The public usually interacts with police only when there's something wrong. The department showed itself in a different light for area children Saturday hosting a Police Athletic League basketball tournament.

Dozens of youngsters get together every year to play organized basketball at the YMCA at 36th and Ames. A team of fifth and sixth graders from Howard Kennedy Elementary was struggling, but it didn't really matter. Just ask fifth-grader Marcus Landers. "It's a good way to meet positive people."

Police Chief Tom Warren helped start the program three years ago with no guns and no badges. That's by design. "We want young people to interact with law enforcement personnel in an informal environment and have positive interaction," said Chief Warren. One needed to look no further than this team for the testimonial. It was behind by 25 points. "We've got one field goal?" asked coach Matt Nemitz. "Marcus got it. He's got all our points, doesn't he? That a way Marcus, nice hustle." The coach heard about the league last week and didn't get the permission slips out until Tuesday. This is the first time this group from Howard Kennedy has played together and the leading scorer knows it shows. "Yeah, we have to practice a little bit," said Marcus.

Like the partnership the police department is fostering with the young people, this group of athletes exhibited how determination and persistence can lead to a victory that's not necessarily reflected on the scoreboard. "We had zero practices, but we hustled," said coach Nemitz. "If we get our practice in, we'll be dangerous. This January, this January, we're gonna have a team."

Skinner Magnet took the boys' title. The girls had a separate division played at Skinner Magnet where King Science was crowned champion.