The 28th annual Shoot Hoops All-Star Game gathered hand-picked student-athletes from Springfield and Holyoke for a day of competition at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Holyoke and Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiatives hosted the youth basketball event to honor good sportsmanship both on and off the court.
The initiatives host two such events every year to support local youth and foster community connections.
The program is specifically designed to guide at-risk youth and connect families with first responders and local community advocates.
The games included two teams from each age division, featuring players from the third grade through the high school level.
Participants were selected to compete in the games based on their athletic performance and personal character.
Lavar Click-Bruce, a coordinator for the Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative, explained that the program focuses on guiding youth toward long-term goals beyond basketball.
Before discussing the mission of the organization, Click-Bruce described the importance of education for the student-athletes.
“We preach to them to have a dream,” Click-Bruce said, noting that if the game does not take them to the professional level, it can lead to higher education, according to WWLP.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi attended the event to support the participants and noted that the program emphasizes character in addition to athletic ability.
Cocchi highlighted the specific traits he observed in the young players during the competition.
“When you look at these student athletes, you’re looking at young men and women who are showing kindness, gamesmanship and a positive attitude,” Cocchi said.
Neohmiah Montes, a player in the fifth- and sixth-grade division from Holyoke, said the event allowed him to showcase the effort he has put into the sport.
Before reflecting on his love for the game, Montes noted that he felt his dedication was finally paying off.
“All my hard work hasn’t been wasted,” Montes said, expressing his joy in playing the sport, reported the outlet.
Organizers intended for the event to give students a productive way to stay busy during the summer months.
By offering a structured activity, the program aims to keep the love for the game alive while providing a safe environment.