Unified Basketball tops First Responders 48-34 in finale

EASTON, Easton Public Schools reported that the Oliver Ames High School Unified Basketball Team closed its third season Oct. 28 with a 48-34 win over the Easton First Responders, a squad made up of members of the Easton Police and Fire departments.

The game, played in the Oliver Ames High School Gymnasium, drew a crowd of about 300. The Unified team is made up of 24 students with and without intellectual disabilities and is led by coach Kristin Marani, who also heads the school's English Department.

“This game was a blast, and the atmosphere was amazing, just as we hoped,” Marani said. “Being part of this team and being able to connect with our kids has been the absolute joy of my whole career.” She also praised the team's six graduating seniors as “absolutely unbelievable leaders.”

The event doubled as a fundraiser for the Unified Sports program, with 120 yellow “One Team” T-shirts sold beforehand and raffles held during the game. Before tipoff, players presented gift bags to district employees who had supported them, and graduating players received bouquets.

Craig Davidson, director of special services for Easton Public Schools, served as the game's referee. “When we have events like this or Unified teams, it really brings so many different people together and builds a strong bond within our school community and our community at large,” Davidson said.

Deputy Police Chief Phil Adams called the matchup “a great team-building event” that helps the department connect with the community. Fire Chief Justin Alexander said his department is glad to take part, adding, “The kids absolutely love this event.” Superintendent Dr. Crissy Pruitt said the collaborative atmosphere is unique to Easton.

The team played eight games this season, up from four last year. Oliver Ames also runs a Unified Track program and plans to add Unified Bocce this winter.

Source: Easton Public Schools announcement, October 30, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.