For one night each year, Point Loma High students create an opportunity for those among them with special needs to shine in a basketball game those students will never forget.

This year’s eighth Unity Game was played last week in the school’s Lee Trepanier Gym before a crowd that included 500 students, parents, and school officials.

Players, who volunteered to do so, wore either the school’s varsity maroon or white jerseys and were coached by varsity girls and boys. Other varsity members acted as on-court helpers to distribute passes and encourage players.

Each player was introduced as “walk-up” music of their choice played from the gym’s speakers while they passed through two lines of the school’s cheerleaders and heard the crowd cheer in approval.

The school’s NJROTC presented the colors and the marching band played the national anthem as tip-off approached.

This year, players were all given a chance to make a basket. Some sunk shots right away to thunderous cheers from the crowd while others struggled but before the game ended nobody was left off the score sheet.

Several players raised arms, jumped in the air, or shouted after scoring while others turned shyly and trotted back up-court without expression.

When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard showed a 38-38 tie, making for a satisfactory conclusion.

Following the game, each player received a Pointer medal on a maroon ribbon to commemorate their experience and parents crowded around their players for smile-filled photos and hugs. Many players lingered, not wanting their special night to end.