MOSES LAKE — Unified basketball is underway for the Mavericks as they faced the Othello Huskies on Jan. 14, where Othello won 62-40. While in most sports winning is the key goal, for the Mavs and Huskies, it’s about having fun, Moses Lake High School head coach Sara White said.  

“Just making sure all our players were having fun and had some snacks and their water filled. There's a lot that goes into that with our team, and so that was kind of where I was at. We left happy, so that's all that matters,” White said.   

They’ve had a strong turnout this year for players and volunteers, White said.   

“We had some seniors last year that left. We have quite a good turnout this year that I'm excited about, with some new players,” she said.   

The Unified team plays a shortened season of six events. Though they enjoy soccer in the spring, basketball is also a favorite for them. Not only is athletics a productive outlet for the players, but it’s also a breeding ground for lifelong friendships. As more people come across Unified Sports, more want to volunteer and be a part of it, White said.   

“It's friendship, it's the bonds they create,” she said. “Sometimes it's not out there to everyone, because we only have a few games, but then when word gets out, it's like everyone wants to be a part of it. Just cool to see that connection and just have the kids to help make those connections with them, is what's most important ... it's just that close family.”   

White is a paraprofessional at Moses Lake High School. She was drawn to this profession because of her aunt, she said. She attributed her path as a motivator to follow in her footsteps and volunteer with Unified Sports, too. She said the community aspect helped her realize why she enjoys it so much.   

“It really is a fun community to be a part of. It's just so much happiness and togetherness. We're a small-knit family. There's nothing more you could say. When you come there, you feel that everyone's nice. It's just a good thing to be a part of,” White said.   

In the time she has spent helping lead the Unified Sports at Moses Lake, the experience has helped her put certain things into perspective.   

“I know I'm the lucky one, because helping those students make the connections that they might not have made if they weren't on the team, and knowing and seeing that with all our new players, it's very humbling. Sometimes what we take for granted, they don't, and it really teaches you a lot,” she said.   

When she sees the community respond and offer support, she said that always means a lot.   

“We get a lot of support. There're always people willing to step up and volunteer and support Unified (Sports). So that's always fun to see that,” she said.   

The Mavericks have one more home game Wednesday at 5 p.m. against the Eastmont Wildcats. The events are free to attend, which is why White is determined to draw more people to attend their games, she said.   

“That's why I challenge anyone to just go to one game. When you go to one game, you'll say, ‘Why did I not go to this before?’” White said. “It's huge to (the players), they love it. It gets them out doing something. It gets them out with their peers. It's active, it's good and it's healthy.” 

    DJ Parker, left, and Jeremy Smith, right, are all smiles ahead of their matchup against the Huskies.
  

    An Othello player shoots a close range shot with a Mavs defender nearby. Head Coach Sarah White said as long as the players are happy and having fun, the score is not important.
  

    Ethan Farmer, right, makes a heart to his mom and fans in the stand. Head Coach Sarah White said unified sports is great for the lifelong connections the players make.