Basketball league mending broken hearts at city park

Organizers of a city youth basketball league said they are determined to continue their efforts in spite of the recent homicide that occurred on the Flanigan Park basketball court where league games are held. The stakes are too high for them to turn away out of fear, said Wayne Jones of the Our Youth Basketball League prior to the league’s championship game Thursday night at the park. “If we allow an incident like that to continue to impact our community, the kids will be in dire straits,” Jones said in reference to a July shooting that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Kevan Connelly. A steady presence Continuing a steady presence at the park “is real vital to the community,” he added. In its second year, the league organized by Jones, Donald Bryan, Robert Scott, Stan Johnson and Alex Thomas features 8- to 11-year-old and 13- to 17-year-old divisions. Players age 12 participate in either league, depending on their skill level, according to Jones. About 140 youth participated in the league this year, Jones said. Following the shooting, Jones said the league skipped one week of games, then picked up were it left off. A lot of hopeful kids “You still have a lot of hopeful kids out there. They need direction, they need mentors and they need positivity,” he said. Efforts also were made to involve the community, he said. “We gave a variety of cookouts for the community — right here — trying to mend broken hearts,” he said. Two teams competed in the championship, with each member of the winning team receiving a trophy and $50 athletic footwear gift certificate. Members of the runner-up team received medallions and $25 gift certificates. Gift certificates were funded through an “I’m Worthy” T-shirt fundraiser, while businesses such as Aaron’s Water Ice and J&J’s Subs contributed to the league. State Police Trooper Michael Knight also provided support, as did the Ironmen, a faith-based, interdenominational group that meets every Saturday at The Center, Jones said. Strengthened Although the shooting put a cloud over the neighborhood, that cloud had its own silver lining, Bryan said. “It might look like it might set us back, but it made us stronger,” he said. “The community started to participate more.” Scott agreed. “That just made us get a little stronger,” he said. “The kids need some mentors and positive influences in their lives.” “I think the season turned out to be a success,” Johnson said. “We want to keep pushing to do what we can for the kids in our community.” In addition to league organizers and volunteer coaches, a local DJ was on hand to play music during the event. Other volunteers grilled hot dogs and handed out drinks. Shooting isolated “The kids need something,” said Gerome Shaw, who was volunteering at a food table while his mother Pamela Shaw manned a nearby grill. “If they don’t occupy their time with basketball, baseball or football, they’ll get in trouble,” Shaw said. “It is what it is. Why take that away from them?” Jones said the shooting was unfortunate and isolated. Most people who live in the neighborhood are law-abiding citizens, he said. “It’s a wholesome neighborhood. It’s not savages down here,” Jones said. “There are people who are just like everyone else —hard-working and looking for a stable way of life.” That was a sentiment Jones expressed during a pre-game, center court huddle with players and coaches. Jones urged the players to set a good example by showing respect for one another, referees and coaches. “People are watching our community,” he said. “(Show them) we’re better than they think.”