YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Community agencies from across Youngstown are moving forward with a basketball league aimed at bettering its players on and off the hardwood.

The Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV), YMCA, Youngstown Police Department and the City of Youngstown are working together to keep the RESPECT Foundation's summer league going.

William "Shimmie" Miller founded the league as a way to reduce violence and encourage players to be productive community members. The start of the 2024 season was delayed by Miller's untimely death.

Miller was shot and killed on Youngstown's west side in June. He was a prominent anti-violence activist and mentor in the Valley who had troubles with the law before turning his life around and dedicating himself to teaching young people how to avoid the path of violence.

After his death, community leaders said they would continue Miller's legacy and planned to keep the league going.

"The men and women come in and gain so much more than basketball," Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown said. "That's what I'm so proud about with the RESPECT Basketball League."

The league is free and open to all young adults ages 18 to 24.

Registration is open until the end of July. To sign up, go to the downtown YMCA with a photo ID.