The music was loud, concessions were served and the referees were ready. Three-on-three teams headed out on the court to participate in the first annual Paradise Community Group basketball tournament at Jerusalem Baptist Church last Saturday.

Terrence Tenninman and Issac Bouler organized the tournament and paid for the costs with donations given to the community group.

"We wanted to have something constructive for the kids," Tenninman said. "And since basketball is our foundation, we decided to host a tournament."

More than 25 teams in age groups from adolescents to adults signed up to play. The gymnasium was packed with players, their friends and family members. Teams played single elimination rounds. Once a team lost, it was out of the tournament.

Brandon Patterson, 11, waited for his team, the Bulls, to play their second championship game.

"I came to have fun, play some basketball and hopefully win," he said.

Deatric Wilson played for the open league. His team, Magic, was for players 18 and older. Wilson is a volunteer at the community group. His employer, Elite Community Health, also makes donations to the community group.

"I wanted to come out, have fun and give back to the community," he said.

Even Officer Ceasar Boatwright of the Fort Mill Police Department came to play ball.

"I'm playing in the 40-and-over group, I guess because I'm over 40," he said. "But I'm here to support the kids, our community and the church."

The Paradise Community Group hopes to make the basketball tournament a yearly event. Organizers don't see any problems in getting people to sign up, based on this year's turnout.

"I'm very pleased with the turnout and I'm happy that we can bring something positive to the lives of these kids," Bouler said.

The community group opens the gym every Saturday to those who would like to come by, meet new people and play basketball.

"We want to help the kids create a concept of unity and keep them off the streets," Tenninman said.

Tenninman wants to maintain a positive influence in the community by hosting education workshops and more basketball tournaments.

"We want to keep their minds on something positive," he said.

The Paradise Community Group praised Will Close, David Ward and the Jerusalem Baptist Church family for supporting the program.

For more information on the Paradise Community Group or to volunteer, call Tenninman at (704) 819-0792.