With just seconds left on the clock and the score nearly tied, all eyes were trained on the ball that shot between players. Moanalua had one last attempt at victory, and they weren’t letting it go to waste. As the crowd waved signs and cheered in support of the players, it seemed as if a burst of energy had overcome the team. Fueled by determination, Moanalua made a final shot at the basketball net. And… score! The crowd erupted with applause and excited shouts of victory.
On Friday, March 27, Moanalua High School’s special education students faced Kapolei High School at a Friday Night Prime Time basketball game, held in the Moanalua High School gymnasium, securing a 25-24 win. Friday Night Prime Time is an inclusive basketball program unique to Hawai’i schools that features special needs students. It gives them the opportunity to foster important skills, such as communication, team work, and mobility. Not only does the program cultivate these skills, it allows the students to interact with the rest of their school and encourages an inclusive, action-packed environment.
“My favorite moment of the game was definitely seeing some of the students that normally don’t take the opportunity to make a shot have that opportunity. Seeing them all open up and especially hear their families around cheering them on, you could definitely feel the love and energy that night,” explained Mr. Yamamoto, one of the team’s coaches.
On the court, several Moanalua athletes joined the students, assisting in passing the ball and encouraging the students to take shots. This ensured that each and every student on the team got a chance to dribble the ball and put it in the net.
These games transform students, allowing them to build their confidence and break out of their comfort zones. It’s not just a basketball program; it’s a journey of growth. “They don’t start out with the most confidence. They look to someone else, waiting for them to tell them what to do. But it becomes intuitive at some point,” Yamamoto says as he describes his athletes. “It’s just really good to see as a coach.”
Adriana Vega, one of the team’s other coaches, highlighted the importance of the program in both social and physical development. “This game is important because our special education students get to work with other students without disabilities. They build community, leadership, and teamwork,” Vega said. She also explained that the game helps students strengthen motor skills through activities like running, dribbling, and shooting, which improves their overall coordination. Being part of a team setting gives students a sense of belonging and normalcy, helping them feel more included in everyday school life.
Like Yamamoto, Vega also agrees that this experience leaves a lasting impact on students’ confidence and willingness to participate in other activities. “It builds their confidence and excitement. It makes them want to get more involved and interact with others,” she said, “They were so pumped during the game, and they’re still talking about it.” The positive energy from the game often carries over into the classroom.
Vega also emphasized the importance of sharing stories like this in the media. Not many people are aware of what special education students are capable of achieving. “Covering stories like this helps people understand what our students are capable of. Disabilities don’t hold you back; you can do anything if you set your mind to it,” Vega stated. She added that events like Friday Night Prime Time give their students a chance to show what they can do. “It’s a great opportunity for them to show the school, parents, and anyone who may not be familiar with what they do in class and what they’re capable of. It also shows that they can participate, be involved, and how fun it is to interact with them and see how excited they are.” By highlighting moments like this, it helps break down stereotypes and shift the focus from limitations to abilities, while encouraging greater understanding and support within the community.
Programs like Friday Night Prime Time demonstrate the value of inclusion within school communities. Supporting special education students can be as simple as attending events or getting involved in activities they participate in. By creating an environment where every student feels supported and included, schools can help all students succeed both on and off the court.
