Jesse Garza

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

City officials hope that a new Midnight Basketball League being planned for young men between the ages 17 and 25 will help stem the tide of violence that has claimed three lives among that age group so far this year.

Beginning March 1, Milwaukee Public Schools will host three 10-week midnight leagues at Bradley Tech High School, officials announced Tuesday.

"I want everyone to know that MPS is well-positioned to work together with others to do our part to ensure that Milwaukee is a safe place to live, work and play," Milwaukee School Board President Mark A. Sain said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at Bradley Tech, 700 S. 4th St.

The first league will start March 1 and each league will serve 80 to 100 participants, according to MPS officials.

The league — a collaboration between MPS, the Milwaukee Police Department and the city's Fire and Police Commission, the City of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Running Rebels Community Organization — is part of the school district's MPS CARES (Community and Recreation Engaging Students) initiative.

"This is about more than just basketball," MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver said in a statement before the news conference.

"We want our community and young people to know that we have our doors open for them and that we are here to help support them."

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MPS is working with Running Rebels to bring community-based organizations and resources to the league so that participants can access programs such as employment services, driver's license recovery and child support services, according to MPS officials.

"I'd much rather have us talking about basketballs than bullets," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett told attendees.

"That's what this is about, basketballs over bullets."

In addition, the Milwaukee Police Department will provide mentoring opportunities for the league's participants.

"This is more than just a basketball league," Milwaukee Police Capt. Ray Banks said at the news conference.

The day before, Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson, who was also at the news conference, talked about the importance of working hand-in-hand with local police and other organizations to build stronger, safer communities.

"It is our hope that the city's Midnight Basketball League will be an avenue for all of us to learn from each other, gain insight from different perspectives, and help build a level of trust and respect," Henson said.

More information on the league, including how to register, is available by visiting the Midnight Sports Leagues link on the MPS website or by calling (414) 475-8811.