'Put the guns down, pick the ball up': Basketball tournament this Saturday
A group of students at Dater and West high schools are hoping to divert some of their classmates away from violence, at least for one day.
This Saturday's three-on-three basketball tournament asks for participants to "put the guns down, pick the ball up."
Last year, a record number of teens were shot in Cincinnati. The violence has slowed in 2024, but typically picks up in the late spring and early summer.
The event will also host a resource fair as well as free food and a raffle. Admission is $5 to watch, $10 per team or $4 for an individual to play. Admission is free for kids under 5.
Each team’s captain must be a student at Dater or Western Hills University high schools. Fees are due in cash at the time of registration. The event is limited to 20 teams.
The proceeds go to Save Our Youth: Kings and Queens, an anti-violence organization led by Mitch Morris. Among the organization's projects is a free after-school program for kids in Winton Terrace. As many as 60 kids a day find safety there, spending time with their friends, getting help with homework and pursuing their passions.
Check-in starts at 10 a.m. at Western Hills University High School. Students who want to register to play should look for flyers at their schools with a QR code linking to a sign-up form.
There will be speakers and a video showing the impact gun violence has had at West High and Dater. The games will start just after 11 a.m.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Anti-violence 3-on-3 tournament planned for Saturday at West High
