A sold-out crowd of 100 young athletes packed the gym at Highland Middle School on Monday as the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever hosted a Junior Hoops Camp filled with energy, skill building and fun.
The one-day event was part of a statewide tour organized by Richie Smith, who helps bring junior hoops camps to communities all over Indiana.
Campers began the day with a group warm-up before rotating through four small-group stations focused on key basketball fundamentals: footwork and agility, dribbling, passing, and defense and shooting.
Each station was led by volunteer coaches, many of whom emphasized they want to help give back to the kids when they can.
“It’s super fun to work with the kids,” said Jack Lusk, a volunteer coach. “I grew up just coming to different camps, and some of my best memories are random camps. Anytime I can just help the kids have a good time, I feel like I should do it when I can.”
Each camper received a white Junior Hoops T-shirt with “Indiana 25” on the back, and on their way out, they were given either a Pacers or WNBA basketball to take home along with some lunch.
A prize raffle wrapped up the afternoon, with giveaways including Pacers and Fever gear. The top prize — a 2024 NBA All-Star jersey from the game hosted in Indianapolis — had the gym buzzing.
“I know when I was younger, I would have gone crazy for that stuff,” Lusk said.
Smith, who oversees Junior Hoops events statewide, said the energy in the gym was exactly what the camp aims to inspire.
“I see a lot of kids smiling and having a good time, which is a good thing,” Smith said.
The “Camper of the Day” award was given to Orlin Laco of Anderson, who was recognized by all the volunteer coaches for his effort, positivity and always wanting to be the first in line for every drill. Laco received a signed Bennedict Mathurin jersey for his efforts.
Sixth grader Ti’aris Johnson was one of many campers who left with improved skills and a big smile.
“My favorite part was working on shooting,” Johnson said. “I definitely got better.”
With full-court effort and a community feel, the Junior Hoops Camp delivered a memorable day for Anderson’s young players.
This article appeared in The Herald Bulletin.