By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Boys entering grades two through six with an interest in learning the game of basketball have the opportunity to learn from the coaches and players at Pelham High School.

Registration for the Panthers’ Summer Basketball Camp is open, and the camp will take place June 27-30 from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $80 per camper, or campers who register in groups of four each receive a $10 discount.

“It’s a way for us to help grown the game of basketball in Pelham, trying to give some of the younger kids a chance to learn the game,” said PHS head basketball coach Joel Floyd.

He said this is a good opportunity to get kids out and active during the summer, and hopefully get them excited about the game. In the long run, Floyd said this could also encourage the students to continue playing into middle and high school.

The techniques each camper learns will be based on skill and grade level, and Floyd said the more advanced students will receive more detailed training. All the PHS basketball players will be there to mentor and coach the younger students.

“The young guys get really excited about seeing the (high school) players,” Floyd said. “Every day the goal is to send them home tired, sweaty and happy. It’s something we’ve been consistently able to do.”

The basic skills Floyd said the camp will focus on are: Dribbling, passing, shooting, individual defense, team defense, individual offense, team offense and games and contests.

Students will also be able to purchase snacks and drinks from the concession stand during breaks and after camp.

“Camp is one of the fun things we get to do in the summer,” Floyd said. “It’s not about wins and losses, it’s just about having fun and teaching kids the game.”

Every camper registered by the June 10 deadline will receive a camp T-shirt. All checks must be made payable to PHS and mailed to: Boys Basketball 2500 Panther Circle Pelham.

To qualify for the group discount, register four campers in the same envelope, which must be postmarked by June 17 to receive group discount.

For more information, contact Joel Floyd at 490-4021.