Ken West hoops camp going strong

Sports

July 12, 2011

By Josh Colligan The Tonawanda News The Tonawanda News Tue Jul 12, 2011, 11:25 PM EDT

When 39 girls stepped into the Kenmore West gym Monday morning to begin the 25th annual week-long basketball camp, they also ensured the camp’s future.

Despite the high temperatures and humidity the past couple of days, Kenmore West girls basketball coach Mike Licata said the energy has been “tremendous.”

“The gym was very warm (Tuesday),” he said. “I have to give the kids a lot of credit because the energy level’s been pretty high.”

With few basketball leagues for girls in the area, this camp provides an avenue for them to fall in love with the sport. With seven coaches and 86 girls in two sessions, the ratio is just right, Licata said.

“That number is right where we like it,” Licata said. “Most groups are about eight (in the morning session), so it’s great to work with because you’re setting up with partners and pairs. It’s ending up to be one of the better camps in quite a while.”

Licata and the other coaches try to focus on skill work. They don’t worry much about strategy.

“Each drill we hope builds on something,” Licata said. “The key is to build on things we’ve been practicing.”

That stays true for the afternoon (and more advanced) session. What changes is the way that’s accomplished.

The morning session utilizes drills with a partner to develop dribbling, passing and shooting. In the afternoon, games of three-on-three are more common.

The morning session will get its fill of three-on-threes during the final three day. The coaches prefer this size game as opposed to five-on-five because the girls get more touches and more practice, which is the ultimate goal.

Regardless of age, he said the one aspect he finds difficult at times is getting them to step away from their friends and comfort zones, which is why the coaches pick the groups. While this year’s participants are mainly Ken West students, Licata said there is a good amount from areas like Niagara Falls, which makes it easier.

“It’s great if it happens on its own, but the coaches are great with fostering that, too,” he said. “It’s not always about putting talent together, but getting them out of their comfort zone.”

That’s why they don’t even keep score during games. Licata said the only reason the scoreboard is even on is to keep track of time.

“We’ve done our job if they are a better player,” Licata said.

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