Sometimes, the score just doesn’t matter. That was the case on March 31 at Mentor High School, where the tradition-rich Broadmoor Bobcats geared up to play their annual game with area high school basketball coaches and players. Throughout the season, opposing teams traveled to Broadmoor to play ag ainst the Bobcats. After the game, the teams learn more about the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood and mingle during lunch. PHOTOS: Broadmoor Bobcats vs. Area Coaches, March 31, 2025 This time, the Bobcats went on the road and played an integrated game with each team featuring Bobcat players, local coaches and local players. And not one single person in the gymnasium cared what the scoreboard read. "This," one fan said as she entered the gymnasium, "is a game where everyone is a winner and everyone goes home with a smile on their face." Said Sara Jones, head coach of the Bobcats and the adaptive physical education teacher at Broadmoor: "We've been working toward this game all year. Our kids are so excited for this tonight and continuing the relationships they've built all year long." The Broadmoor Bobcats hosted area high school teams virtually every Friday for the past handful of months. They played 18 games heading into the March 31 extravaganza at Mentor, winning them all. Nothing at Broadmoor is more exciting than Basketball Fridays — except this one night. Basketball Monday in the Bobcats' first and only road game of the year. When the players burst through the tunnel to the blaring sound of Kool and the Gang's "Celebration," fans rose to their feet. The smiles on every Bobcat player's face was worth it. "This is our 36th year and I've been here for 12 of them," said Liz Miller, director of children services and principal at Broadmoor. "It's amazing. Anyone who ever gets to experience a Bobcat game, they can't help but to smile. It's special." The Broadmoor-Coaches game was the brainchild of Ann Vespa, former Bobcats coach who has now retired. Yet 36 years later, the program and the featured game are as strong as they have ever been. Just ask North girls basketball coach Paul Force, whose team makes the trip to Broadmoor every year. "The last couple years we've been part of their homecoming festivities," Force said. "We make a whole day of it. It's a lot of fun." Perry coach and assistant athletic director Myndi Allen said the excitement of the Bobcats players is infectious. "I already met Mason (Montz) from my team," she said. "He came out with all this enthusiasm, like 'YEAH!" That's my boy!" The evening's festivities included raffles, refreshments, T-shirts and more. All proceeds from the event benefit Broadmoor School's Adapted Physical Education program. Additionally, cheerleaders from area schools cheered throughout the game and the "Monday With Malta" crew, including hosts Charlie Malta and John O'Donnell, broadcasted the game. Miller pointed out how many former area student-athletes remain part of the Broadmoor circle. She noted that former Perry standout Luke Farrell, who recently signed with the San Francisco 49ers, always makes time to visit Broadmoor when he's home. "We're very happy that he is part of the 'My Cause, My Cleats,' program the past three years," Miller said, "where he donates money back to the program. This year we're using the money to do a family event. We are very grateful for everything Luke has done for us. "So many who have played against the Bobcats still reach out to us and tell us how much they enjoyed being part of our games." The Broadmoor Bobcats and Area Coaches celebrate during their annual basketball game, March 31 at Mentor. (Paul DiCicco - For The News-Herald) Fans cheer for the Broadmoor Bobcats in their game against Area Coaches on March 31. (Paul DiCicco - For The News-Herald) ...read more read less