By Ashley M. Casey

Staff Writer

The stands were packed as the pep band blared both modern and throwback hits and cheerleaders chanted encouragement from the sidelines. But this wasn’t a game — it was the second practice for Baker High School’s unified basketball team, held April 6 in the large gym.

“I wanted to make it special for the kids,” Superintendent Matt McDonald said of the opening week of practices. He invited the pep band, cheerleaders, media outlets and students to sit in on practice and cheer on their classmates last week.

In a partnership with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and Special Olympics, Baker and five other Central New York schools — East Syracuse Minoa, Fayetteville-Manlius, Liverpool, Fulton and West Genesee — have formed basketball teams composed of six students with disabilities and six students without disabilities. Practices began at Baldwinsville on April 4, and the league’s first scrimmage will be held April 27 at West Genny.

Earlier this year, Baker formed a Youth Activation Committee to steer the formation of the unified basketball team. Coach Carl Sanfilippo said Athletic Director Chris Campioleta approached him to coach the team.

“I thought it was a great idea and just embraced it with open arms,” said Sanfilippo, who coaches Baker’s varsity football team.

On the court, each team will field three athletes with disabilities along with two non-disabled peers. Sanfilippo said students were invited to play via the guidance department.

“The idea is to have our students with special needs compete in basketball and partner up with a student peer,” said Superintendent Matt McDonald. “The idea is to build relationships, [practice] team play, get some exercise, have a good time.”

McDonald said some students with disabilities may feel left out if they cannot participate in traditional athletics.

“Every kid should have the opportunity to be on a team,” Sanfilippo said.

Just like the varsity basketball games, the unified basketball games will have a student singing the national anthem, performances by the pep band, cheerleaders and a score clock. Games are open to the public.

Senior Anna DiOrio, a member of the girls swim team, said Campolieta asked her to participate as a student partner.

“Seeing these kids and helping them out just makes my day,” DiOrio said. “Seeing them do something they don’t normally get to do makes me feel better.”

While it was only the second practice, DiOrio said she already was seeing a camaraderie develop among the team members.

“I’m seeing a lot more communication with each other every day when we get together,” she said.

Julia Wicks, a sophomore with learning disabilities, said she accepted the school’s invitation to play after watching her older brother, Liam, during his days on the court.

“Watching him play, I was curious. [I’m] following in his footsteps,” Wicks said.

Wicks said she likes the energy of playing basketball, especially when the stands are full.

“All the screaming and cheering — I love it,” she said.

Wicks said if her brother could see her play, he’d be proud of her.

“They’re having a ball. They’re excited, they’re ready to play, they’re part of a team,” Sanfilippo said as he oversaw practice last Thursday.

The CNY Unified Basketball Program has an eight-week season, which concludes May 22 at West Genesee.