Pam Nealey’s smile matched those of the 15 players of the team as they ran off the court.

Nealey, the Chief Financial Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Pike and Surrounding Counties, watched as the club’s basketball team captured a win in the first weekend of competition in Douglasville, Ga.

The win was the first ever for the second-year program.

“They have made a lot of progress over the last few years,” said Nealey. “We started this team to make sure the boys stayed out of trouble, and they have done just that and more.”

Brandon Jones, head coach of the team, said that the team is getting better every time they take the floor, and he is happy to help the kids develop on the court and off.

“We have some kids that are very talented, ones that have God-given abilities,” said Jones. “But at the same time, we have some players that haven’t played before. To see the whole team help one another and play as a team is great to see.”

The season is just getting started, and the club has game road trips planed to Dothan and Memphis, Tenn. Nealey said that donations are welcome to help with travel expenses.

“We want the kids to try to have the best,” said Nealey. “They have put in a lot of work and have behaved great. They are growing up on the court and off.”