“Shoot Hoops Not Guns.” That’s the name of a new Hartford youth basketball league that launched Saturday night.
It’s meant to offer kids a safe activity and steer them away from potential violence.
Nearly 200 kids played basketball at the Wilson-Gray YMCA in Hartford Saturday.
On their shirts was printed the image of the 15-year-old they were honoring, Keon Huff Jr.
“I knew Keon for a long time. Like, we used to come here and ball together all the time. So I’m just here to support him,” said Tahjae Young of Hartford.
In March, Keon was shot and killed in the hallway of an apartment building on Garden Street. Another teenager was charged with Keon’s death.
“Basketball was his love. You know, he stayed 90 percent in this building,” Glenn Mauldin, the sports director at the YMCA explained.
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In remembrance of Keon, the Y decided to start this summer program.
“Shoot Hoops Not Guns” hopes to offer kids a safe place to go on Saturday nights and to keep them off of the streets.
“Living in this neighborhood it’s just tough to always do what’s right when you have people pulling you from different directions,” Mauldin said.
Several organizations donated the money to make this possible. And friends of Keon think the games could make a difference.
“I think they are good places for kids to stay out of trouble. It gives them a place that’s safe where they do what they love, play sports,” said Amari Wells of Hartford.
This league runs from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. each Saturday and it lasts until the end of August, right before the kids go back to school.
