CINCINNATI — A mentoring program in Cincinnati that uses basketball to connect with kids celebrated a milestone this past weekend.

Saturday Hoops is a tradition going back 20 years. They celebrated the anniversary with a big party at Cincinnati State on Saturday.

“What I love about Saturday hoops is that it’s completely free we come and play basketball every Saturday,” said participant Zymihr Rogers. 

The program usually operates out of four centers around the Queen City.

“I come to Saturday Hoops because it helps me have fun and get out of the house,” said participant Rio Oneal.

Organizers brought everyone together for the big party.

“It is 20 years of making a difference on Saturday mornings,” said Cincinnati Youth Collaborative CEO Amy Thompson. “What makes Saturday hoops so special is that it’s a family.”

Thompson said the family keeps growing. 

“There are a group of young people who grew up in hoops that are now coming as volunteers,” Thompson said. “They’re bringing their friends with them and that’s truly magical.”

Volunteers like Yona’ Jackson first started coming to Saturday Hoops in sixth grade. Now, she’s a student at Cincinnati State and volunteering. 

“I love the fact that the kids can stay out of the bad neighborhoods we all live in and they just got a place where they can just have fun, play basketball,” Jackson said. 

While it’s known for hoops, the program features other attractions.

“There’s also yoga and a reading room and meals for the kids,” Thompson said.

The anniversary party also featured dancing, face painting and a basketball tournament.

“It’s fun, active, and it gives like a positive energy to everybody,” Oneal said. 

“It keeps us out of trouble and like there’s volunteers that just work with us at different times,” Rogers said.

Part of a Saturday program that’s about much more than a game of hoops.

“Mentoring is so important,” Thompson said. “Just one consistent caring adult in the life of a young person can change their trajectory.”