On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, the Heritage High School halls echoed with cheers. Students and staff erupted into applause as a group of students in jerseys strutted by. But the Pioneers weren’t cheering for varsity athletes. At the center of the lively celebration was the brand-new special education basketball team.
This year, Heritage High School and Laurel Regional Program joined forces to create a new program. For the first time, the schools are participating in the Medford League, which allows students with disabilities across Virginia to play basketball competitively.
“The Medford League allows special education students to play on a team, just like any other student. It’s an opportunity for them to work together, build confidence, and feel included,” said Heritage health and physical education teacher Drew Sheldrake, who coaches the team.
Named after a former Chesterfield County principal, the Medford League started as a field day for learners with disabilities in the 1970s. It has since grown into a basketball league that includes schools all over the Commonwealth.
Heritage and Laurel are following in the footsteps of E. C. Glass High School, which joined the Medford League last fall. The team was met with an outpouring of support from their school and local community. E. C. Glass won third place overall and second in their conference at the 2025 regional championship tournament.
“It’s been amazing to witness how the community has wrapped its arms around our students. They are so excited to see how many people are cheering them on. This has been an empowering experience for them,” said E. C. Glass special education teacher Mary Babcock.
Starting with a Slam Dunk
This season, each team will play eight games against other schools in the region, which include E. C. Glass, Heritage/Laurel, Brookville, and Rustburg high schools. Playoffs will follow in November.
Both teams are off to a strong start. On Sept. 17, each won their first game of the season. E. C. Glass won 44-41 over Rustburg, and Heritage/Laurel defeated Brookville with a buzzer-beater that brought the final score to 51-50.
“I thought we were going to lose for a second, but then the buzzer went off. I was hype because I made the last shot. It felt good,” said Heritage 9th grader Dante Broxton.
Crosstown Showdown Packs the Stands
After a victorious first match, it was time to face E. C. Glass. Following a spirited sendoff by their fellow Pioneers, Heritage Medford players rode a school bus to E. C. Glass. Players vibrated with anticipation as they prepared to face the Hilltoppers–a formidable opponent, if their performance last fall was any indication.
A warm welcome from the crowd put them at ease. It was the E. C. Glass team’s first home game of the season, and the bleachers were packed with general education students. The game drew fans from all over the city, including adults with disabilities from the Arc of Central Virginia. E. C. Glass varsity basketball students served as referees, scorekeepers, and assistant coaches.
The E. C. Glass choir kicked off the game with a performance of the National Anthem. The announcer introduced each player by name as they ran out onto the court. Medford League participants glowed with pride as their peers applauded. Throughout the match, spectators cheered enthusiastically for both teams—something you’d never see at a typical basketball game.
“It’s been remarkable to see everyone coming together to support our students so far—at Heritage, Brookville, and E. C. Glass. The crowd cheered for both sides. It’s an incredibly uplifting environment,” said Heritage special education teacher Shannon Yeager.
The crowd built the student-athletes up with their excitement. Parents and students waved signs and pom-poms. Student DJs played high-energy beats.
Heritage/Laurel even brought their own cheerleaders. Three special education students from each school make up the team’s cheer squad. They practice with the rest of the team and perform at every game. This one was no exception—the cheerleaders gave their all on the sidelines.
United by the Game
The warm reception at the E. C. Glass game reflects Lynchburg’s embrace of the Medford League. Just two games into their first season, Heritage/Laurel has already experienced a glowing welcome from the community.
As their pre-game clap-out demonstrated, Heritage general education students have been eager to encourage the team. Medford League cheerleaders will even participate in the school’s October pep rally.
LCS community partners have gone out of their way to support the team. On Sept. 23, the men’s and women’s basketball teams at the University of Lynchburg hosted a hands-on basketball clinic for Heritage and Laurel students. Coaches and athletes gave players pointers on how to improve their game.
“I think everyone should have an opportunity to compete and play sports. I’m an LCS graduate. Anytime I can get my players involved in giving back to the community, it’s very special to me,” said Hilliary Scott, the head men’s basketball coach for the University of Lynchburg.
University of Lynchburg student-athlete Gavin Arthur was a 12th grader at E. C. Glass when the school's special education students joined the Medford League. Arthur played on the boys’ basketball team, and he has fond memories of watching Medford games and helping players practice. It’s his first year on the University of Lynchburg team, and the basketball clinic represents another opportunity to support adaptive students.
“It was super fun watching them play last year. Everyone was very supportive. We did some practices with them—hanging out, teaching them some things,” Arthur said. “It’s nice to have the opportunity to help the new team this year.”
Heritage/Laurel isn’t the only team getting expert advice from college athletes. In October, Randolph College men’s basketball players will coach E. C. Glass Medford League students during a practice session.
The Medford League is bringing the Lynchburg community together. It’s also facilitating friendships between Heritage and Laurel students. Outside of games, players from the two schools practice together weekly during Sheldrake’s adaptive physical education class.
“The combined Heritage and Laurel team gives students a great opportunity to build friendships and be part of something larger than themselves,” said Laurel principal Dr. Donna Lewis. “It’s a wonderful experience that gives them the opportunity to feel a sense of team pride and belonging.”
The league gives players a shared interest to bond over. Many have made new connections through practices and games.
“I like being on a team because my teammates are good at basketball,” said Heritage 12th grader Shamya Ware. “I made a new friend.”
Life Skills on the Court
Students are building valuable interpersonal skills, like teamwork and communication, while making memories that will last a lifetime.
“Sports can teach students so much. You learn a lot from being on the basketball court and working together as a team,” Sheldrake said. “I love all my students, but these kids are special. I’m grateful for the chance to watch them grow.”
Many team members are learning to play basketball for the first time. The Medford League isn’t just about winning—it gives students a low-pressure opportunity to try something new and build confidence.
“I like shooting the basketball into the hoop. Sometimes I miss, but that’s okay,” said Heritage High 12th grader Treasure Johnson. “My favorite part is passing the basketball to my friends.”
Medford League matches are lower-pressure than your typical basketball games. Players’ enjoyment of the sport is valued over competition, and every student gets a chance to participate. Coaches discuss their players’ skill levels and needs with referees before the clock starts to determine which adaptations are needed.
For example, one player from Laurel uses a wheelchair. During games, coaches bring out a lower net so the student can make shots, prompting cheers from spectators.
“It’s amazing to see how supportive everyone is. It’s especially heartwarming to watch our players’ parents. Many of them were even getting emotional because they were seeing their child play competitive basketball for the first time,” Dr. Lewis said. “Every student should have the opportunity to wear a jersey and feel a sense of team pride. The Medford League makes that possible for students with disabilities. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Hilltoppers Take the Win
During the first E. C. Glass vs. Heritage/Laurel game, both teams gave their all. The joy radiating from the court was contagious. The crowd erupted into cheers as the seconds on the clock ticked down to zero. It was a close game, and E. C. Glass emerged as the winner. The score was 50-48.
With six matches to go before the playoffs in November, both teams are looking forward to the rest of the season. Regardless of the outcomes, they’ll all be winners in the end. The experiences they’ll gain along the way will be worth more than any trophy.
You can support the Lynchburg City Schools Medford League teams by cheering them on the next time they play each other. Join us on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at E. C. Glass (2111 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24501). The game is free to watch—just stop by the front office to get a visitor pass on your way to the gym.
