Higher M-Pact sponsored three teams in the Mayor's Night Hoops Program this summer.  All of the teams worked hard to come together as a team, displayed good sportsmanship and act as positive role models to other youth involved in the tournament.  In addition to basketball, the program offers educational classes on health, substance abuse and job skills.

Special congratulations to the Higher M-Pact - Female Silver team who took first place in the Mayor’s Hoop Nights Tournament!   The female teams were organized by Higher M-Pact’s own Leader of Tomorrow youth, Reba. Way to go teams!

Higher M-Pact also hosts a hoop night program called Pray and Play every Thursday.  The program, organized by volunteer staff member Rodney Jarrett, focuses on strengthening self-esteem, integrity and sportsmanship.  Male youths, ages 14-25 are allowed to play in the pick-up games as Rodney and his fellow volunteer, Rob, mentor and serve as positive adult male role models.

“I’d say the most amazing thing about our Pray and Play hoop nights has to be the transition you can see in some of the youth over the weeks, months and years they play with us”, says Rodney.  “For most, they feel like they can’t show weakness. Weakness equals death in their minds.  But after they begin to feel comfortable on our court, you’ll start to see even the toughest guys joining us in pre-game prayer.  We’ve got “thugs” praying with us now!”