Kids fulfill hoop dreams at basketball camp

ELMIRA, N.Y. ( WETM ) —Over 100 young athletes gathered at Brand Park to honor their love of basketball.

Wally Bailey, owner of Wally’s hall of fame, hosted the camp in honor of his late friend James Masker, who passed on Mother’s Day this year.

“This was all about these boys. We had 123 registrants. It’s really the love for the game, the kids, the coaches, it’s all about us doing something big. We were a part of something big these last three days and we all know that we were,” said Bailey.

Participants of the camp range from first grade to ninth graders. The boys learned many valuable life lessons and skills at the camp including making friends, trying your best, and playing good defense.

The overall goal of the camp is for everyone to have fun and come together as one for the love of basketball.

“We learn, we improve. We have fun competitive scrimmages. We have fun contests, and we run a lot of drills. The staff here, we have all great coaches. I have so much respect for the guys, the coaches, the players, we all know we’re all connected together. It’s all one big family. The main thing is fun learn improve respect for each other,” said Bailey.

Because this year’s camp was so successful, Bailey is considering adding on a fourth day to the camp next year. Bailey will also be hosting another camp for girls August 19th through August 21st.

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