“We’re always a team, us and Hilton, we’re always a team,” said Jason Miller, Kendall student.

The sound of cheers coming from a crowded gym…

“If you are here for the game you’ll hear it,” said Susan Smith, Unified basketball coach. “You’ll see it.”

The swish of a net, and the bond that teammates share…

“Creates a lot of friendships that are not only in the school, but out of the school,” said Julianna Murphy, Hilton student coach.

That’s what a large school like Hilton was able to provide for three students at a small school like Kendall looking to join a unified basketball team. 

“What I have loved is how quickly our kids have meshed together, how helpful they are to each other. It’s like a big, huge family,” said Smith.

Together, the Kendall Eagles and Hilton Cadets became the Kendets. 

“I always want to make people feel included and watching the smiles on their faces at every game just makes your heart melt,” said Murphy.

“It’s not just a game, it’s an opportunity that they couldn’t get before,” said Smith.

For the first time this season, Kendall was able to host the Kendets game on its home court — and what a welcoming committee it was, as students arrived from Hilton to cheers.

“It’s good for the Kendall kids to be able to play at home because there’s not that many of them and I think they like being able to go to Kendall once because it’s always at Hilton,” said Murphy. 

“I’m just hoping that besides winning or losing, everyone is having a fun time,” said Miller.