Over the weekend the Varsity and JV boy basketball teams held a clinic for the Leander Lazers. The event was held so athletes could teach basketball skills to students with special needs.

“This was my third year to volunteer with the Raider Basketball Clinic for the Leander Lazers,” senior player Carter McMahan said. “It was the best year so far. We had more athletes participate this year, so there was a lot of energy in the gym.”

The participating students and Lazers practiced the skills of basketball, but they also experienced bonding through sports.

“It wasn’t just about basketball,” senior player Trevor Berry said. “It was more about making experiences for the special needs students. It was really fun to just teach kids the game we love and spread joy to them. Others might treat them differently, but we just played and had fun.”

The volunteer work of the basketball players at the clinic is a tradition that the teams hope to continue and grow.

“We were definitely more confident in working with the Lazers than past years because we were getting to know them individually,” McMahan said. “This event benefited both the Raiders and the Lazers in many ways. This is a great tradition, and I hope to see it continue for years to come.”