West Ridge takes home Special Olympics state championship

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — West Ridge High School’s Special Olympics Unified Basketball Team celebrated its victory in the state basketball championship Wednesday.

Unified teams include players of similar ages and abilities both with and without special needs, something coaches say makes the sport unique.

“It’s just wonderful for all involved because it gives them an opportunity to learn and grow on both sides,” Coach Keifer Parker told News Channel 11.

Senior Noah Tipton served as one of the “peers” from the general student population. He played on West Ridge’s regular team during his freshman year and says the opportunity to play with special needs students drew him back to the sport.

“I just love playing with (them),” Tipton said. “They’re always so happy. There’s just something about them.”

Coach Keifer said the team took about four months to prepare for the state tournament.

The process wasn’t always an easy one, Tipton said.

“Sometimes they don’t understand it,” Tipton said. “We got to take our time, play with them, and they’ll pick it up.”

The team celebrated Wednesday with a break from class and a party.

First-time special needs player Ariana McLish said playing with the team was “awesome.”

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