CASTLETON, Vt. – Glenbrook Gymnasium on the campus of Vermont State University Castleton was rocking Tuesday afternoon as the Spartans hosted their annual Unified Basketball game.

The contest is part of an initiative that brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, promoting social inclusion, friendship, and understanding through sport. The event pairs Castleton student-athletes with members of the College Steps program.

Officiating the contest were Schuyler Nolan and Emily Adams of the women's basketball team.

The White Team defeated the Green Team, 51–44, rallying from behind in the second half to secure the come-from-behind victory.

The Unified players included Peter Maass, Kolby Mead, Brandon English, Karl Dooling, Jillian Kersten, Jamie Mills, and Finn Schneider.

Mead and English put on an impressive performance, each sinking multiple three-pointers and energizing the crowd. Maass showcased his strong shooting ability while adding several steals on the defensive end.

Mead has an impressive résumé in Unified sports. He was named Vermont's 2022 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year and also served as the manager of the Rutland High varsity boys basketball team. On Senior Night, he entered a varsity game and scored.

Kersten previously played Unified basketball at Burr and Burton Academy before arriving at VTSU Castleton and said it had been a long time since she had competed in front of a crowd of that size.

The event fulfilled its purpose, bringing together members of the Castleton and greater community in celebration of sport and support.