It’s that time of the year again! Play Unified Basketball is back and ready to begin its winter season. They began their practices Jan. 3, and they are preparing for their first game of the season on Tuesday at Pennsauken.

Play Unified Basketball is an opportunity for students to be involved in a traditional team sport setting when they otherwise might not be able to do so. It also provides a way for student volunteers, teachers, and partners to work together with the players. They are able to create an “exciting” and interactive environment that not all high schools offer to their students who may be unable to participate in traditional sports.

“It’s a program that not all high schools are offering,” Head Coach Matt Digney said. “Cinnaminson school district about three years back decided to start Play Unified athletics for fall sports, winter sports, and spring sports.”

Mr. Matt Digney has been the coach of the Play Unified Team for the last two years. He shared that the Play Unified games are enjoyable and create a positive atmosphere for the kids. Those involved in the Play Unified program enjoy being able to compete against other schools and represent Cinnaminson.

According to Digney, one of the main goals of the volunteers is to help to grow the number of people involved in the program.

“It’s a real experience: there are referees, they keep time, they have a score clock,” Digney said. “We balance some of our Play Unified athletes with some of the volunteers and partners so we can help each other out on the court. It’s just a really great experience.”

Their second game, on Friday, Feb. 4, will be played against Moorestown, a competitor that Digney feels the team is looking forward to playing the most.

“We look forward to going back to Moorestown,” Digney said. “Last year we had two great games with them and both teams competed hard so we’re really excited to get back there this year.”

They will be able to play Moorestown again during a home game Feb. 15. Shannon Morris, the assistant Play Unified Basketball coach, shared that she feels confident in this year’s team’s abilities.

“We have a lot of good athletes this year,” Morris said. “It’s not a large group but we have good athletes.”

She has also highlighted the training the players do during their practices. Morris explained that she feels positive about the team’s improvement, their ability to work together, and their talent.

“They work on drills, passing, working together, and I know some of our players are really good at shooting,” Morris said.

Digney emphasized that the Play Unified Team is not overly concerned about wins or losses, but rather about enjoying the experience.

“To play on a team setting and compete and play against other schools it’s just a good experience for our students,” Digney said. “We’re worried about just trying to get better and have fun and enjoy the experience.”

With their first game coming up quickly the Play Unified Basketball team is looking forward to playing and representing Cinnaminson.