Hope’s Hoops

Hope on the Hill’s first church league basketball program has given local youth something to shoot for this summer.
“It’s been a great success,” said the Rev. Wayne Murray, executive director of Hope on the Hill. “It gives kids something to do. Most of the kids (85-90 percent) are off the street, which makes it quite successful.”
The program, which started in April and will end with finals July 14, has drawn 202 boys and girls, ages 8-17. Eleven churches fielded 14 teams for the league, directed by Dennis Brown.

Aaron Morrison/staff photographer

White Oak AME Zion Church’s Chris Barnes (23), Joshua Williams (20) and DeRon Massey (42) converge on Mount Zion Baptist Church’s Red Truesdale (5) during a Hope on the Hill church league game May 12.

Buy this photo

Aaron Morrison/staff photographer

Mount Zion Baptist Church’s Kefon Cogdell (in white jersey) defends White Oak AME Zion Church’s Brandon Barnes (32) during a May 12 game at the Hope on the Hill Barr Street Family Life Center.

Buy this photo

Aaron Morrison/staff photographer

St. Paul AME Zion player Keavius Barnes (14) tries to block Faith Christan Deliverance Center player Zkevious McKinny’s (1) shot during a Hope on the Hill church league game June 23.

Buy this photo

Aaron Morrison/staff photographer

Faith Christian Deliverance Center of Rock Hill player Nehemiah McGriff (in blue jersey) goes for a layup as St. Paul AME Zion’s Huey Jailel tries to block his shot during a June 23 Hope on the Hill church league game.

Buy this photo

Players who are not members of their team’s church must attend church at least twice a month to play on the team.

“Mary Cunningham has really been the force behind it (the church league),” Murray said.

The church league teams play at the Hope on the Hill Barr Street Family Life Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and from 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m. Saturdays. The center is at 612 E. Meeting St. and game admission is $2.

Murray said the league has had "great suport from parents and churches," with about 275-300 fans turning out on game days.
“We might be doing it (the league) again in September,” Murray said. “All the churches want to keep going.”

Hope offers hoops camp
Hope on the Hill will offer a youth basketball camp for ages 5 to 17 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, July 16-19, at the Hope on the Hill Barr Street Family Life Center. Cost is $25. For details or to sign up, call Mary Cunningham at (803) 287-8885.