Lincoln Unified hosted their 3rd annual Cram the Cave against the Ballard Beavers on March 13th, where the team also celebrated their 3 seniors, Zoe Lewis (Senior Captain), Ayden Bennett and Louie Roberson.
The team, which started as a program in 2024, has played against Ballard in all three Cram the Cave games. The stands have been packed each year for the fun rivalry the event creates, which is great for students and families to see how positive and inclusive the unified program is. Coaches Alexis Espinosa and Zachary Rhodes made the decision to start all 3 seniors, recognizing their contributions to the team. The Energy in the gym was electric; Lincoln Unified came out strong, and Senior Captain Zoe Lewis getting the first shot and first points in the game set the positive tone early on. Lincoln led the way with quick passes, strong defense, and great teamwork working together. The crowd cheering loudly and keeping the energy through the game helped their performance.
The Team’s Chemistry was strong as the players supported each other and celebrated every basket; hustle play Zoe Lewis showcased strong leadership thought her years on the team helping organize plays. Ayden Bennett (‘26) added some crucial points during important moments of games, contributing with key rebounds and defensive plays. Louie Roberson (‘26) played with confidence contributing to big baskets for the team moving well with the ball and creating opportunities for teammates Ballard put up a strong fight keeping the game competitive, but Lincoln continued to respond with big plays from the roster keeping the crowd on its feet. The game was about more than just basketball. Cram the Cave highlighted the importance of inclusion, friendship, community, and teamwork. We asked some people about their favorite memories and what they had to say was exceptional. Junior Class of 27 Emlyn Fettig stated that “My favorite thing about Cram the Cave was the energy in the gym. The crowd was cheering loud and everyone on the court was working hard and being a great teammate, which made it a super fun night!” (Emlyn Fettig ‘27) Max Tratt Class of 2027 junior said his favorite thing about cram the cave and the seniors was “My favorite thing about Cram the Cave is seeing the community show up to support unified. Whether it was the student section, the teachers or parents, it was just really meaningful to see Lincoln rally around the unified team like that. I will miss the good times and good memories the seniors added to the team this year! thank you seniors!”
(Max Tratt ‘27’)
Junior Lou Shernoff stated about her favorite memory from cram the cave was “My favorite thing about cram the cave was the energy brought from everyone there. The school felt very connected and celebrated” (Lou Shernoff ‘27’). Once the final buzzer sounded of the conclusion of Cram the Cave, Lincoln ended with a win, by 20 points and the Lincoln Unified Team Celebrated not just a great game overall but the impact of their seniors and the growth of the unified program. As the night ended it showed how sports can bring people together and create memories that will last forever with everyone involved and the impact of inclusion has on this program.
