The Mundelein supported learning program basketball team gets together during the during the 2018 Winter Showdown against Warren Township Friday at Mundelein High School.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Students in supported learning programs for special needs students at Mundelein and Warren Township high schools faced off Friday for the annual Winter Showdown basketball game at Mundelein High School.
"Last year we hosted it for the first time and it was awesome," said Reed Christensen, a physical education teacher at Mundelein High School.
Friday was the first experience playing in the game for Mundelein's Alex Brown, whose fellow teammates affectionately refer to him as "Buckets."
"I've been looking forward to this game. It's going to be very close, but we are going to win this one," said Brown
The two teams faced off in four 10-minute quarters in front of a packed house of students and administration.
"It's neat to see the smiles and true competitive spirit. It's awesome to see," said physical education teacher Todd Parola.
Students attended the game voluntarily during their lunch breaks or physical education classes.
"They don't have to come, but it's neat to see them show up," said Parola.
At half-time, players from both teams gathered in the middle of the gym for a dance party.
Another game between Warren and Mundelein is scheduled for February at Warren Township High School in Gurnee.
Mundelein's Alex Brown celebrates after making a basket during the 2018 Winter Showdown Supported Learning Program basketball game against Warren Township Friday at Mundelein High School.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Students cheer during the 2018 Winter Showdown Supported Learning Program basketball game against Warren Township Friday at Mundelein High School.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Mundelein's Juliana Rosales, front, drives by Warren Township's Jacob Kim during the 2018 Winter Showdown Supported Learning Program basketball game at Mundelein High School Friday.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Neila Stevenson, middle, hangs out with Mundelein cheerleaders Hewather Avis, left, and Ashley Hassan during the 2018 Winter Showdown Supported Learning Program basketball game at Mundelein High School Friday.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Warren Township's Keith Sargent runs out after being announced during the 2018 Winter Showdown Supported Learning Program basketball game at Mundelein High School Friday.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Mundelein and Warren Township high schools faced off during the 2018 Winter Showdown Supported Learning Program basketball game at Mundelein High School Friday.
Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com