Unified Basketball takes third in state

Karen Manley • March 20, 2017

On Friday, March 10, Fossil Ridge High School’s Varsity Unified Basketball team competed in the Colorado State Tournament in Denver. While they lost both of their games, the first was the most high paced, exciting game all season. Game one was lost 23-25 against Loveland High School, and the final score of game two was 16-29 against Cherry Creek High School.

Fossil’s offence was extremely strong, with lots of passing, keeping Loveland on their toes. Prestyn Martin had a key assist to Dawson Coker, bringing the score to 11-8. Each team put up a few more points for a score of 16-14 at the end of the first half.

For the first time all game, Loveland and Fossil were all tied up at 20-20. Then, Loveland pulled ahead with a three pointer and 2:30 minutes left in the game. As the game winded down the team pressed on. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Collin Mangum shot a three pointer with 3.7 seconds left and made it, causing the game to go into overtime. The gym erupted and Mangum was ecstatic. “It just felt like a miracle, I didn’t know I could do it. It was for our team,” he said.

The additional two minutes ran out without any points scored, so the game shifted to sudden death with no time limit. Teams from all over the gym gathered to watch the Sabercats take on Loveland. The stands alternated screaming each time their team got possession of the ball. However, in the end, Loveland scored the point, for a final of 23-25.

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The second game of the day was back to back with the first, so the team was coming off of a hard loss. Dee White scored the first point for Fossil, bringing the score to 2-8. At halftime, the score was 8-12. As Cherry Creek began to pull further ahead, Robert Stone came in clutch with three back to back baskets. Unfortunately, Cherry Creek regained their momentum and won 16-29, bringing the Unified Sabercats to the end of their season.

Playing on the Unified Basketball team was a unique experience for all involved. It united students with special needs with peer helpers and coaches, building relationships that extend on and off the court. “I think [the season] was pretty good. My favorite part was the last game. I played a lot more defense than the other games, ” reflected Deeanna White. Davin Van Skiver added on, “My most favorite memory was helping out the team and trying to beat the other team. I am very thankful to be on such a good team and I’m excited to play.”

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About the Contributor

Karen Manley, Editor in Chief

Karen Manley, a senior, has been in the journalism program since her freshman year. She feels most at home when writing about Unified Sports and activities, mental health, and other topics that people may not pay enough attention too. This year, Karen will be Co-Editor in Chief. Her responsibilities include taking care of the class emotionally and making sure that the paper runs smoothly. Karen explains “I’ve wanted to be an Editor in Chief since I was a freshman here. I am very excited to execute some of my ideas.”

Karen was in born San Diego, California and moved to Fort Collins when she was 14 years old. She currently lives with her family, including her mom, dad, and brother. She enjoys her friends' company, being the Co-Historian for NAHS, taking AP courses including Studio Art, geocaching, going on bike rides, and playing board games.

As a senior, Karen knows that she wants to further her education after leaving Fossil Ridge High School. She hopes to attend either UNC or Eastern Washington University to study journalism. She also wants to take a gap year to serve in AmeriCorps. After she completes college, she hopes to have graduated with a degree in order to pursue war journalism. Karen would like to become a journalist focused on the people living through hardship to shed light on problems rarely addressed.

Karen’s undeniable devotion to Etched in Stone can be seen clearly in her bubbly, kind, and sincere personality. She is excited to leave Fossil Ridge High School with a bang. Her dedication to Etched in Stone over the past three years has helped make the paper what it is today.