LISBON — When Lisbon’s Michael Farrington and Dawson Martel were freshmen, they suited up in the second season of Unified basketball for the Greyhounds.
Now as seniors, the duo continues to have fun while leading Lisbon to success.
On Monday against Oak Hill, Farrington scored 20 points and Martel had 14 as the Greyhounds pulled away for a 58-21 victory that gives them a 4-1 record.
For Martel, it has always been about having a good time.
“It is important for me because I figured sports would be good for me. It is still a lot of fun. I have been doing this for four years now and it is still fun,” said the senior who is typically a force on both ends of the floor, including Monday when he had 12 rebounds for a double-double.
On the Raiders’ side, it has been a challenge for head coach Peter Dennis to get his squad gym time. However, he has watched his team grow into a fun group of players that try hard.
“You can’t help but to sit here and love it. I am a very competitive person, and it is hard for me to restrain that, but I smile the whole time,” Dennis said.
Lisbon took control early, scoring the first eight points that included a pair of baskets from Farrington.
Oak Hill (0-3) found success from long distance, as Logan Benda and Thomas Grayson both hit a 3-pointer.
The Greyhounds carried a 32-16 lead into the intermission, led by 10 points from Farrington, eight from Martel and six by Lynn Feely.
Grayson paced Oak Hill with nine at the break.
INTO THE GAME
Over the past two seasons, Dennis said it has been a challenge at times to get junior Zackery Derosier into a game. Against Lisbon, Derosier, who is legally blind, stepped onto the court late in the first half.
In the second frame, his first dozen shots from beyond the arc either came up short, wide or a bit long. Finally, with 9:41 left in the game, his 3-pointer was true, with the ball swishing through the netting and setting off a loud applause from both Lisbon and Oak Hill fans and players.
“It has been a long road to get him on the floor, and he plays just one half of the floor,” Dennis said. “It was fun to see him out there. He got out on the floor, trying to have him play half a game. Watching that makes this so worth it.”
Giana Russo, who missed the girls’ varsity basketball season with an injured knee, is a Lisbon student coach. She has worked with all of her Unified players on their technique, which has led to success.
“I love doing this. I get to help them out,” Russo said. “Yes, I got to miss being on the court this season, but it is fun being out on the court with them. Once the school day ends, they come to practice and have fun. When they had a bad day, you can tell. We are out here, cheering them up. Plus, we see them during the day. The connection in our school is awesome.”
Farrington matched his first half scoring total with 10 more points, while Martel added six along with Feely, who finished with 12 points. Misty Coleman and Kendrick Patten chipped in four points apiece, and more scoring contributions came from Kristy Coleman and Lucas Francis.
Grayson led the Raiders with nine points. Benda added five, Maggie Grayson four and Derosier three.
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