Bourbonnais, IL – The Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School (BBCHS) Unified Basketball team returned home to a warm welcome from the Bourbonnais Fire Department officials after winning the 2023 IHSA Unified Basketball State Championship Saturday.
The Boilermakers defeated Vernon Hills 54-47 in the final game to claim the state title.
The BBCHS Unified Basketball team has only existed for two seasons, but they have made their mark by becoming state finalists in both seasons. They won the IHSA Plano Regional tournament to qualify for the state championship for the second consecutive year.
Unified basketball, a sport designed by the Special Olympics to unite students with and without intellectual disabilities, brings together both athletes and unified partners on the BBCHS Unified Basketball team. Their impressive achievements on the court demonstrate the strength of teamwork and inclusion.
The IHSA State Finals were held from March 10-12 at the Horton Field House in Normal and the Shirk Center in Bloomington, with free admission for all. The BBCHS Unified Basketball team’s victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.
The team was led by Head Coach Samantha Shoosh and Assistant Coaches Paige Schultz and Paul Drake.
BBCHS Unified Basketball team is:
Anthony Boyce – Athlete
Brandon Campbell – Athlete
Joshua Clifton – Unified Partner
Nathan Corder – Athlete
CJ Griffin – Athlete
Markeese Jeffrey – Athlete
Calvin Kohl – Unified Partner
Levi Lawson – Athlete
Tariq Maiden – Athlete
Maxwell Mallindine – Unified Partner
Kiersten Martin – Unified Partner
Joseph Menard – Athlete
Liberty Rivard – Unified Partner
Tyler Wilson – Unified Partner
Lillian Yuska – Unified Partner
Congratulations to the BBCHS Unified Basketball team on their outstanding performance and bringing home the state championship title!
