Unified basketball celebrated their second-place win at the Special Olympics in Wenatchee this last Saturday, scoring 29-22 against Kentwood to put them in contention for first, but lost against Bethel High School in the championship, placing them in second. 

Coach Jeniffer Blaser has been with the Mercer Island Unified program for ten years, and speaks highly of her students. “The kids never back down and never give up. They don’t look at the scoreboard and think they’re never going to win this game. They play hard until the end and support each other through it.” 

Yura Phoenix is one of the leaders for Unified and has been in the program for four years. Phoenix has been involved in multiple sports programs that Unified has offered.“One of the highlights of the recent game was seeing my friends score and making some 3-pointers.” Phoenix says. 

The Unified program here at Mercer Island High School offers robotics, basketball, soccer and most recently, track to any interested students. Anybody can join the program and all are encouraged to join.