Project Unify

Blue Streaks United

When Team Unify took the court yesterday, they did so under the weight of high expectations to take down the teachers' team playing the role of the visitors.  Team Unify has gone undefeated to all challengers the past three years, and the student body certainly wanted to make sure that streak did not end under their watch.
Thankfully, this Team Unify squad was more than up to the challenge.  After diligent preparation and under the thunderous support of their fellow students, Team Unify vanquished the teachers by a 34-24 scoreline.  Coaches Brittany Azbill and Hayley Corbett recognized the need to manage their players' anxiety and came more than prepared.  The night prior to the big game, the coaching staff decorated the players' classroom to highlight the excitement of the day and to emphasize what matters most: the fun.

Coaches Corbett and Azbill look on
to see their adjustments yield victory

The move paid off big time as Team Unify came out firing on all cylinders and built up a commanding 26-2 lead in the first half.  Among those that embodied this team spirit, was veteran player Jon Hewitt.  Hewitt always finds himself as a lead scorer on the stat sheet, but what he brings most is an infectious display of energy and motivation.
"He is very good at getting the crowd involved and laughing all the time!" said Coach Corbett.  She also acknowledged that this energy and positivity inspires her team on the court to give everything they have to get the win.
On the scoring end of the game, teammates Nick Risko and Tyler Watson combined for over half of the team's points and led the team in rebounding.  While Risko relied heavily on his accurate shooting, Watson played a game of patience.  Replays of the game repeatedly show Watson choosing his moment for a steal and a fast break for the easy two points.
The defensive pressure was noted by the opposition as well.
"We had a nice comeback working late in the game, but a few steals by their defense sealed the deal for the kids," Assistant Principal Bill Mayer lamented of the second half downfall.
Mayer was not exaggerating when he spoke of a comeback.  The teachers came out in the second half with a new fire and tallied twenty more points than they did in the first.

Student helper Shyenne Ledford poses
with Megan Beemiller

"When we noticed the teachers were scoring more, we told our players that they have to work together," Coach Corbett commented.
This message carried onto the court.  Megan Beemiller, Chloe Coolidge and Raquel "Rocky" Riestra were prime examples of working together as they orchestrated their teammates' movements and shouted words of encouragement as others took shots crucial to their team's win.  The three also weren't afraid to do the work themselves and combined for twelve points.
The win is an important one for Team Unify as it sets the stage for future success and holds strong to a long tradition of excellence.
"After this win, we all realized that keeping your head up and giving 100% all game long is important to be successful," Coach Azbill proudly commented of her team's hard work.
Despite the loss, there was nothing but pride and excitement from both ends of the court.  Whether it was on the court or in the stands, "unity" was the clear and dominant cause all day long.
"The culture at MHS is like no other that I've seen in five different schools in three different states," Principal Mayer stated. "The mindset and dynamic of the student body in regards to 'we are one unit/one team' was evident today.  Our students with special needs are rock stars at MHS just like any other student that shines at our school."
Project Unify, originally started by MHS graduate Haley Azbill, was organized by the joint efforts of Brittany Azbill, Hayley Corbett and Zach Guyer.  Their commitment truly unified not just the school, but the community as a whole.  Many local businesses pitched in to make the program a success, and it was attended by many local leaders including the school's superintendent, local media, and Madison Township trustees.  No other MHS event garners as much praise and excitement as the annual Team Unify performance.  It is a time to be proud and a time to be shared.