The founder of the Hope Center for Kids, Ty Schenzel and his wife Terrie, died in a car crash last year.
Their legacy, aimed at keeping kids of the streets, continues on.
The Village Basketball Alliance plays on Monday nights. The players range in ages from teens to adults, and they all share the same passion for the game.
“It's the hope centers answer to reducing gun and gang violence,” said Pastor Edward King.
This is the fifth year VBA has provided over 100 players a safe place.
“It gives out like a brotherhood, a safe environment after hours,” said player Tylon Harbour.
“For me really, staying out of trouble,” said another player.
For the older players, they get to stand out as role models for the junior VBA teams.
“There are kids that are younger that look up to us and actually know my name and I didn't know that, they have their sneakers and are ready to play basketball,” said Harbour.
Pastor King said right now they are playing in their smaller gym because they had water damage ruin some of the floor in their bigger one.
“It’s so expensive keeping the floor like that going, so any help we can have is appreciated,” he said.
Regardless of where they are playing, these guys keep coming back, and with playoffs knocking out half the team, the competition was heating up
“Something to feel a part of too, a lot of people don't feel a part of something so here is that place for that too,” said Harbour.
