Mercer Island High School’s Unified basketball team followed in the footsteps of the Islanders’ Unified soccer squad by heading to the state tournament.

Last spring, the kickers were the school’s first Unified team to qualify for state — taking second place — and now here come the basketballers.

The state basketball tournament tipped off on March 1 in Wenatchee and the locals snagged fourth place. The 35th Special Olympics Washington Winter Games also included Unified cheerleading, cross country, snowshoe, alpine, snowboarding, figure skating and speed skating.

As noted in a previous Reporter article, the school’s thriving Unified Sports program is run through Special Olympics and provides inclusive competitive activities for students with and without disabilities in the football, co-ed soccer and basketball realms.

Like in soccer, Unified basketball teams play five-versus-five matches with each side featuring two partners and three special needs athletes.

“Mercer Island High School Unified Sports prides itself on encouraging inclusive athletics for all. Unified Sports empowers high school students with and without differences to play sports together to foster community, connection and acceptance,” reads a press release.

MI’s hoops team is led by head coach and program coordinator Jeniffer Blaser and assistant coaches Jamie Glennon and Drew Engvall. The locals defeated Kentwood High School and Ingraham High School, but lost to Lincoln High School at Sammamish High School in Bellevue in the King County district playoffs.

“We have had an amazing season and have set new records for our basketball program,” Blaser said.

Added Engvall: “The sportsmanship this team plays with is what sets them apart. Their commitment to the team and each other makes them special.”

Glennon said the team fought hard and worked together to notch its state berth, and the students and their parents’ dedication and commitment have been crucial elements to the team’s success this season.

“This team gives all students a chance to be athletes and leaders as they learn about team sports and learn how to be more accepting of others,” Glennon added.

MI Unified athlete Ethan Crespi, who was nominated to play in the all-star basketball game on March 15 in Bellevue, said he thinks the team is special because the power of positivity makes everything important — win or lose.

Yura Vaganov, another MI Unified athlete, said they have an exceptional team on their hands because, “We have kids with different abilities playing together for games that are equal to varsity and have the same chance to play in state games. Unified is important because it helps kids develop basketball skills and learn communication and life skills.”