By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Boys and girls who have an interest in learning more about the game of basketball will have an opportunity to participate in a basketball summer camp at Helena High School June 26-29.

The summer camp will be held in the Helena High School gymnasium and is open to both boys and girls in grades 1-8 interested in learning the fundamentals of the game of basketball and competing in a variety of competitions and games.

Boys and girls in grades 1-3 will attend the camp from 8:30 a.m. to noon and boys and girls in grades 4-8 will be at the camp from 1-4:30 p.m.

The primary focus of the camp is to cover all aspects of the game of basketball with emphasis on fundamentals, skills instruction and stressing the importance of academics, character, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Helena head boys basketball coach Chris Laatsch and Helena head girls basketball coach Alan Skinner will both oversee the camp and provide instruction.

In three seasons at Helena, Laatsch has led the Huskies to three straight playoff appearances. Laatsch has 23 years of coaching experience that includes three Final Four appearances, including one state runner-up finish and one state championship. Skinner has led the Lady Huskies to the playoffs for two straight seasons. Last season, the Lady Huskies finished undefeated in area and won the area championship while also making it to the regional round of the playoffs.

The cost of the camp is $85 and in addition to fundamental and skill instruction, 3-on-3 games, 5-on-5 games, a hot shot competition and a free throw competition will be included in the camp.

Campers will be grouped appropriately according to age and ability and each player will receive a free Helena Basketball Camp T-shirt for participating.

Each camp participant should come prepared each day wearing shorts and a T-shirt and tennis shoes with laces.

All checks for the camp should be made payable to Helena High School. A check and registration form should be mailed or dropped off at 1310 Hillsboro Parkway.

For questions concerning the camp, contact Laatsch at 682-3668 or Wlaatsch@shelbyed.org.

A registration form for the camp can be found here: http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/hlhs-athletics/summer-camps/.