Xavier O’Boyle (11) gathered his team in a huddle at the center of the basketball court. Together, they all put their hands in the center of the circle.  Athletic Director Steve McLaughlin gave O’Boyle a microphone, and the words “Team Black on three! One, two, three, Team Black!” echoed throughout the gym as the group prepared themselves for the Unity Basketball Game, Feb. 3.

“I actually felt nervous and my legs felt a little light beneath me,” O’Boyle said. “I could feel a shakiness in my voice when I brought [the team] together,” O’Boyle said. “But my heart stopped beating so fast after that huddle because I knew that they were all locked in and ready to play, so I went back to my bench and I had some fun with it.”

O’Boyle and other Golden Leaders, a club comprised of athletes nominated for outstanding citizenship, hosted the annual Unity Basketball Game for students in Best Buddies.

Over the past month, the Golden Leaders met with the players on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to practice. Team White’s head coach was Nia Thompson (10), while Team Black was led by O’Boyle. 

After the first half ended, tied at two, both teams found their offense in the second half as the teams remained close throughout, which made the crowd celebrate each point even more. In the end, the White team prevailed, 12-8.

Many players excelled throughout the game, scoring points to assist their teams. One Best Buddies member, Robert Niciu (11), experienced the sense of fulfillment by helping Team Black.   

“My favorite moment was when I scored by shooting the basketball into the hoop,” Niciu said. 

Cheering them on was not only a crowd of onlookers in the stands, but a group of cheerleaders on the sidelines, consisting of both the cheer team and Best Buddies members. The game allowed students to expand their athletic skills while cultivating friendships. 

“My favorite part was meeting new people,” first-time cheerleader and Best Buddies member Ainsley Loescher (11) said.

Before the game started, the cheerleaders  created a tunnel for the players to walk through as they were introduced. 

McLaughlin, also the advisor of Golden Leaders, regarded this as a standout moment. 

“I love seeing their smiles when you announce their names,” McLaughlin said. “Their faces completely light up.” 

He said that moments like these were his motivation behind coordinating this event. 

“When I first became the athletic director, I knew I wanted to do something for [the Best Buddies members], because there’s so many cool things that sports can offer,” McLaughlin said. “I hope they can feel that there’s people to support them.”

This  support  was  demonstrated  when, leading up to the game, the  Golden  Leaders  created  encouraging posters for each player, which were displayed in the gym.

“Best  Buddies  [members]  were  playing in it, so as a club, we came to support,” Eden Cahill (12) said. “I cheered on my buddy Lilly, and other friends on the court.”

For  O’Boyle,  the  best  part  was seeing  the  support  from  students in the stands.

“I  loved  the  crowd,”  O’Boyle said.  “The  number  of  people  that showed up was amazing and they all  played  really  great.  I’m  super proud of all of them.”