By: Oniska Blevins

The Best of Student Shooters, B.O.S.S., League is not only about performing well on the basketball court, but it also teaches youth to excel off the court as well.

Derriet and Querline Moore founded B.O.S.S. League in 2011 to provide a safe space and positive outlet for local youth in Selma and Montgomery. The group is currently accepting more students and gearing up for the summertime. The cost is $35 each.

Both having basketball backgrounds, they use the sport as a way to reach the youth because it allows them a chance to connect with the students through something they are passionate about as well.

After working with the Selma school system, the Moores felt they needed to do something to help local youth get on the right path.

“We noticed there were a lot of different issues with the youth, such as gang violence and nothing to do after school,” Derriet said.

The league practices during the weekdays and often has games on the weekends. However, basketball is only part of the benefits of the group. The students are also taught leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

Derriet believes the group has helped shaped the lives of many former students, specifically the entrepreneurship aspect. He said one former student was on probation before joining the B.O.S.S. League, but after discovering his talent for art they encouraged him to pursue his talent.

He now owns his own business as a tattoo artist.

“It impacted him to continue his education and also to create an income for himself,” Derriet said.

Also as a part of the program, the group takes several field trips as an effort to expose students to new things.

“We’re looking to try to recruit more kids and more students to take on trips, to form new teams and give them something positive to do,” he said.

While traveling, students have had the chance to meet several NBA athletes and even speak with NBA officials.

“They were able to hear different people in different departments that work with the NBA discuss what they do and what it takes to get there,” Querline said.

Querline said these things would not be possible without the constant support of the community and local community leaders. She said she is grateful for the help, because without it they would not be able to travel and expose the group to new things.

“We’re asking all public servants, government officials, business owners, to donate to this worthy cause,” Derriet said.

The group has also been featured on Al.com for their work in the community and was also recently awarded a foundational grant by two time Olympic Gold Medalist Mia Hamm. For more information on the B.O.S.S League or to donate to the cause visit https://www.bossyouthleague.org/.