The Antioch Community High School Buddy Ballers have been preparing themselves for tough competition against Grayslake North High School’s Special Olympics team. 

Grayslake started strong by scoring first; they were then ahead up until the third quarter when the ACHS Sequoits tied up the game. Buddy Baller and senior superfan Tyler Wnek took the court and scored four points for the Sequoits.

“I think we played really well as a team,”  Wnek said. “We fell short at the end, but I think we played really well. Now, we can keep practicing for the next game.”

The Sequoits worked well as a team and showed exemplary sportsmanship to each other by passing the ball to every player, giving everyone a chance to score. 

“Last year, we really needed to work on rebounds,” senior Dylan Kramer said. “We also worked on offense, and it showed we had a lot more points than ever before.”

Leading the team with eight points was senior Jeffery Starck. Altogether the Sequoits had great offense and were able to score 22 points. Unfortunately, the Sequoits came short with a final score of 26-22. 

“I went in hoping they would have fun and smile and they did, that’s all [that] really matters,” Kramer said.

Though the Sequoits lost the game, it was not just about winning but the shared moments both on and off the court.

“My goal is for them to leave with a good memory that they can look back on,” Kramer said. 

Several of the Buddy Ballers can be seen front row at most ACHS football and basketball games; this time, both school fans sections were able to return the favor. 

“I like having the opportunity to play a sport and having people [to] cheer me on,” Wnek said. “It’s absolutely wonderful.”

At practice, the Sequoit Sidekicks, which is an after-school club consisting of ACHS students who do activities, hangout and work with ACHS individuals with a range of all abilities, will continue to practice with the Buddy Ballers to improve their skills and make sure they are prepared for their next game. 

The Sequoit Sidekicks is run by special education teacher Jamie Atkinson, supervised by special education teacher Francis Fracek and student-led by Dylan Kramer. 

With the season just starting, keep an eye out for the Buddy Ballers as they continue with their season. The Buddy Ballers’ next game is a tournament in February.