Indian Creek tops Edison in unified basketball game

Unified sports teams from Edison and Indian Creek high schools met on the court Feb. 12 in Richmond, but the night was as much about inclusion and community as it was the score.

Edison hosted the matchup — its first unified home game — as both teams worked up and down the floor in a gym packed with students, families and supporters. Indian Creek pulled ahead early and led 42-22 after the first period. The visitors maintained control the rest of the way and sealed a 67-40 win on a basket by team co-captain Brayden Stewart in the final three seconds.

In unified sports, teams include general education students and students with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Edison’s team was coached by Student Leadership Council members. Participants included Wesley Kimmerle, Braxton Antill, Jaidyn Carlson, Kaden Eddy, James Bonecutter, Olivia Ault, Brennan Butcher, Kyle Long, Sophia Henderson, Nolan Haught, Abby Carpenter, Abby Boka, Lacie Pelley, Paige Somerville, Clayton Boukenevitz, Allie Kireta, Bella Evans, Allie Whitlatch, Janelle Nicholson, Josie Profit, Tim Degarmo and Andrew Kirkman.

Indian Creek’s roster included coach Franco Barcalow, co-captains Brayden Stewart, Kaleb Mannion, Colton Dawson, Alex Fabian, Misha Amis, Tatum Deem, Parker Heath, Michael Campana, Jabari White, Landon Cullen, Ethan Starr, River Adams, David Howe and James Daugherty. Cheerleaders included Aziah Ade, Peyton Ewing, Shayne Scott, Haylee Shaffer, Tylee Spencer, Blissani Locke, Ava Bell, Maddie Adams and Abbey Pendleton.

The crowd included students from both schools, players’ family members, Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. and members of the sheriff’s office. Cheerleaders from both schools supported the teams, and the Edison High School pep band entertained the crowd.

It was the first time Edison hosted a unified basketball game, though the teams have played in the past. A possible rematch was discussed for “March Gladness” at Indian Creek.

Christina Henderson, director of special education at Edison Local Schools, coordinated the event with Edison High School Unified Sports Coordinator Ryan Sronce.

“It was full of excitement, unity, and love,” Henderson said.

“Today was something fun to see,” Sronce said. “The kids came out and supported both teams, and the inclusion was awesome. We’re ready for a rematch.”

Indian Creek Unified Sports Coordinator Amber Scott said she was encouraged by the crowd’s support and the athletes’ enthusiasm.

“This is what inclusion is all about,” Scott said. “I’ve seen people grow since they were freshmen until now and they demonstrated that it’s not about them, it’s about others.”

Scott also highlighted a nonverbal student who joined the cheer team, saying the teen’s growth has been a defining moment in her career.

Jefferson County Unified Sports Coordinator Tom Mort called the game one of the best events the program has held.

“This might have been the greatest event we’ve ever had,” Mort said. “Both teams cheered each other on and it was one of the best events yet.”

Players also said they enjoyed the experience.

“I liked everything about it,” said Wesley Kimmerle, a seventh-grader at Edison.

“It’s good,” Stewart said. “I like it all and had fun.”