The Fifth Annual JAYS Cops Vs. Kids basketball game unfolded Saturday, Feb. 17, under the bright lights of the Dayton High School Bronco gym. This event pits special-needs children against local law enforcement officers in a friendly but spirited match.
Unlike typical competitions, the scoreboard tells only a part of the story. Here, every dribble, pass, and shot builds bridges between the two groups. Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader, who sat on the sidelines this year, joked that his recent eye surgery prevented him from being able to see the ball. Even if he had been on the court, Rader said the chances of his team winning were “slim to none.”
“My guys are not as confident as the kids’ team. Plus we probably don’t practice as much,” Rader said, jokingly trying to explain the dismal amount of points his team put on the scoreboard in the two games.
Year after year, Rader and other local law enforcement officers lace up their sneakers not with the intention to dominate but to participate in a game that has much higher stakes – to win the hearts and trust of the incredible kids who make up the JAYS team. Graciously accepting defeat, the officers revel in the joy and self-confidence that their young opponents gain with every basket made.
They good-naturedly assist the children in making jump shots and sinking baskets, even those who are confined to wheelchairs. This year, a constant at the JAYS games – John Coleman, a retired captain for Dayton Police Department, was absent. Jay Matlock, the founder of JAYS, said that a scheduling conflict kept Coleman from being able to participate. Every year until this year, Coleman has auctioned off a pie that is thrown into his face at the end of the games.
While donations are still being tallied, Matlock expects that the games raised roughly $8,200 this year, the equivalent to last year’s game.
“All of the money goes right back into the kids. It keeps out organization cost-free to parents. We expanded to Montgomery County last year and are hoping to expand to Alvin, Texas, later this year. Hopefully we will have more teams formed in the future,” Matlock said.
He credits his “amazing” board of directors of the Liberty Chapter of JAYS for putting together another seamless event.
“Everyone knows their role and knows what to do,” he said.
Matlock also wished to thank Sheriff Bobby Rader, Dayton PD Sgts. Tyler Head and Eric Ibarra, John Headrick with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and a Dayton City Councilman, Liberty firefighter and courthouse security officer Martin Trahan, and DPS Trooper and Hardin ISD Trustee Chris McCarty for being a part of the Cops team, and the Dayton Noon Lions Club for selling treats to game fans.
“I also want to thank the volunteers from Houston Astros Nation. They stepped up and did exactly what they needed to do,” he said.
With basketball season now behind them, JAYS is looking toward baseball season. Signups are currently underway. A June 1 invitational tournament is being organized and will be held at Liberty City Park.
Photos from the game:
I Think I Was Part Of The Team.-Annistyn Janik