Jr. Pelicans Leagues Tournament Brings Community and Competition to Ponchatoula
13 April 2026
The fourth annual Jr. Pelicans Leagues Tournament presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union brought together youth athletes from across Louisiana for a day of competition and community in Ponchatoula.
Held at the Ponchatoula Area Recreation District #1 Center, the event featured 26 teams representing eight parishes, all competing in official Pelicans City Edition jerseys. From the first game to the final whistle, the tournament delivered a high-level experience that felt bigger than a typical league day.
Between appearances from Pierre the Pelican, performances from the PelSquad, and community giveaways, the day was designed to create lasting memories for athletes and families alike.
“It’s been incredible working with the Pelicans over the years as we’ve continued to build and grow this tournament year after year. They truly go above and beyond to make it a genuine Pelicans experience, and it’s been a pleasure collaborating with them to bring something so meaningful to life within their community.” says Chris Nolan, Director of Program Management for RCX Sports.
“Our tournaments are a huge opportunity with our leagues, and to be able to come back and invest in the community with the Pelicans has been great,” said Jeremy Hobbs, Senior Manager of Officiating at RCX Sports.
A Bigger Stage for Youth Athletes
While the competition on the court was strong, including a 12U Boys Championship Game filmed for broadcast, the impact of the event went beyond gameplay.
The Jr. Pelicans Leagues are part of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA network, focused on providing accessible, high-quality basketball experiences for youth athletes of all backgrounds.
“Seeing how much Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Leagues has grown has been really exciting,” said Sydney Mann-Howard, Marketing Manager of Events & Programs at RCX Sports. “More kids are getting opportunities to play, and events like this bring that to life.”
New Orleans Pelicans players DeAndre Jordan and Jordan Poole served as tournament ambassadors, helping connect youth athletes to the game.
“Creating opportunities for our youth that promote teamwork, confidence, and long-term development is at the heart of what we do,” said Elicia Broussard Sheridan, Vice President of Community Relations and Youth Sports Development for the New Orleans Pelicans. “We’re grateful to collaborate with Ponchatoula Area Recreation District and Keesler Federal Credit Union, the presenting partner of the tournament, to provide a unique experience for our youth athletes to compete, sharpen their skills on the court, and feel supported within their own community.”
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