CHAMPAIGN — With 2.6 seconds remaining in the IHSA/Special Olympics Unified Class 2A third-place game on March 14, De La Salle coach Tom White decided it was a perfect time for a stroll.
White walked over to the baseline to his right where the cheerleaders from the De La Salle and Southside United HUB group were located and proceeded to high-five each of the cheerleaders while thanking them for being in attendance.
The reason for White’s joy?
His team — which entered the weekend having won the last three Class 2A Unified state championships — was ending this season with another victory and a different trophy as the De La Salle/Southside HUB team defeated East St. Louis 67-46 at the Athletics and Recreation Center.
“This was an opportunity to spend 34 hours with our basketball family and with the cheerleaders and with the kids,” White said. “And to spend time together and to go through everything, it’s just such a life-rewarding experience.
“There was an option that I wasn’t going to be here (because of health concerns), but I knew I had to be here and I knew that I had to be with them. This is good for me inside and for all the people around us. … This is special. This is special. It’s something to be proud of. I told the kids, ‘Let’s get back here next year and let’s get back on that other (championship-game) court.’”
Devin Martin led De La Salle/Southside HUB with 24 points against the Flyers. Kevin Gates — one of three members of the Meteors’ 2025 state championship boys soccer team on the roster — chipped in 15 while Alexander McLaurin had 11.
One of the players who was on the team last year was junior Chaden Harvey. This season, Harvey couldn’t play because he’s now a member of the varsity basketball team. Harvey did find a way to contribute, however, serving as an assistant coach for White.
“Last year, I was a player more than being a leader,” Harvey said. “But this year, I’m a leader and I get to help them figure out how to play and where to score at. I can teach them where to play defense at and I’m able to help them out more.
“I like being a leader and guiding them and helping them. I get to show them the right ways and persuade them to be themselves.”
Christopher Dingle — one of Gates’ teammates on the soccer team — finished with four points in the final in his first year with the team.
“This means a lot to me because one of my cousins has special needs,” Dingle said. “I feel like every time I step on the court or when I’m hanging out with these guys, it reminds me of her.
“I remember what I’m doing this for and it’s a learning process and it’s something new in life. I dedicate this to my family.”
Giovanni Martinez, who also scored four points, arrived on De La Salle’s Unified Team having participated in lower-level basketball and wrestling in his past.
“I’ve learned the true value of patience,” Martinez said. “Having patience with (the student-athletes (from Southside HUB) is something that I didn’t know that you really need to have. Patience is something that I’ve been able to build upon by being here and it’s something I appreciate it so much.”