KIDS DUNK COPS

Forget the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest this past weekend because the Just Amazing Youth Sports Kids were putt ing on the actual show as they took the Cops to school. The third annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game saw the most dominating performance by the JAYS organization to date, decimating the team of local law enforcement offi cers 100-13 at the Dayton High School Gym on Saturday.

The opening period of play saw the Kids take a commanding lead while holding the Cops scoreless 22-0. The Kids would go on a 34-0 run before the Cops finally put up a bucket to make it 34-2 with just over 4:00 left in the opening half.

The Cops only managed four points at halftime, trailing the more skilled Kids squad 42-4.

The halftime show saw an excellent performance by the young ladies of Star Twirl Cheer and Gym under the direction of Julie Campbell. They were joined by several members from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office as they entertained the crowd.

Once halftime was over, the Kids picked up where they left off as they continued to manhandle the Cops led by John Coleman and Sheriff Bobby Rader, and after three periods of play, they led 64-8.

The Cops came out in the final period and gave it their best, with another five points on the board to come within 73 points as time was winding down. Un fortunately for the Cops, the Kids would just never let off of the gas, and as time was running out, Hayden Wilson added a little insult to injury, firing up the rarely seen 26 point jump shot to make it a 100-13 final.

Jay Matlock was ecstatic over another great contest as an event organizer and founder of JAYS, a non-profit that allows children with special needs an opportunity to play sports.

“The game was a huge success; the kids enjoyed the big win and having a chance to interact with the Sheriff’s Office. That’s what it’s all about, to raise some funds and put smiles on the faces of our athletes,” Matlock said.

The event serves as the JAYS biggest fundraiser each year, with funds from the game and the big silent auction that would be any Houston Astros fan’s dream, allowing the program to grow and purchase everything these children need to play sports.

“The funds raised help me keep my word to the parents of our athletes; I told them when I started coaching in 2017 that it would never cost them a dime for their child to play sports. The funds help pay for uniforms, equipment, insurance, and other costs that are associated with providing sports to the kids. The funds also put us in a position to expand JAYS into communities that don’t have a program for children with special needs,” Matlock said.

To find out more about the JAYS or to signup for the upcoming baseball season, visit justamazingyouthsports.org.