Camp teaches life, basketball skills
After a successful camp, students pose for a group photo with their coaches wearing their camp shirts and metals.
Photo by Melissa Rollins
By Melissa Rollins, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net
More than a dozen young boys and girls beat the heat last week at a basketball camp hosted by the Darlington Lady Falcons at the Harmon Baldwin Recreation Center. Lady Falcon’s head coach Brad Knox said that even with short notice of the camp, he was pleased with the level of participation.
“It gives them something to do in the summer other than video games,” Knox said. “It builds up a new skill and increases the members of our recreation department.”
Knox said that the camp was a way for him to give back to the community that shaped him.
“I’m from here so for me, it is a giving back opportunity,” Knox said. “I’m trying to get our kids out of their comfort zone to reach their full potential, not only as a player but as a person.”
On the last day of the camp, Knox recapped with the campers about what they learned.
“Hopefully this camp has strengthened your basketball skills and strengthened your knowledge of the game,” Knox said. “Hopefully you can transfer the skills that you learned throughout the week in to a full basketball game. When you came on the first day, we told you that we would strengthen your skills and your basketball knowledge. You have to have knowledge of the game because 90 percent of the game is mental; ten percent is physical.”
Aside from the aspects of the game, Knox also talked about expectations off the court.
“We have got to listen and be able to follow directions,” Knox said. “Coaches want a player who can pay attention and listen. Details are very important so we have to take that in to consideration. You also have to have respect, not only for each other but also for everyone else around you; you have to be considerate of other people. Manners and respect will take you a long way in life.”
Members of the Lady Falcon family were on-hand at the camp to work with the young children; Knox also addressed them.
“These kids look up to you,” Knox said. “When you see them out, talk to them. Be a good example.”
Knox said that the camp will be back next year and he hopes it will be even bigger and better. Camps like this increase interest in basketball and bring more kids to the recreation department. That in turn helps to build and strengthen basketball programs at the local schools as kids mature and work on developing their skills before even putting on that Falcon jersey.
Coach Howle works with campers on their basketball skills during a camp at the Darlington Recreation Center. Photo by Melissa Rollins
