“Shooting baskets instead of weapons” | Local non-profit organization hosts basketball event in Princess Anne

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 100 athletes and spectators crowded into Princess Anne High School to watch basketball Sunday afternoon, but everyone in the gym had one person on their minds and hearts.

Mia Payne is the mother of Carter Strong. Carter was killed earlier this year after someone accidentally shot him in a friend's house.

“They were going to a Norfolk State University basketball game,” Payne said. “And then they decided to look at the mother's gun, were playing around with it and unfortunately a shot went off and one of my son's closest friends accidentally shot my son with a gun.”

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Carter is one of many young victims of gun violence in Virginia Beach, which is why organizers Greg Montgomery and Michael Hammond – better known as Juuphe – put on this event.

“Carter played in our league. And since we decided because of gun violence, why not get the kids at the school together and have a youth game,” Hammond said.

They have gathered some of the best U14 talent in the region and know that every life saved is worth more than any number on the scoreboard.

“It ensures that they are in a safe environment. For example, if they don't play sports or aren't in our league, you don't know what they would be doing on a Saturday or Sunday,” Montgomery said.

Payne is grateful for events like this. She said it helps keep her son's memory alive.

“I like to think that my son gives me strength and strength to all of us,” Payne said. “He was such a light. He is still such a light and his influence will live on forever.”