More than 50 local area youth participated in basketball’s skills clinic Saturday, at Falconer High School, hosted by the Lake Erie Jackals Men’s Professional Basketball Team, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services Youth Sports Education and Opportunity Funds, with support from UMPC Chautauqua in conjunction with Love Inc. Minister Mania event.

The Lake Erie Jackals, a men’s professional basketball team, returned to their traditional home territory to host a free, community-focused youth basketball clinic. Kayla Crosby, the owner of the Jackals, said the event had a great turnout, and the team was thrilled to return to its original home base.

“We had more than 50 kids,” said Crosby. “It was a blessing to come back to Chautauqua County and have such a turnout. We’ve been missing our community. We always love partnering with Love Inc. for the Minister Mania.”

Crosby founded the Jackals basketball team in 2015, based in Jamestown until 2026, when she relocated the team to Erie and renamed it the Lake Erie Jackals.

Crosby explained that the clinic was a collaborative effort between her Jackals organization and other government and social service agencies in the area.

From left, Lake Erie Jackals, No.9, center, Daniel Mulamba takes a picture with local Special Olympian Charleigh Saeger, Saturday, at a free, youth basketball clinic held at Falconer High School from 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.

“The clinic is funded by the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services Youth Sports Education and Opportunity Funds with support from UMPC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) Chautauqua,” she said.

While basketball skills were drilled and practiced, it was apparent that not only were the program participants having fun, but some of the “ballers” also had their own favorite Jackal players they gravitated toward.

“My favorite player is Daniel Mulamba,” said Charleigh Saeger, a senior graduate of Jamestown High School, Special Olympics Olympian, and former JHS unified sports athlete. “Dan is really tall and cool, and he supports us,” she added.

Jackal player No. 9, Mulamba, has been a long-time mainstay for the team, having played several years with the Jackals.

“I truly enjoy being able to give back to the community,” said the 6 foot, 8 inch, center for the team, who is a native of Kinshasa, DR Congo. “Teaching and mentoring are what this game is all about.”

For more information on the Lake Erie Jackals, visit www.lakeeriejackals.com.