The Selma Times-Journal

The humble gym is unimpressive, but houses a team that aspires to bring a national championship to Selma.

The Selma chapter of the Police Athletic League will participate in the 2008 PAL National Basketball Championship in Kansas City, Mo. The 62-team tournament will begin on June 23 and conclude five days later.

The PAL joins police and at-risk youth in an environment designed to deter criminal activity and encourage positive actions and thinking.

The program has made progress in Selma, and given several kids an avenue to keep them busy.

Selma will not be a fresh face in the tournament, as this will be the team&8217;s fourth consecutive trip.

The team&8217;s volunteer coach Ben Kenny has been a PAL basketball coach for five years. His teams have tasted success, but have mostly known heartbreak.