Behind the Badge
Most of these kids simply wanted to try something new, be part of a team and make friends.
With financial constraints and parental work schedules, joining a team isn’t always easy for some Westminster families.
This is where the Westminster Police Officers’ Association Hoops Basketball League steps in.
More than 60 children from the city’s six elementary and middle schools participate in the league coached by cops who volunteer their time at the Westminster Boys & Girls Club.
“I think it’s awesome these officers do this for the kids because there are a lot of children who want to play sports, but not all of us have the resources,” said parent Alma Hills. “This is something that is going to be good for them in the future.”
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sports skills aren’t necessary to participate, but children must be a part of the Boys & Girls Club after-school program and must be well-behaved in school to join a team.
It is the coaches’ job — sometimes after 12-hour graveyard shifts or on their days off — to mentor the players and help them develop a better understanding of the game.
“Most of the kids I coached this season had never even played basketball,” said Westminster Officer Roland Perez. “We worked on basic skills and one offensive play all season.
“These kids started out as a lot of individuals but in the end, worked as a team.”
Isaiah Hills receives his first place medal after his team won the championship game.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Nine-year-old Isaiah Hills had always been interested in sports, but never played before.
His mom, Alma, said she most enjoyed watching her son learn what it means to be part of a team.
“I’ve noticed big changes in him throughout the season,” she said. “He is much more active now than when he started.”
Other players are veterans to the Westminster POA program.
Robert Tapia, 10, has played since the league started back up in 2014 after a six-year hiatus. He’s a natural on the court, sinking baskets and handling the ball with ease.
“Ever since I was little, my dad would just take me to basketball games and that’s what made me want to play now,” said Tapia, who was named this year’s Hoops Most Valuable Player. “I just like having a chance to play with my friends and compete against other great players.”
Robert Tapia of team Meairs takes a shot during the WPOA Hoops Basketball League tournament at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The championship game March 12 marked the close of the two-month league, with Fryberger edging out Meairs 27-19 for the title.
The final game was intense as the children ran up and down the court, their parents cheering them on.
There were a lot of shots that didn’t land and maybe even more turnovers, but those are things the players will improve upon as they continue to learn the game.
There were also a lot of moves on that court that weren’t part of weekly practice drills.
If a player fell, both teammates and opponents would reach out a hand to help. And after the game was over, the runners up high-fived the champions with sincere congratulations.
“They want to help each other,” Perez said. “We didn’t have to teach them that.”
Seeing the kids grow in ways beyond improving their field goal percentage is the reason many Westminster officers volunteer to coach.
“Even though this is only two months, these kids mature a lot,” said Officer Chris Nguyen. “It’s pretty cool to walk into a building and have kids running up to you just to say ‘hi’.”
The kids are big fans of the idea that their coaches are the ones responsible for keeping Westminster safe, but the officers get much out of it, too.
“I like working with the community and you don’t get to work with kids very much,” said Officer Malcolm Pierson. “They wave at you when you’re working patrol and they recognize you. It’s pretty nice.”
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Team Fryberger watch their teammates play during the WPOA Hoops Basketball League championship game.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Team Fryberger celebrates their championship win for the WPOA Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Shea Vandergrift of team Fryberger scores as he takes a shot for the basket during the WPOA Hoops Basketball League tournament at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Cpl. Scott Gump of the Westminster PD runs with the kids as he referees the Hoops Championship basketball game.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Hoops Basketball League teams gather at the conclusion of the WPOA Hoops Basketball League tournament at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Team Meairs at the conclusion of the WPOA Hoops Basketball League tournament at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Shea Vandergrift of team Fryberger passes the ball to ta teammate during the WPOA Hoops Basketball League tournament at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Robert Tapia of team Meairs runs with the ball during the WPOA Hoops Basketball League tournament at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids compete in the Hoops Basketball League championship game at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster sponsored by the Westminster Police Officer’s Association.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
