ROCKLIN (CBS13) — It’s a first-of-its-kind basketball game that drew a packed house on Thursday.

Students from Rocklin and Whitney high schools with special needs and those without came together to play in the first unified game in the region.

The stage was set and Whitney High School was packed with two rival teams ready to face off.

“Just to see them be successful in some type of athletic event is great thing,” said Rocklin PE instructor Chris Purde.

Meet Rocklin High student Jackson Bwer.

“I’m trying to become an NBA player, that’s gonna be tough but I’m gonna work hard for it,” he said.

He’s a special-needs student in love with playing ball. For him, it was an opportunity to play on a team alongside other classmates.

“It gives me a sense of confidence, because I can help this team win,” he said.

And boy can he shoot, making it an emotional night for his parents.

“Brought tears to my eyes,” his dad said. “Something I’ve wanted to see for a long time. It’s a happy moment for both of us. Very proud of him he did a great job tonight.”

The game of basketball uniting the kids and instilling a new sense of self-esteem.

“Just them to feel like a normal high-school kid, where they can have the same fun as everyone else,” said Whitney basketball coach Nick French.