The Oliver Ames High School Unified Basketball Team took on the Easton First Responders Team on Wednesday night, Oct. 28. The game, held in the Oliver Ames High School Gymnasium, was the season finale for the inclusive basketball team. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
EASTON — A hyped-up crowd of around 300 packed the gymnasium on Wednesday to cheer on Oliver Ames Unified Basketball for its 2026 season finale.
The inclusive team of high schoolers took on a squad of local police and firefighters, winning by a final score of 48-34 after 40 minutes of play.
The game served as a community-wide celebration of inclusion and student leadership through Oliver Ames’ Unified Sports program, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same 24-member team led by Coach Kristin Marani.
“This game was a blast, and the atmosphere was amazing, just as we hoped,” said Marani, who also heads the school’s English Department. “We had a ton of fun. Being part of this team and being able to connect with our kids has been the absolute joy of my whole career. Thank you to everyone for the awesome turnout. And thank you especially to the Easton Police and Fire departments for taking part.”
Throughout the game, the students who filled the gym’s supporter section known as the “Tiger Pit” remained standing, cheering on the players, joining the Oliver Ames High School Cheerleading Team in chants that energized the building. Handmade signs were affixed to the gymnasium walls, bearing special messages of support for the student-athletes.
In between plays, players on the Unified Basketball Team exchanged high-fives, smiles and encouragement, while Coach Marani rooted them on from the sidelines.
Marani praised the six seniors on this year’s team, crediting them for leaving the program stronger than they found it.
“I’m really proud to have those six kids,” Marani said. “They’ve been absolutely unbelievable leaders.”
This was the third season for the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team, which played eight games this year, up from four games last season. Prior to the institution of Unified Basketball at Oliver Ames, the school established its Unified Sports program with Unified Track. This coming winter, Oliver Ames will offer Unified Bocce.
Wednesday night’s game also served as a fundraiser for the Oliver Ames Unified Sports program, with 120 yellow “One Team” T-shirts sold in the lead-up to the event and raffles held during the game.
Prior to the game, players on the Unified Basketball Team honored district employees who supported them during high school, offering them gift bags and gathering for a group photo. Players finishing their final season with the team were also presented bouquets of flowers.
Craig Davidson, Director of Special Services for Easton Public Schools, served as the referee for the game.
“When we have events like this or Unified teams, it really brings so many different people together and builds a strong bond within our school community and our community at large,” said Davidson. “Thank you to our Easton Police and Fire departments. They have always, no pun intended, responded to our calls for support with fundraisers and events on campus.”
Deputy Police Chief Phil Adams appreciated the event’s inclusivity and how fun it is for both the student-athletes and first responders.
“It’s really special,” Deputy Chief Adams said. “It’s a great team-building event. It helps us get out in the community. It’s something we love to do, so it’s perfect for that. We haven’t been successful playing against the Unified Basketball Team yet, but maybe we’ll turn that around next time.”
Easton Fire Chief Justin Alexander was grateful to take part.
“Thanks to the school for continually inviting us and putting this on. It’s awesome,” Chief Alexander said. “We like to give back. The kids absolutely love this event. You see the fun on the kids’ faces and how much of a great time they’re having. It makes it all worth it.”
Superintendent Dr. Crissy Pruitt called Wednesday’s game a win for the community.
“Being able to see this collaborative atmosphere, where everyone’s coming together to support each other, is very unique to Easton Public Schools and the Easton community,” said Superintendent Pruitt. “I’m forever grateful to our fire and police departments and our staff here in Easton Public Schools for the way they support each other.”
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Before the start of the game, members of the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team honored teachers and staff who supported them. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Both of the teams gathered for a group photo at the end of the game. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Oliver Ames Unified Basketball defeated the Easton First Responders Team, 48-34. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A member of the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team inbounded the ball after the Easton First Responders Team scored a basket. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A player on the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team took a shot during the team’s game against the Easton First Responders on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A player on the Easton First Responders Team, composed of members of the Easton Police Department and Easton Fire Department, took a jump shot during the team’s game against the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
The Oliver Ames Cheerleading Team led chants supporting the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball defeated the Easton First Responders Team, 48-34, during the Unified team’s season finale on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
An Oliver Ames High School employee won a raffle that was used as a fundraiser during the game held by the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team against the Easton First Responders Team. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A crowd of about 300 gathered in the Oliver Ames High School gymnasium Wednesday as the Unified Basketball team beat the Easton First Responders, 48-34. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Around 300 people packed the Oliver Ames High School Gymnasium on Wednesday to watch the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team defeat the Easton First Responders Team. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Members of the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team supported each other throughout the game against the Easton First Responders Team. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Craig Davidson, Director of Special Services for Easton Public Schools, served as the referee for the season finale for the Oliver Ames High School Unified Basketball Team against the Easton First Responders. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A member of the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team celebrated after the team’s win against the Easton First Responders Team on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A member of the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team honored a district employee for supporting her prior to the team’s game against the Easton First Responders Team. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
A player on the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team offered a gift to celebrate a district employee for his support prior to the team’s game against the Easton First Responders on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Handmade signs were taped to the mats on the wall of the Oliver Ames High School Gymnasium to cheer on the players on the Oliver Ames Unified Basketball Team for its game against the Easton First Responders Team. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
Signs were posted on the mats on the walls in the Oliver Ames High School Gymnasium in support of the school’s Unified Basketball Team. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
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