Shelby's Special Olympics Basketball To Take Shot at State Title

The Shelby Pistons Special Olympics basketball team is trying to go all the way this year after their clenched first district title Saturday.

After winning the districts in Northville, the undefeated team, made up of 12 Shelby Township Special Olympic athletes, will advance to the state finals March 24 in Rockford, Michigan.

The team of athletes assembled in November, and has been practicing, scrimmaging and competing in tournaments since. However, this is the first year the team has advanced to the state playoffs.

“They get a chance to play teams from around the state of Michigan. I know one thing - the Shelby Pistons will play really hard,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Joe Youngblood, who has been co-coaching the team for the past four years.

Youngblood added that Coach Jimmy Neal has done an amazing job with the co-ed athletes, ranging in ages from 15 to mid-40s.

The athletes are: Kyle Edwards, Casey Clark, Anne Koscierzynski, Steven Kujawa, Lindsay McCoy, Michelle Susalla, Sean Vertigan, Nancy Viviano, Michal Welch, Anthony Bommarito, Emily Lucas and Robin Ronayne.

Youngblood said winning basketball titles is just an added bonus for the great group of athletes and friends.

“It’s a great way for our Special Olympic athletes to get together and spend social time together,” he added.