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Midwest City police host 3 on 3 basketball tournament

Boys play basketball Sunday during Midwest City Police Department’s Cops and Community 3 on 3 Tournament. Photo by Jeff Harrison

By Maxine Wheelan
Midwest City Beacon

The Midwest City Police Department held its annual Cops and Community 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Sunday at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park.

The third annual event was sponsored by the Arnall Family Trust and included free food, prizes and T-shirts.

“This is just a wonderful time for police officers to be in the community and for kids to see us in a different light,” said Sgt. Tom Lantz who organized the event. “Chief (Sid) Porter gave me the opportunity to do this. [Former] Chief Brandon Clabes started it and I’m fortunate with a bunch of volunteers that help make it happen.”

A total of 30 teams competed in the tournament. There were separate boys and girls divisions for grades 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8. The top three teams in each division received cash prizes – with $400 to the winner, $250 for second place and $100 for third.

The winning teams were: Jackets (3-4 grade boys), Sting (3-4 girls), Righteous (5-6 boys), Sexton Titans (5-6 girls), Hoop4Life (7-8 boys), OK Select (7-8 girls).
Police Chief Sid Porter, Mayor Matt Dukes and other officers and family members were there for this once-a-year event. The games started at 8 a.m. and wrapped up by 3 p.m.

Del City High School boys basketball coach, Lenny Hatchett was keeping score and keeping the records of the teams.

The event also included a live DJ with KAKIO Richardson.The Hopkins brothers, Buddy and Evan along with cousin, Damon were giving free haircuts and they were kept busy. Their shop, Hopkins Haircare, is located at 7128 E. Reno Ave.

The tournament would not have been possible without help from Midwest City employees. Supervisor Steve Bray of the Public Works Department and his crew worked to get the park ready. Marc Barge stayed for the event to be on call.

The Citizens Police Academy members opened the tournament with new blue shirts for the event with President Joyce George, David and Sally Munson, Kristi and Steve Gifford, and Amy and Chris Hicks.

Free pizza arrived from Little Caesars and there were free snow cones and cold drinks available all day.

Oklahoma Select won the girls 7-8 grade division Sunday during the 3 on 3 tournament. Photo provided

Hopkins Haircare provided free haircuts during the event. Photo by Jeff Harrison

Officer Overstreet, DJ KAKIO Richardson, Sgt. Tom Lantz, Hiawatha Bouldin and Lenny Hatchett. Photo by Maxine Wheelan

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