SOUTHWEST TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) \u2014 Baller\u2019s Elite is using basketball as a tool to keep Tallahassee youth safe, supported, and focused on their future.<\/p>\n
The program gives young men a safe place to go when they are not in school, keeping them busy, accountable, and off the streets.Players receive guidance from positive male role models through tutoring, mentorship, and life-skills development.Watch the video below to see what coaches and mentors say about how the program improves confidence, grades, and better decision-making.<\/p>\n
Local basketball program creates safe space for Tallahassee youth<\/p>\n
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:<\/p>\n
On this court, the scoreboard only tells part of the story, because for these young men, basketball is more than a game; it’s a pathway. <\/p>\n
I’m Lyric Sloan, your neighborhood reporter in Southwest Tallahassee, showing you how a local basketball program is pairing hoops with mentorship and tutoring, giving kids a safe place to grow, stay off the streets, and build a future.<\/p>\n
In Tallahassee, some young men face long afternoons with nowhere to go. This sound is becoming a lifeline.<\/p>\n
A local basketball program is stepping in, not just with drills and discipline, but with structure, safety, and purpose.<\/p>\n
“Looking at today’s youth, we need positive male role models. We need a positive outlet in the community. We need more mentors in the community,” Steven Knight, Baller\u2019s Elite Mentor and Basketball Director, said.<\/p>\n
Ballers Elite, which has been around since 2002, is more than just a basketball team.<\/p>\n
Along with practices, the program offers tutoring and mentorship.<\/p>\n
Now they are expanding, keeping players accountable, supported, and surrounded by people who care.<\/p>\n
“It means a lot because I got someone who cares for me, and makes sure I’m doing good,” Ma\u2019kaden Garrett, Baller’s Elite Player, said.<\/p>\n
For players like Roger Keyes, the impact goes far beyond the scoreboard. <\/p>\n
“It just like keep me out of trouble, like keeps me from not going to jail or nothing,” Keys said. <\/p>\n
Otis Young, Senior Pastor at Kingdom Life Tabernacle, allows Baller’s Elite to use the church as a meeting space. <\/p>\n
He says the program focuses on the whole child, teaching responsibility, manners, and discipline, while exposing young men to opportunities they may not otherwise see. <\/p>\n
And the results are showing up in the classroom.<\/p>\n
“I’ve seen many of them have a renewed interest in life. In addition to that, I’ve seen many of them, oh man, turn their academics around, because they realize academics plays a major part in this,” Young said. <\/p>\n
To learn more about Baller’s Elite or get involved, the best point of contact is 850-553-7882 or their Instagram at “ballerselite.”<\/p>\n
The program is open to all local youth and is currently seeking mentors and community support. <\/p>\n
Knight tells me he’s looking to expand the program to help young girls in the community as well. <\/p>\n
Once he finds a women’s basketball coach, he plans to get that effort underway.<\/p>\n
In Southwest Tallahassee, Lyric Sloan, ABC 27.<\/p>\n
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n