Community Basketball Tournament to Celebrate New Courts
The Tuscaloosa Police Department is set to host a 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament that will officially open two brand‑new outdoor courts at McKenzie Court Apartments, a project that has been in the works for months.
Scheduled to run from July 31 through August 2, the event will feature teams competing in two age brackets — children aged eight to thirteen and teenagers between fourteen and seventeen. Organizers say the tournament is designed not only to showcase the facilities but also to foster positive interactions between youth and law‑enforcement officers.
Deputy Police Chief Sebo Sanders highlighted the broader purpose of the initiative, noting that “bringing kids together on the court is a chance for us to build trust and show a different side of policing.” The department hopes the games will become a recurring summer tradition that encourages healthy competition and community pride.
Participants can expect cash prizes and trophies for the top finishers in each age group, adding an extra layer of excitement for players and families alike. The competition will be held on the newly installed courts, which sit directly across from the Police Athletic League Gym, a venue that has long served as a hub for youth programs in the city.
Walt Maddox, a longtime advocate for youth sports in Tuscaloosa, praised the collaboration between the police department and local organizations, calling the tournament “a win‑win for the community.” He emphasized that such events help keep young people engaged and provide a constructive outlet for energy that might otherwise be directed toward less beneficial activities.
Beyond the games, officials say the tournament reflects a larger commitment to improving public spaces and creating opportunities for residents of all ages. By pairing recreation with community policing, the department aims to set a precedent for how municipalities can address youth engagement in a proactive, positive manner.