HMS, HHS Unified Basketball bring home medals from state tournament

The 2024 Special Olympics Tennessee State Basketball Tournament kicked off March 8 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, and both Harpeth Middle School (HMS) and Harpeth High School (HHS) brought home medals. 

The event featured 37 teams from across the state. Of those teams, 22 were traditional (all Special Olympics athletes) and 15 were Unified Teams (Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners). Both HMS and HHS competed as unified teams. 

HMS Unified brought home the gold on March 9, beating Sycamore Middle School in the championship game 35-23. 

HHS Unified placed third, after one win and two losses during the state tournament. 

Cheatham County’s adult team also brought home the gold from the Special Olympics Tennessee State Basketball Tournament. 

Special Olympics Cheatham County noted that while bringing home medals is always great, “more importantly they showed sportsmanship and had fun.” 

HMS's Harpeth Unified Jr. team placed first in the Special Olympics Tennessee State Basketball Tournament on March 9 after beating fellow Cheatham County team, Sycamore Middle School / Harpeth Middle School

“It was a great day for basketball and a great day for Unified Sports,” Special Olympics Cheatham County wrote on Facebook. “Thank you to all of our amazing Cheatham County supporters including 2 of our principals, Dr. Rector from HHS and Dr. Fowler from HMS. We appreciate your support!” 

Cheatham County is currently preparing for the Spring Games, which will be held at the HMS football field on Friday, May 3. 

The Cheatham County School District was recognized in September as the first in the state to be named a Unified Champion District by Special Olympics Tennessee.