Watching what was happening on the basketball court, coach Jeff Dvorak liked what he saw from his girls team on the last day of a weeklong basketball camp at the Dell Rapids School gym.
“I’m really impressed with the middle-aged group of kids,” he said. “Their skills are really improving. I have seen a lot of growth throughout the week.”
On Monday through Wednesday (June 8-10), basketball players from first grade to sixth grade participated in the camp.
The younger girls, grades first through third received an introduction to basketball fundamentals, while the girls in grades 4-6 saw the same fundamentals, but were more competitive and were taught specific details and skills.
“Our little kids are really well behaved,” Dvorak said.
Then on Wednesday through Friday, the girls in grades 7-12 received more specialized training in both defense and offense.
“At this level they are becoming basketball players,” Dvorak said. “The older girls know what is expected of them.”
Senior Shelby Bierema said she came to the basketball camp to improve her mental toughness and increase her strength and aggressiveness.
“This gets me into the basketball mood,” she said.
As for her teammates, Bierema said she has seen improvement. As a senior, Bierema is also expected to share some of the leadership responsibilities.
“I’m the oldest girl here and it is expected of me,” she said. “I learned from a team that lost of lot of seniors, don’t give up because it is your turn.”
For sophomore Brianna Davis, the camp has reinforced what she already knew and has helped her receive more practice.
“I have improved a lot of my shooting,” the sophomore guard said. “Coach Dvorak has helped a lot on my shot.”
Even as a 10 grader, Davis said it is important for her to be at basketball camp to show leadership and be a good role model for the younger girls.
“It is fun to play with friends and get to know some younger kids I didn’t know,” she said.
The older girls worked on different defensive and offensive moves throughout the three days.
The offensive moves include footwork, dribble drive, up and under moves and creating space. Defensively, the girls fine-tuned pressure and forcing the player to the baseline. There was also some 1-on-1 and other team scrimmages.