Franklin Public Schools Celebrates Successful Unified Basketball Season

Franklin is celebrating a successful winter season for its middle school Unified Basketball teams. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

FRANKLIN — Superintendent Lucas Giguere congratulates the Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball program on a successful winter season, drawing more than 50 student athletes from all three of the district’s middle schools.

Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball players are divided into two teams, the Blue Team and the White Team, including students from Annie Sullivan Middle School, Remington Middle School, and Horace Mann Middle School. The program was established at the middle school level in Franklin three years ago.

Players and program partners faithfully attended practices after school and developed basketball skills throughout the season, such as passing, dribbling and shooting. The student athletes embraced teamwork, while cheering each other on and learning together about the fundamentals of the game of basketball.

Both the Blue Team and the White Team won some games and lost others, enjoying well-earned victories and showing good sportsmanship when they lost. The Franklin teams played against middle school Unified Basketball teams from North Attleboro, Holliston, West Bridgewater and Foxboro.

One of the highlights of this year’s season was that a pair of siblings, Kat Conway and her brother Tristan Conway, got to play on opposite teams and were able to support one another while doing so.

“My favorite thing is the unity it brings between neurotypical and neurodivergent kids,” Kat said. “Everybody gets to play.”

Mason Donovan, a sixth grader at Annie Sullivan Middle School, is one of the all-stars of the Franklin Unified Basketball middle school program. Mason said his favorite part of Unified Basketball was simply “being on a team so we could help each other win the games.”

Lizzie Morrison, principal of Annie Sullivan Middle School, congratulated all of the Franklin students on a great season.

“It is such a wonderful opportunity for students to shine in the spotlight during a healthy, competitive season,’ Principal Morrison said. “Unified Basketball at the middle level has been very popular since it was established three years ago. The program provides opportunities for students with and without disabilities to bond over their strengths and form friendships.”

Superintendent Lucas Giguere congratulated the Unified Basketball teams and thanked everyone who helped make this season possible, including the coaches, REACH Counselor Leslee Differ, special education teacher Brian Bujold, Franklin Police Officer Amanda Ayer, special education teacher Susan Egan, and special education adjustment counselor Lisa Burger, who is also a board-certified behavior analyst for the district.

“The Unified Basketball program at the middle school level has been an incredible addition to our community,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. “Congratulations to all the student athletes on an incredible season. And thank you to all of our coaches, parents and volunteers. This amazing program would not be possible without the coaches and the parents and supporters who attended the games and cheered on our teams.”

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The White Team and the Blue Team came together to celebrate a successful winter 2025 season for the Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball program. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Kat Conway and her brother Tristan Conway got to play on opposite teams during this season of Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

A player on the White Team for Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball takes a shot. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball players embraced teamwork, cheering each other on and learning together about the fundamentals of the game of basketball. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)