4-20-2025 6:00pm

Annual Cops & Teens Basketball Tradition Returns To Brooklyn Park

Tom Akaolisa Editor

Annual Cops & Teens Basketball Tradition Returns to Brooklyn Park

An annual tradition returned to Brooklyn Park where competition also builds community.

The annual Cops and Teens Basketball Tournament took place Thursday at Zanewood Recreation Center. Contests pitted police against kids in grades 6 through 11.

But for those involved, the event is more than a showcase of “who’s got game.”

“I think engagement opportunities like this provide us the opportunity to shed some positive light on policing and show kids we’re just like them. We like to have fun,” said Isaiah Davis, a Brooklyn Park police officer.

In addition to Brooklyn Park police, law enforcement from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the city of New Hope also participated.

“Cops aren’t all bad. They all got good to them,” said student player Caronne Hunter. “Just get to know them some more.”

University of Minnesota Golden Gopher basketball player Lu’Cye Patterson also attended the event to cheer the teams on.

“I know a lot of kids look up to me and want to be in my position,” said Patterson. “So coming back here and just seeing the kids and communities come together is a big thing for me to see and me to support.”