MARBLEHEAD — The Marblehead Unified basketball team went head-to-head with Beverly in an exciting matchup with great basketball and a lot of fun. In the end, it was Beverly who came out on top 36-26. Despite the loss, coaches Sara Roberge and Tracey Lichtig were all smiles postgame.
“We love playing Beverly. They have a great program, and it’s always so much fun,” Roberge said. “Specifically, this group, they bring a great attitude, and it’s the best.”
Roberge mentioned having more practice time has benefited the team, and she can see the improvement of each player.
“We’ve had a lot more practice this year. We get to practice during the school day, which is better for everyone,” Roberge said. “It’s better to schedule gym space when no one is using it. We’ve definitely seen improvement on the court because of it. Kids are more comfortable, and our buddies are a lot more acclimated to how Unified works, so it’s wonderful.”
Roberge is familiar with Unified as she was a part of the program when she was in high school.
“I’ve been coaching for three years at Marblehead,” Roberge said. “I did Unified when I was in high school, so I knew how important it was. So I said yes when my peer leader told me that Marblehead needed a coach.”
For Lichtig, she’s been enjoying seeing the team’s excitement each day.
“I’ve been coaching Unified for five years now,” Lichtig said. “The excitement you see from everyone, whether it’s in practice or the games, it’s something they look forward to.”
Throughout the game, members of the Marblehead community trickled in to watch the game and support. From the football team to the girl’s soccer team, everyone was cheering on them whenever they made a basket or played great defense.
“We have a lot of peer leaders who are involved in this, and I think our school community is wonderful to all students,” Roberge said. “Equity and inclusion in our school student body is unbelievable.”
Other than playing basketball, Roberge mentioned she likes the way the kids connect with not only their teammates but their opponents.
“The way the kids connect with one another both on the team and with other students from other schools, it’s the friendship they create,” Roberge said. “It’s so much fun to see the same faces year after year. Many of our kids do Best Buddies, so they work with other schools. It’s the best.”
Win or lose, Marblehead continues to improve and makes the most of every situation, including the bus ride home.
“I think when you see kids getting better as the season goes on from hitting more baskets or getting more rebounds, that’s just what is the best,” Roberge said. “Our bus rides home are the best. They’re all smiling. There’s a lot of singing and a lot of team building.”
