For two days, a group of North Texas teenagers involved with the justice system stepped away from court dates, case files and supervision meetings to take part in something different: structured conversations about goals, accountability and what comes next.
The event – hosted by Champions Journeys, in partnership with Justice System Partners and the Dallas Mavericks – brought together teens for activities aimed at personal development and community connection.
Participants attended a Dallas Mavericks game Thursday night as part of a group experience that included pregame discussions focused on accountability and goal-setting, to create community and meet each other, said its organizer, Dieter Cantu, Associate Justice System Partner.
Justice System Partners (JSP) and President Brian Lovins built the Coach-Referee Model for Change to focus on replacing punishment with opportunity. Participants are young people ages 17 to 24 who are currently under probation supervision in Tarrant County.
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On Friday, the program continued at a community site in Oak Cliff, where youth participated in leadership sessions, mentorship conversations and interactive activities.
Former Maverick and four-time All-Star Rolando Blackman and community leaders were part of a panel discussion about trust and goals.
Cantu said the initiative was designed to provide young people with structured opportunities to reflect on their experiences, connect with mentors and consider future goals.
Adrian Alvarado, 22, said in an interview with The News that he was amazed by the program. He never thought he would be able to be at a Mavericks game as part of a community group. “It felt random, but in a good way,” Alvarado said.
Participant Adrian Alvarado, 22, listens during Coach Referee Model for Change (CRMC) as part of the CHAMPIONS Journeys, in partnership with Justice System Partners (JSP) and the Dallas Mavericks, at For Oak Cliff in Dallas on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer
Alvarado told The Dallas Morning News that his experience was positive, and he wanted to change not just for himself, but to help others.
“I want to be able to help people the way people are helping me,” he said. “This program shows there are good things out there.”
Justice System Partners works with juvenile and adult justice systems across Texas and nationally, focusing on alternatives to punishment-based approaches. Champions Journeys partners with community organizations to provide mentorship opportunities for youth involved in the justice system.
Basketball in the community
One of the Mavericks’ areas of focus is criminal justice reform, said Sean Reed, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility from the Dallas Mavericks. He described the effort as “showing up for the community and letting people know there is life after involvement with the justice system.”
Participant Riley Webb, 22, spins a basketball as he introduces himself during Coach Referee Model for Change (CRMC) as part of the CHAMPIONS Journeys, in partnership with Justice System Partners (JSP) and the Dallas Mavericks, at For Oak Cliff in Dallas on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer
Cantu said organizers plan to maintain contact with participants after the two-day experience, including follow-ups at 30 and 60 days, to help connect them with resources tailored to their needs. He said meaningful results depend on including people with lived experience in shaping programs and solutions.
“Sports is one of those things that brings people together,” Reed said. “We try to use that influence to unite people and create space for conversations that don’t always happen elsewhere.”