PMHS unified basketball begins its history with win over John Jay (includes slideshow)

 

The Pelham Memorial High School unified basketball team won its first game to launch the program Thursday, defeating John Jay Cross River 41-36.

With a 21-17 lead at the end of the first half, the Pelicans added 20 points in the second and walked away with the win.

According to a release from the Pelham School District in late January, unified basketball is a varsity-level sport designed to help increase inclusion of students with disabilities in competitive athletics. In addition to the team, which includes students both with and without disabilities, there is a committee of students that helps to promote the team and inclusion as a whole. The program is coached by PMHS teachers Michael Solazzo and Steven Beltecas.