On a recent morning, the sounds echoing through Jordan High’s gyms were more than squeaking sneakers and bouncing basketballs. Laughter echoed on the court, teammates gave high-fives of encouragement and the crowd cheered in support.

Unified basketball, which brings together students with differing abilities on the same team, is redefining what competition looks like in Canyons School District middle schools. For many, the scoreboard matters less than the smiles and the points achieved are in confidence and connection.

Midvale Middle’s Jackson Fisher was excited to play in his first tournament.

“I’m excited; this is pretty cool,” the sixth grader said. “I played basketball a few times in elementary school, but our team has been preparing for a while now. I’ve learned to dribble as I’m moving on the court and I’ve gotten good at it. My teammates, they’re helping me get better.”

That same sense of teamwork was echoed by Butler Middle’s Ronaldo Venegs, who likes the camaraderie and skills he’s developing.

“I learned how to play at school, and I’ve made friends doing it,” the sixth grader said. “I like to pass and make a lot of goals, like (NBA star) LeBron James does.”

While unified athletes gain confidence and experience, their peer partners learn alongside them.

Eastmont seventh-grader Ammon Lee joined the team after a teacher encouraged him and discovered the spirit of the program.

 “I’m having a blast,” Ammon said. “I love helping people and I’m OK not having the ball the whole time. I like playing with them because it’s fun and not super competitive. We pass the ball, we share. It’s more focused on being a team and playing a sport. Even though we’re trying to win, we focus more on trying and that helps us enjoy it all more.”

Midvale Middle eighth-grader Mayzie Call said the unified basketball helped her see beyond the hardwood.

“I love the diversity of it; I like how I can make a difference,” she said. “People are different and sometimes, people don’t understand that. We’re all different in our own ways, but we’re also alike. I’ve learned to accept people for who they are and that helps me learn to accept other things as well.”

Middle school unified basketball has grown in recent years and is now played in 25 Utah schools.

Special Olympics Utah Unified Champion School’s College-growth Coordinator Boston Iacobazzi said it comes from a shift in the culture.

“Our culture and our schools are becoming more inclusive,” he said. “Ultimately, we want to see meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging.”

Eastmont eighth-grader Alex Gusgaves, who has played ball with his older brother and cousin, said being part of a team is core to unified basketball.

“It’s awesome playing as a team and learning more about each other,” he said. “We talk and practice and see what we’re good at and what we’re not good at and focus on what we can do to get better.”

Alex said what stands out most to him is the spirit of unified sports.

“I like the fact that no one is a loser because we’re all winners in our hearts,” he said.