The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

COACH Keno Demeritte said every year, it gets harder and harder financially to put on his Xtreme Basketball Camp, but he was delighted to get another one off the ground.

The developmental camp for boys and girls was conducted at the Temple Christian Academy's Gymnasium on Collins Avenue from July 20 to August 14.

"It turned out pretty well with the total number of kids who came. It was a good experience for the 50-plus campers. They really learn and we did a lot with their dribbling, defensive skills and passing the ball."

While the former middle distance runner has worked tirelessly in the development of track and field, Demeritte said basketball is just so special to him because he gets a lot of fulfillment grooming the players from the start.

"I also use this to select my school team and I've seen a lot of success coming out of it," he said. "It was just a blessing to work with the different personalities, but their skills outweighed it."

Collegiate basketball player Jayden Brennen and Ian Garvey, who is preparing to head off to college for track and field, were among some of the instructors during the camp. 

During the final day of the camp, men's national basketball team player Jaraun 'Kino' Burrows and former team-mate now assistant coach Willis Mackey showed up and shared their expertise with the campers.

"I really appreciate it when guys who play at the national and international level can come in and talk to the youngsters," Demeritte said. "Thank God for that."

Burrows, who is also playing professional basketball in France where he’s also assisting a number of Bahamian players to get to the next level, said he couldn't pass up the opportunity to join Demeritte, as they enjoy a long-standing relationship.

"I've always been a big fan of Keno. He's doing everything, track, basketball. He's always with a group of kids. So whenever I'm in town and I can make his camp, I come and share my story and give some pointers," Burrows said. 

"It's all about coming back and giving back and trying to inspire some of the younger kids. I see some really good talent and I hope we can get some of them to play at the next level."

Mackey, who is currently an assistant coach with Bahamian Mikhail McLean on the University of Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, said he was delighted to attend the camp with Burrows.

"When he contacted me, I felt like it was a no brainer.

“I'm in town for a couple of days visiting my family and I would rather be doing this for the kids," Mackey said. 

"I also had some tennis shoes that I wanted to give away, so it all lined up. It really was a blessing to be here. Just seeing their faces light up was a blessing for me."

A number of females participated in the camp, including Camra Brown, an 11-year-old who is entering grade six at Temple Christian Academy and plays on the basketball team coached by Demeritte.

"I came to the camp because basketball is my favourite sport and I just wanted to get better," she said. "I learn to shoot better and defend better. I hope that I can do better for the team and help us to win the championship."

Before they wrapped up the camp, Shanton Evans was presented with a pair of Nike tennis shoes from Mackey and Burrows. He had to earn it in a challenge against some of the other campers.

"I was just happy to receive it," said Evans, who was a late addition to the camp, but the 15-year-old student of Temple Christian Academy was just as thrilled about the "way he learned during my time here."

While all of the campers walked away with a certificate of participation, some also received a basketball and others were presented with trophies for their performances.

The award winners were as follows: 

Most outstanding campers - Hardassah McCoy, Lynden Nicolas, Early Riser, Hardassah McCoy and Jordan Delancey.

Best shooters - Jayda Butler and Antionne Rolle.

Most Defensive campers - Hardassah McCoy and Kevin McDonald.

Most improved campers - Abigail Pollard and Cameryn Martins.

Most Aggressive - Siddon Sawyer and Camrae Brown. 

Team-mate award - Casey Smith and Kamaro Hunt.