VERSAILLES – Versailles had 85 boys in the second through sixth grades attend its three-day youth boys basketball camp last week.
Most of the boys at the camp were from Versailles though kids from other communities including Ansonia and Russia also participated. Throughout the week they learned fundamentals of basketball including dribbling, passing, shooting and defense.
“We’re just basically trying to teach them the basics, the fundamentals of basketball and have a little fun at the same time,” Versailles boys basketball coach Travis Swank said. “I hope they enjoyed themselves when they came here.”
During the camp the boys participated in games and drills to help them improve their basketball skills. They also competed in a free throw competition, hot shot shooting competition and a three-on-three tournament.
“The younger groups have really improved a whole heck of a lot,” Swank said. “A lot of them came in here, had a tough time dribbling and a tough time making layups, and a lot of them made good progress throughout the whole three days of camp with just doing those basic type of things.”
Even from last year when he took of Versailles’ varsity boys basketball program, Swank said, he’s seen improvement in the boys who attended the camp.
“Every kid is getting better and better each year, and that’s a good thing for them,” he said. “That means they’re working hard and they’re getting time in on the court either at their home or at the YMCA, somewhere they’re practicing.”
Along with Swank, members of Versailles’ high school boys basketball program helped lead the camp and acted as coaches.
“It’s super to have them out here,” Swank said. “The little kids look up to them, and they come Friday and Saturday nights and watch these guys play. It’s just nice that they can interact with the younger kids. The younger kids really enjoy having them on their team. They’re kind of their coaches for the three-on-three tournament. I think our boys, the high school kids, really enjoy it as well, and they get to have a little fun, have pure enjoyment of basketball.”
