by Lynn Jones – The local Police Athletic League (PAL) hosted the annual State of Florida PAL Basketball Tournament inside their Northside and Monument locations. The tournament welcomed teams from throughout the state. The tournament is played each March and JaxPal has hosted the event since its inception more than twenty years ago. Securing their trophy’s this year was team 10 and Under, securing 3rd place, coached by Colby Allen and Derrick Scott; 10 and Under JaxPAL Team 2 Won 1st place, coached by Eric Nettles and Calvin Whitfield; and 12 and under JaxPAL Team finished in 2nd place, coached by Andre Ratliff and Kennan Ray. More than 100 friends and family members of the youth attended the tournament to cheer on the young men and witness their basketball hoops talent.
Jacksonville PAL has been committed to changing teen’s lives since 1972, when Duval’s PAL location was officially established. PAL’s mission and goal is to use athletics to change the trajectory of children’s lives. Yearly, the organization enriches the lives of children by creating positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the youth of our community through education, athletic, outreach, and teen leadership programs. Shown are the winning teams.
