Plant City youths hit the hardwood this week at the Plant City Raiders’ annual basketball camp.
Led by head coach Billy Teeden and a staff of assistants and varsity players, the camp teaches youths ages 6 to 14 everything they need to know to stand out on the court. Campers are divided into several groups based on age, where they work on drills and fundamentals together before putting on pinnies for organized 5-on-5 games.
The camp will have another session from Monday, July 18, to Thursday, July 21, at the Plant City High School gymnasium, 1 Raider Place. Registration costs $115 per camper ($100 per head if in the same household).
Registration forms can be downloaded from PlantCityGov.com/DocumentCenter/View/22099 and brought to the Recreation and Parks Department office, 1904 S. Park Road. For more information, contact Teeden at PCHoops@yahoo.com or (813) 967-7551.
CAMPERS' COMMENTS
Jackson Knotts
What’s your favorite thing about this camp?
Getting better every day.
What have you gotten better at since you’ve been here?
I’m getting better with my handling.
Hunter Croslin
How long have you been playing basketball?
I’ve been playing for six years. My mom told me I should try playing basketball.
When did you realize you really liked basketball?
After I started getting better at it.
Wyatt Rogers
How long have you been coming to the camp?
This is my first time being here. I heard about it, and I love basketball, so I came this year.
What’s the most fun part about this camp?
I like doing the shooting drills.
Tre Ragan
Who’s your favorite basketball player?
I like Stephen Curry. He can shoot.
In basketball, what are you best at doing?
Handling.
Ryan Smith
How long have you been coming to the camp?
I’ve been here for the last four or five years. I like that you get this exposure to basketball.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done in a basketball game?
I hit a one-handed, half-court shot a few weeks ago at the Florida Southern College camp. That’s the only other camp I do.
Wyatt Rogers
What’s your favorite thing about coaching the kids?
This is my second year coaching at the camp. I like when they’re having fun and enjoy coming out here.
What’s the most important thing you try to teach the kids on the court?
I teach them defense because it’s one of the most important things in basketball. It’s good to have a group of people that enjoy playing defense.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.