Spartan Youth Basketball Camp in High Gear

Nearly 30 fourth- through eighth-grade students are picking up new skills at the Spartan Youth Basketball camp this week. Campers are following the motto that “basketball teams are made during the season, basketball players are made during the off-season.”

Simley head boys basektball coach Ben Bushaw is leading the camp, held at the Inver Grove Heights Middle School gymnasium. Simley assistant coaches and current varsity basketball players are also coaching at the camp, which started on Monday and runs through Friday.

"We want to focus on improving individual skills and fundamentals," Bushaw said.

Camp attendees are working on passing, dribbling and ball handling. On this day, the group was working hard on perfecting their left-handed lay-ups and full-court speed dribbling. Other drills will work on shooting and footwork. The week also includes daily three-on-three and five-on-five games and educational lectures from camp guests, as well as daily contests. Other aspects will include defense and free throw shooting.

"It's a good opportunity for them to get some work in and continue to learn the game of basketball," said Bushaw. “It’s fun but competitive.”