Shooting the rock around the clock
GYST’s Midnight Basketball debuts Feb. 17 for all local students
This article is brought to you by Moore's Home Health and Medical Supply. For more than 67 years, Moore's Home Health has been Howard County's leading provider of assistive and adaptive home medical equipment and supplies. Call 765-454-5210 or visit Moore's at 608 W. Markland Ave. to let them help meet your healthcare needs!
A new, youth-oriented nonprofit organization hits the ground running with its inaugural event tomorrow, Feb. 17. Giving Youth Strategies to Thrive, also known as GYST, will host “Midnight Basketball” at Mt Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. It is expected to be a hit.
The event brings a sense of excitement that youth long for, and it takes it right to them. Mt Pisgah, 1599 E. Sycamore St. is an establishment long known for its investment in the youth. It has a wonderful school -- the F.D. Reese Christian Academy -- and youth sport involvement with basketball and football led by community leader Omar Daniels, Sr.
“The Mount,” led by Pastor L. E. Anderson, Jr, has shown strong community leadership and presence. A brilliant orator, Anderson has served the city for more than 20 years and has set a precedent for what it means to provide opportunities for young people in the city and show them how to abide in their faith and pursue a successful future.
Jody Ligon was born and raised in Kokomo. While life moved her to a multitude of places around the country, she recently moved back and found purpose. Her last place of residence was Middletown, OH, which is situated in the southwestern region of Ohio right outside of Cincinnati. Her description of Middletown claims many similarities to Kokomo in that the Ohio city’s population, economic growth, opportunities, and values are nearly the same.
Midnight Basketball originated out of Middletown and was a hit with the youth there.
“The creation of Midnight Basketball in Middletown was a resounding success because it captured the essence of what it means to invest in the youth by providing a safe place to play basketball, listen to music and build effective relationships with caring community members and leaders,” said Ligon.
Midnight Basketball found its niche almost immediately. According to Destini Burns, an originator of the event and the program’s spokesperson in Middletown, the event drew 80 participants in its debut.
“Every Friday night (after the first event), it just grew and grew and grew to the point where we capped at 180 to 200 kids,” said Burns.
“(Events like this) were originally created to address the growing concern that young people grade six and up in Middletown didn’t have a safe place to hang out and frequent during the summer months,” added Cara Roach, program Director of the Middletown YMCA.
Likewise, the core members of GYST are excited to bring Midnight Basketball to Kokomo. Ligon, as president of the GYST board, and a small group of committee members plan to offer the same opportunities for the Kokomo area that focus on building positive relationships in a safe and nurturing environment. They want to maximize every chance to pour into the youth.
Deanza Duncan, a youth basketball trainer and a coordinator of the event, will be an instrumental part of the event’s overall functionality. While his efforts will be devoted to organizing and maintaining basketball activity, there will be several other breakout sessions he will be involved in as well.
“Aside from the basketball portion, we will have Double Dutch jump rope, TikTok and selfie station, board game station, DJ Ameer Hill be playing Christian rap and contemporary music, snacks, drinks, selfies, and more,” said Duncan. “Also, local out-of-uniform Kokomo Police officers will be present to make a connection with the youth, as we feel that is a huge part of community relationship. There will be a number of adult supervisors present to engage the youth and be sure all is appropriate and cheerful. It’s going to be a great time.”
Midnight Basketball is the perfect avenue to keep youth engaged while establishing a foundation of positive experiences designed to support and encourage, Ligon believes. She wants to send a clear message to parents and youth in the city of Kokomo that events like Midnight Basketball are more than just about fun and games.
“Midnight Basketball is the initial activity that will allow youth to be an active participant in their own growth and development while also having fun with friends,” said Ligon. “Future GYST offerings will continue to strengthen the internal and external assets youth need to thrive and introduce resiliency factors that help chart a course to future successes.”
GYST encourages all participants who wish to be a part of the inaugural event to get there early, and to arrive with a parent. Liability forms will need to be signed before event begins. School-aged boys and girls in grades six and up are welcome to participate. There is no fee.
Midnight Basketball will begin at 9 p.m. and will last until midnight. Those who arrive late will have no choice but to wait in anticipation for the next event. The organization also mentioned not to be discouraged, as there will be so much more to come.