July 29, 2016 at 2:06 p.m.
Hodag Hoops camp draws a crowd
Nearly 70 attended four-day event
Hodag Hoops camp draws a crowd
The 2016 Hodag Hoops camp concluded Thursday at the Jim Miazga Community Gymnasium. Run by RHS boys' basketball coach Derek Lemmens, the camp attracted 68 participants entering grades 3-9. The majority are from Rhinelander, though Lemmens noted that a group of 16 players from Port Edwards also attended the camp.
"We're looking for some more," he said, noting this year's turnout was consistent with years past. "Third- and fourth-grade were really light for us, especially Rhinelander (kids). I think we only had two fourth-graders. We don't want to have these holes in these classes. We want just to get kids to come and I think if they come, they'll find it's something they'll enjoy."
The four-day camp focused on skill development, which was reinforced through scrimmages and games.
"It's always a good time and the kids really, really enjoy it and they really buy into the league and the tournament (games during camp)," Lemmens said. "It's great to see them having fun. When they're doing that, your hope is that they continue to not only play the game, but get involved in these types of things."
The camp was split into two groups - a two-hour session each day for grades 3-5 followed by a two-hour session for grades 6-9. Lemmens said each group had subtle differences.
"The morning session is very basic," he said. "We're really focusing on, 'Let's make layups. Let's get our footwork down. Let's do the very basic, fundamental skills and start to really enjoy the game.' The older session, we're hitting the fundamentals but we're also trying to build on it and advance it a little more. Now we're adding combination moves to our dribbles. We're adding shots off the move - whether it's a pop or a flair. We're adding different elements to expand their game and get them ready for, eventually, high school basketball."
Lemmens was assisted at the camp by several of his high school coaches and players, along with some youth coaches. The highlight came Thursday as they players vied for camp bragging rights in the 3-on-3, 4-on-4 and 5-on-5 leagues.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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