As the Unified Bulldogs basketball team set up for a home game against the Camarillo Scorpions on March 20, 2026,  the Bulldogs took pre-game shots to practice for buckets in the game. The gym was loud, and the stands were filled with loud cheers. The music from the speakers pumped up the Bulldogs, encouraging them to play a tough game ending with Camirillo clutching the win 49-44.

Senior Monserrat Baltazar stood out with a big smile on her face as she dribbled up and down the court, putting her all into it. From the tough loss last game, she explained the improvement in the team.

“We are getting better. We are there. We are close by,” Monserrat said.

The Bulldogs played a close, hard-fought game against the Scorpions but came up just short, losing 44–49. Despite the loss, Coach Trevor Payan and assistant coach Holden Shoemaker were encouraged by the team’s high-scoring performance and the noticeable improvement in every player. Coach Payan remains focused on leading the Unified Bulldogs to success, helping them grow, excel, and most importantly, have fun along the way.

“The kids executed what we worked on in practice. Their dribbling has gotten better, their passing has gotten better, and overall they played harder,” Payan said.

During the half time performance, the Scorpion cheer leaders led with a well-executed dance while the Bulldogs ready for the next half of the game.

This program can’t be done without Brianne Flores’s help to keep the  program moving in a positive way allowing for students with needs to still be able to do the things athletes can, a coach for the Unified Sports program and special education teacher at Buena, seeing her students love sports. Flores’s wish is to allow students with special needs to have the opportunity to play and have that team bond with their peers. As a former softball player, she was given the confidence and self esteem she needed, and that is all she wants for her kids.

“I want my students to experience as much as they can,” Flores said.

Having classes come out to support these students filled the gym with energy, as cheers erupted after every basket, creating the heartwarming atmosphere the players and coaches truly value. By the end of the game, the students left with smiles on their faces.