School to participate alongside the athletes, helping support their teammates both on and off the court.
Unified basketball creates an environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate and succeed. As the new season approaches, athletes, coaches, and volunteers are preparing for another exciting year of competition and connection. Unified basketball head coach Tyler Reed will be coaching his third year this upcoming season. For him, the team is special because it combines two things he cares about: teaching his students and basketball.
“The majority of my students in my class are on the Unified basketball team,” Reed said. “I love working with my students and I love the game of basketball. Combining the two has been awesome.”
For Reed, the most rewarding part of the program is seeing the excitement the athletes experience during games.
“I love seeing the joy our athletes get from playing in front of their peers and learning the skills it takes to be a good teammate,” Reed said.
Reed believes that programs like Unified basketball play an important role in creating a positive and inclusive environment at Oxford High School.
“I think the inclusion of our athletes is huge for the culture of Oxford High School,” Reed said. “It is important for our athletes to get to team up and build friendships with their non-disabled peers.”
This season, Reed is looking forward to traveling with the team. This is a new experience for them.
“We have never been to Pontotoc for a game,” Reed said. “I’m also excited to team up with Pontotoc’s team after the game and go eat somewhere with them.”
While the team enjoys competing, Reed says the main goal for the season goes beyond wins and losses.
“My goal for the team is to make memories that will last a lifetime and see growth in our athletes that will help them down the road,” Reed said.
Unified basketball athlete Jaylon Moore has been a part of the program since his freshman year and says he is excited for another season with the team. Moore says one of his favorite parts about being on the team is the competitive aspect of the games.
“I love winning and wearing the jerseys,” Moore said. “I am competitive and aggressive, so playing against other schools makes the competition different.”
Senior partner Sydney Glahn is also looking forward to being involved with the team this season.
“I wanted to get more involved at school and help support students who want to play sports and be part of a team,” Glahn said.
Glahn hopes to make a positive impact by helping athletes feel confident and supported throughout the season. She also encourages other students to consider volunteering with the program.
“It’s a really fun and rewarding experience,” Glahn said. “You get to help others, make new friends and be part of a positive team environment.”
As the season begins, the Unified Basketball team is looking forward to another year of playing together and making memories. Their first game will be Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Oxford High School. The OHS community is encouraged to come out and support the team as they start the season. Unified basketball continues to be a program that brings students together and shows the importance of teamwork and inclusion.
“It is so fun getting to watch how much fun the athletes are having,” Senior partner Anderson Shows said. “I can’t wait for our first game so everyone can see the joy this team brings.”
