Courting girls: Camp introduces girls to basketball fundamentals

One of their favorite games at the girls basketball summer camp was dribbling knock out. The young players had to guard their basketballs while dribbling and also try to knock the other dribbler's ball out of bounds. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

NEW MADRID, Mo. — There is crying in basketball but there is even more giggling, cheering, laughing, whooping and hollering.

The New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles girls basketball camp brought together 21 girls entering first through sixth grade for three days of fun while learning basic skills.

Dana Woods, head basketball for Central High School and Middle School’s girls basketball program, said the camp is designed to introduce girls to the game early. As they participate, she said she is in hopes they not only master the skills but come to love the game and want to continue playing as they grow older.

One of the youngest players taking part in the NMCC Lady Eagles Basketball Girls Summer Camp from May 29-31 was Forever Gills. Forever worked hard on her skills especially her freethrows during the camp. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Overall, Woods was pleased with the camp.

“It went really well,” she said. “It seemed like they had some fun while learning some skills.”

Participants practiced dribbling and shooting with Woods and assistant coaches Victoria Duenne and Alana Basham, often turning the learning into games. They worked on their speed with races down the court and tried to master offense and defense techniques as well.

Coach VIctoria Deunne keeps an eye on the basket while shooters practice their layups during the girls summer basketball camp, which ended May 31. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

In addition to the three-day camp, Woods introduced Little Dribblers last year. This coming school year, she is planning to expand the program where girls in first through sixth grade will have the opportunity to practice then showcase their skills during half-time of a NMCC Eagles varsity basketball game.

Woods said she is also planning a fourth through sixth grade travel team for girls during the next school year.