Wrangell, a small town in Alaska, is about to witness an electrifying basketball event as Team Hollywood Celebrity Streetball makes its highly anticipated return. This dynamic team, composed of professional athletes, musicians, and actors, aims to inspire and empower local youth through the power of sports and mentorship.

Igniting Passion and Building Self-Esteem in Wrangell's Youth

Mentorship and Motivation Take Center Stage

Roman Adams, a soccer athlete who has played internationally, is one of the mentors with Team Hollywood Celebrity Streetball. He emphasizes the transformative impact of playing at a high level, both mentally and physically. "Playing at this level, at this high of a level, it makes you grow as a person, mentally and physically," Adams said. He finds immense joy in witnessing the growth and development of the youth, not just in soccer but in basketball as well. Adams cherishes the opportunity to connect with the young people of Wrangell, learning about their unique experiences and the challenges they face growing up in Alaska.

Fostering a Positive Environment through Teamwork and Sportsmanship

Team Hollywood President Pete Adams has designed the program to be a mentorship initiative that goes beyond the game itself. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing each individual's strengths and coaching to those strengths, rather than solely focusing on having the best players. "What happens when the game is over? What happens when sometimes youth go home to abusive situations? Our youth are bullied, our youth are in conflict and they don't know which way to turn, which way to go," Adams said. The team aims to guide and protect the youth, providing a supportive environment where they can make positive decisions and build self-esteem.

Bringing Professional Expertise to Wrangell

The roster of athletes visiting Wrangell is impressive, featuring players from the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, Major League Soccer, and college basketball. Among them are Khalid Jones, a Major League Soccer player, Liam Johnson, a college basketball player, and Chucky Brown, a college basketball coach and former NBA star. The presence of these seasoned professionals will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the local youth, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from the best.

Reviving a Sense of Community and Tradition

Esther Aaltséen Reese, the Tribal Administrator with the Wrangell Cooperative Association, sees this event as a chance to reconnect with the community's traditional values. She draws parallels to the apprenticeship system that was once prevalent in the region, where elders passed down their knowledge and skills to the younger generation. "This is another opportunity to mimic that kind of format that our people used to have of the master apprentices, whether it be for basketball, whether it be these athletes coming in and encouraging our children who are struggling in one area or another in their lives," Reese said.

Engaging the Community through Basketball and Beyond

The upcoming event promises to be a multifaceted experience for the Wrangell community. In addition to the three-on-three tournament, the athletes will visit all the local schools, engaging with the students and sharing their expertise and life experiences. The community will also have the opportunity to purchase discounted NBA merchandise, further immersing themselves in the excitement of the event.As Wrangell eagerly awaits the arrival of Team Hollywood Celebrity Streetball, the town is poised to witness a transformative experience that goes beyond the basketball court. This event has the potential to ignite a renewed sense of community, inspire the youth, and leave a lasting impact on the lives of those in Wrangell.