Monadnock Valley Patriots compete in state Special Olympics basketball tournament

Dalton Coyne passES to Dylan Coyne, with Joel Camuso waiting under the basket. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

Dylan Coyne shoots, as teammates Joel Camuso and Dalton Coyne are nearby. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

The 5-on-5 team of Nick Needler, Dalton Coyne, Dylan Coyne, Joel Camuso, Alberta Vayens, Brandon Chase, Emily Edick and Sasha Daler. Andres Tourgee is missing from the photo. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

Nick Needler shooting with teammates Dylan Coyne Alberta Vayens, Emily Edick and Joel Camuso. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

Joel Camuso rebounding with Sasha Daler nearby. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

Unified team member Frank DiNino shoots during warmups with Will Cochran, Andrew Hopkins, James MacFarlane and Kavan Brown watching. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

Unified 3-on-3 team members Frank DiNino, Will Cochran, Andrew Hopkins, James MacFarlane and Kavan Brown. Dwain Davis is hidden from view. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

Will Cochrane shoots during warmups. —PHOTO BY DEBRA COYNE

Published: 04-08-2024 11:10 AM

The Monadnock Valley Patriots (MVP) fielded two teams in the New Hampshire state Special Olympics basketball tournament Saturday, with the 5-on-5 team winning the championship.

In the 5-on-5 tournament at Plymouth Area High School, MVP dominated the first game, with a 58-28 win against the Plaistow Panthers. The second game was closer, as Monadnock Valley Patriots and Team Barrington had former Team NH Special Olympic USA Games athletes. The Patriots ultimately won 38-18, securing a gold medal by winning both games.

The team consisted of Nick Needler, Dalton Coyne, Dylan Coyne, Joel Camuso, Alberta Vayens, Brandon Chase, Emily Edick, Sasha Daler and Andres Tourgee.

The 3-on-3 team of Frank DiNino, Will Cochran, Andrew Hopkins, James MacFarlane, Kavan Brown and Dwain Davis lost both of its games in the unified tournament at Plymouth State University, but a good time was had by all.

Mike Conlin and John Lawlor were the coaches, and Abigail Conlin was the partner for the unified team. Evan Coyne helped coach the 5-on-5 team in the state tournament. The Patriots practice at ConVal High School.