03/08/2026
Community members gathered in East Lubbock as police officers, firefighters, first responders, and local youth came together for the 9th Annual First Responders Basketball Game, an event designed to bring the community closer to the people who serve it every day.
The event, hosted by Leditt Butler and Hub City Street Hoops, took place Saturday at Project Intercept School, located at 1323 East 24th Street, and ran from 10 AM to 4 PM. Families, friends, and community supporters filled the gym to watch the friendly competition unfold on the court. 
The annual game has become a meaningful tradition in East Lubbock, giving local residents a chance to interact with first responders in a positive and relaxed environment. Instead of responding to emergencies, police officers and firefighters traded their uniforms for basketball jerseys and competed in a spirited matchup alongside local youth players.
Organizers say the goal of the event is simple: build trust, strengthen relationships, and show young people that first responders are part of the same community they serve.
Throughout the day, the event featured basketball games, music, food, and a family friendly atmosphere that encouraged people of all ages to attend. The showcase also highlighted the work of Hub City Street Hoops, a local initiative focused on mentoring youth through basketball and community engagement.
For many in attendance, the event represented more than just a game. It was an opportunity for the community and first responders to connect, share laughs, and celebrate the positive relationships being built across Lubbock.
As the final games wrapped up, the message of the day remained clear: when the community comes together, everyone wins.