UTICA - Utica's "Hoops and Dreams" competition aims to empower young men and women in the community. The 14th installment of the tournament started Friday night, with the message being more than just about basketball.

The initiative behind this weekend, is to create a positive message, while engaging the youth with something they really like. That "something" is basketball.     
    
The founder of "Hoops and Dreams" says the most important thing about this tournament is the ability it has to reach young people, especially young black males, and motivate them to achieve success.