The Crossroads for Youth basketball team was recently awarded a trophy for second place in the Oakland County Alternative Education Basketball Tournament.
“It just makes the kids feel like they have more vested in the school itself,” said Dr. Glenda Williams with Crossroads for Youth. “It helps to improve their self-esteem and attitude.”
The program is organized through the Michigan Alternative Athletic Association (MAAA) and is coached by Crossroads physical education instructor Katie Morden and social studies teacher Richard Nicks.
The team consists of both male and female high school aged students with above a “C” average in every class. Any student can try out and there are no cuts made. About 18 students total have participated this year.
“Just about any student can play at any point in the season,” explained Williams. “All of the students attending get to play part of the game every time.”
The athletes practice afterschool one day a week for an hour and a half.
This is the school’s second year in the MAAA; however, this is only the first year students have participated in the tournament.
During the season, Crossroads competes against 10 other alternative education schools such as Children’s Village in Waterford, Madison Heights, Southgate and Pontiac.