East Franklin hosts first-ever basketball camp

Roberts shares information with the girls about the tricks of the trade.

It’s been a focus on fundamentals this week at East Franklin Junior High School for the school’s first-ever summer basketball camp.

Leading the camp are EFJHS Coach Dalana Baker and Red Bay High School Coach Donnie Roberts.

“We want to teach these kids how to be fundamentally sound in their dribbling, shooting, passing and defensive skills. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what wins basketball games,” Roberts said.

Students are getting a chance at one-on-one instruction throughout the course of the camp, which runs through tomorrow. Participants are in third through ninth grader, with the older girls in the afternoon. The older group was Baker’s particular focus.

“I want to improve my basketball team,” she said. Nine student athletes participated in the afternoon camp.

But just like sinking basket after basket starts with perfecting a single shot, developing a team of star athletes has to begin early.

“You’ve got to start them young,” Roberts said. “(Baker’s) doing a good job here.”