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Debo has game plan to reboot Saints boys program with hard work, player development

NEW PHILADELPHIA − Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School was looking for a new boys basketball coach after a late resignation from former head coach Larry Taylor following last season’s 5-16 record. But the Saints quickly adjusted and found the man they wanted by recently selecting Chris Debo as the new Tuscarawas Central Catholic boys basketball […]

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NEW PHILADELPHIA − Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School was looking for a new boys basketball coach after a late resignation from former head coach Larry Taylor following last season’s 5-16 record.

But the Saints quickly adjusted and found the man they wanted by recently selecting Chris Debo as the new Tuscarawas Central Catholic boys basketball head coach.

Debo has served as a varsity assistant coach for the Malvern girls basketball program for the last three years, but brings over 22 years of coaching at multiple levels of basketball. Getting his start with youth basketball, followed by many successful seasons coaching both girls and boys team at the AAU level prior to joining the Malvern girls program.

During the interview process, the Saints were impressed with Debo’s proven track record of excelling in the area of player development and were excited to bring him on board to lead the boys basketball program.

TCC athletic director Mike Sweet pointed out that throughout Debo’s career he has shown a consistent and successful ability to develop the skills and fundamentals of young basketball players at every level.

“Coach Debo brings energy, enthusiasm and his ability to work with kids of all ages up through to the high school level,” Sweet said. “His track record of development is impressive, he has his own basketball academy and has had a lot of successful kids go through his program.

“He has helped develop a lot of highly skilled kids who have excelled at the high school level.. That was a very appealing thing to us, and was a key reason we feel he is the right man to lead our program. We are excited and look forward to some big things with our boys program under his leadership.”

Debo stoked for first varsity coaching job

“This is my first varsity head coaching position,” Debo said. “And I’m very, very excited for this opportunity. It’s something I have dreamed about since my high school days and I feel I’m very well prepared to take it on. I look forward to getting started.”

Debo explained that being in the IVC, he was well aware of Tuscarawas Central Catholic athletics and always liked what he saw of the situation. So once the boys basketball position opened up he was interested right away.

“I’ve been around the IVC and both my daughter and son have played here in this TCC gym for Malvern,” Debo explained. “So I’ve always liked the fan support and passion for their teams. Plus, this felt like home. I went to Catholic school myself, K through 8th grade, growing up.”

“And I always enjoyed that small school feeling in a Catholic school setting. We talked about this opportunity as a family, prayed about it. And all just came to the conclusion it just felt like the right place for us to be. It’s just been great so far, my family and we have been made to feel very welcome. There is a lot of energy from the people we have met and it’s exciting.”

Late start not an issue…time to get to work

With the late hiring and many area summer high school basketball programs well under way, Debo admits its not an ideal situation, but hard work will be needed to make up for lost time.

“We lost a couple of weeks, probably cost a chance to go to some team basketball camps and shoot-outs,” Debo said. “But at the end of the day, you just have to roll with it. You can’t do any thing about it, you lost that time and now you just have to work harder to get caught up. We will work hard and make up that lost time.”

Debo explained he still hopes to put on a basketball camp in the next week or so and will be getting the boys into the gym as quickly as possible.

“We are just going to get in the gym and start to build that teamwork, that fellowship and togetherness you need,” Debo said. “Once you get in the gym, everything else will just take care of its self. Just getting the information out to the kids at all age levels. We want to see them all in the gym and working hard.”

Debo has simple vision for first year

“My goal for each kid once we step into the gym is to get one percent better each day,” Debo said. “That’s the low end goal, but if we can do that I think each kid by the end of the year will be dramatically better. And they are going to have more confidence and a move for basketball that might not have had.”

“And whether that translates into wins or losses I don’t know or really care,” Debo added. “But what we are going to do is play the game of basketball the right way. We are going to have great integrity, great sportsmanship and they are going to be leaders on and off the court.”

KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports



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Youth training program in Southwest Houston helping kids in need get involved

HOUSTON, Texas – IOU Sports, It’s On Us Sports Academy, a training program in southwest Houston, continues to grow. It helps dozens of kids get faster and stronger through sports, but it’s also doing great things for kids and families who can’t afford the membership. The mentorship program helps keep kids out of trouble and […]

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HOUSTON, Texas – IOU Sports, It’s On Us Sports Academy, a training program in southwest Houston, continues to grow.

It helps dozens of kids get faster and stronger through sports, but it’s also doing great things for kids and families who can’t afford the membership.

The mentorship program helps keep kids out of trouble and on track for success.

“Our mentorship program starts from 4 to 14, and everything we do is based on life skills, and we use basketball as a language as a tool to help them navigate. They can use what they learn here through life and school, peer pressure, passing grades, failing grades, highs and lows. I’ve been playing basketball since the crib, I played every level, middle school, high school, college,” said Dominick Foster, co-founder of IOU Sports Academy.

The program also includes after-school programs and free rides to kids in need within five miles of the facility in southwest Houston.

IOU Sports is always looking for volunteers, sponsorships and partnerships.

If you are interested in learning more, click here: iousportsacademy

Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.



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Choctaw County program receives ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award again | Sports

The Choctaw County baseball team won ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award for the fourth-straight year. Choctaw County Athletics The American Baseball Coaches Association released its 2024-25 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Awards recently and for the fourth year in a row, coach Ben Tillman’s Chargers made the list. For more on this story, read our news […]

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Choctaw County baseball

The Choctaw County baseball team won ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award for the fourth-straight year.




The American Baseball Coaches Association released its 2024-25 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Awards recently and for the fourth year in a row, coach Ben Tillman’s Chargers made the list.

For more on this story, read our news edition from Saturday, July 26 weekend edition or click here to subscribe to our e-edition.




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Extreme weight cutting harms health and resilience in youth wrestling

You see it before the final whistle blows. A boy—ten, or maybe nine—walks off the mat like he’s carrying bricks on his back. His face is red, his eyes damp. Waiting for him is his father, arms folded like a verdict. “You lost to that kid? You were up by two.” The boy opens his […]

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You see it before the final whistle blows. A boy—ten, or maybe nine—walks off the mat like he’s carrying bricks on his back. His face is red, his eyes damp. Waiting for him is his father, arms folded like a verdict. “You lost to that kid? You were up by two.” The boy opens his mouth, but nothing he says will be enough. The response is swift: a shake of the head, a clenched jaw, maybe a public scolding. It isn’t a lesson. It isn’t encouragement. Just shame.

The culture of cutting

Wrestling has a long history of weight cutting. For decades, athletes—some as young as eight or nine—have been taught that discipline means dehydrating, fasting, and sweating their way down to the lowest possible weight class. It’s framed as a test of toughness. A rite of passage.

But the science tells a different story.

Research shows that 25–94 percent of youth combat athletes engage in rapid weight loss methods like dehydration, severe caloric restriction, and excessive exercise in sweatsuits. These practices are dangerous at any age, but for kids—whose bodies are still growing—they can be devastating. One study found that adolescents who routinely cut weight during puberty experienced stunted growth compared to their peers. Others have documented increased risks of cardiac arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, heat stroke, renal strain, and long-term bone health issues. There is no proven performance benefit to extreme weight cutting—and in fact, a 5 percent drop in body weight can impair strength, endurance, and cognitive function.

More than just physical harm

It’s not just the biology that is concerning. It’s the emotional landscape these kids are navigating—one that too often values winning over wellness. There’s a message being delivered—sometimes subtly, sometimes loudly: your worth is tied to the outcome. Not the effort. Not the progress. Just the result. This mindset doesn’t just burn kids out—it warps their sense of self. It fosters disordered eating habits, anxiety, and a belief that deprivation equals value.

What if we did it differently?

What if we reframed our role as adults in youth sports? What if coaches prioritized development over domination—and parents celebrated perseverance over podiums? What if, instead of fixating on numbers on a scale, we taught kids how to fuel their bodies, respect their growth, and build emotional resilience? And what if we gave just as much attention to the bonds between teammates as we do to the brackets? Some of the most powerful lessons in youth sports don’t happen on the mat—they happen at post-tournament dinners, on team hikes, or in hotel hallways during overnight trips. Connection builds resilience. When kids feel like they belong—to each other, not just to the scoreboard—they’re more likely to stick with the sport, to support one another, and to develop a healthier relationship with competition itself.

It’s worth asking: how many “bad matches” are really just the visible symptoms of an invisible strain? I’ve seen kids blamed for poor performance when the real issue was weakness from an aggressive weight cut.

Dehydration impairs reaction time, stamina, and strength. Even mild fluid loss can reduce performance by as much as 10 percent, and yet we ask children—many under 100 pounds—to wrestle after spitting in cups and skipping meals. Then we criticize them for being sluggish. That’s not toughness. That’s a setup.

Medical organizations have already called for change. Many recommend hydration testing, minimum body fat percentages, and limits on how much weight can be lost and regained. These measures exist to protect kids, but they’re only as effective as the adults enforcing them.

The role of clinicians—and communities

As a clinician, parent, and someone who’s watched this play out up close, I believe we can do better. We can educate families on the long-term consequences of weight cutting—physically and psychologically. We can screen for red flags in adolescent athletes: fatigue, hormonal issues, delayed growth, anxiety, disordered eating patterns. We can advocate for policy enforcement—not just at the elite level, but in local clubs and rec programs where these habits often begin. And most importantly, we can help reorient the conversation toward health and personal progress—not just titles. Because no child should have to sacrifice their well-being for a medal that is more important to the adults around them than it is to them. Especially not for applause that fades before the weekend is over.

Sarah White is a nurse practitioner, small business owner, and premedical student based in Virginia. With a background in clinical practice and caregiving, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of medicine, family life, and community service. She volunteers with the Medical Reserve Corps and is preparing to apply to medical school in 2026.

Sarah is also the founder of two growing ventures: Wrinkle Relaxer, where she specializes in aesthetic treatments, and Bardot Boutique Aesthetics, a space for curated beauty and wellness services.


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Choo Smith camp empowers Baltimore youth through basketball and life skills

BALTIMORE — Young participants at the Choo Smith Youth Empowerment camp have spent the last five weeks learning more than just basketball fundamentals. WATCH: Choo Smith camp empowers Baltimore youth through basketball and life skills Choo Smith camp empowers Baltimore youth through basketball and life skills The program, founded by Baltimore native and former Harlem […]

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BALTIMORE — Young participants at the Choo Smith Youth Empowerment camp have spent the last five weeks learning more than just basketball fundamentals.

WATCH: Choo Smith camp empowers Baltimore youth through basketball and life skills

Choo Smith camp empowers Baltimore youth through basketball and life skills

The program, founded by Baltimore native and former Harlem Globetrotter Choo Smith, combines athletic training with lessons in civic engagement, financial literacy, fine arts, and mentorship.

“Using basketball as a tool to bring them in and then utilizing all the different life resources and helping them elevate to them,” said Smith.

The camp’s mission extends beyond sports, aiming to shape the futures of Baltimore youth.

“Other basketball camps, I would say it’s strictly basketball; we do a lot of learning here about, like, being a community and how we can help Baltimore be a better place, so I really enjoy it for those reasons,” said Briar Rose Moore, a camp participant.

Smith created the camp 20 years ago with the goal of uplifting young people from his hometown.

“I was able to achieve some things to come back to give it so these kids can do better than me,” said Smith.

He notes that the program’s growth has allowed him to achieve his original vision and more, with the five-week experience transforming young players’ lives.

“Young people talking about stocks. They talk about bonds. They talking about shares and things of that and to see them from week one bored, not wanting to listen now they up and they’re vibrant, and they’re thriving like on a whole another level,” said Smith.

Fifteen-year-old Briar Rose Moore is attending the camp for her second year. She reports improvements in her basketball skills and a clearer vision for her future both on and off the court.

“I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. But being here, I know that I could pursue more things, like in relation to finance or accounting or anything I wanna do, while still enjoying what I do and playing basketball,” said Moore.

The camp concludes Friday with its first-ever trip to Hershey Park. Looking ahead, Smith is developing a community center that will continue supporting Baltimore’s youth for years to come.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.





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Cape Girardeau Parks and Rec Department hosts groundbreaking for new Youth Outdoor Sports Complex – KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Local Parks and Recreation Officials of Cape Girardeau marked a big step forward today as they hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a youth complex. The ceremony took place at 12:00 pm om Friday July 25, 2025. Many community members and city leaders attended including Cape Girardeau’s Mayor Stacey Kinder to […]

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Local Parks and Recreation Officials of Cape Girardeau marked a big step forward today as they hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a youth complex.

The ceremony took place at 12:00 pm om Friday July 25, 2025.

Many community members and city leaders attended including Cape Girardeau’s Mayor Stacey Kinder to support the building of a new multimillion dollar Youth Outdoor Sports Complex.

Scott Williams is the Recreation Division Manager. He says the need for additional fields has been evident for several years as they’ve been limited on the number of tournaments they can hold with their current 8 fields. Additionally, the new facility will have turf fields making practice and games still possible during the rainy season.

“The groundbreaking today at the Shawnee Parks Sports Complex is the expansion of our footprint in Cape Girardeau” says Williams. “We’re adding 5 additional youth baseball and softball fields geared for youth baseball and softball leagues and sports tourism tournaments.”  

Williams shares that by being able to host more tournaments it will bring more people to the area leaving a community impact economically.

“All tied together Cape Girardeau is blessed with having the support of the community that’s passed all these projects that do promote tourism and bring people into town that has tourism, restaurant, retail and all kinds of service impact when they come to town” says Williams.  

They broke ground for the project today and when it’s done there will 5 brand new turf fields for citizens of all ages to utilize.

Doug Gannon is the Parks and Rec Director in Cape Girardeau. He shares how the project is being funded. 

The Parks and Recreation Storm Water Tax was passed by the citizens of Cape Girardeau in 2018″ says Gannon.” There was a number of projects that were identified as part of a PRS tax. One of them was a youth sports complex which you see behind us today. So, the funding is coming from that tax which was passed in 2018 by the citizens of Cape Girardeau, and it will set in 2033.” 

The project is estimated to be done by April of 2026.

 





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Jaylin Williams hosts second annual basketball camp in Fort Smith

>> IT ONLY. >> TOOK 40S FOR TICKETS TO SELL OUT TO THE JALEN WILLIAMS YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP HERE IN FORT SMITH. TICKETS WERE GONE IN A LITTLE OVER A MINUTE FOR SATURDAY’S CAMP IN SPRINGDALE. AND KIDS WE TALKED TO SAY, LEARNING FIRSTHAND FROM AN NBA CHAMPION IS SOMETHING THEY’LL NEVER FORGET. >> I […]

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>> IT ONLY. >> TOOK 40S FOR TICKETS TO SELL OUT TO THE JALEN WILLIAMS YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP HERE IN FORT SMITH. TICKETS WERE GONE IN A LITTLE OVER A MINUTE FOR SATURDAY’S CAMP IN SPRINGDALE. AND KIDS WE TALKED TO SAY, LEARNING FIRSTHAND FROM AN NBA CHAMPION IS SOMETHING THEY’LL NEVER FORGET. >> I WILL REMEMBER THIS FOR MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE. >> SEVEN YEAR OLD JACK JONES IS ONE OF 150 KIDS WHO GOT TO LEARN TODAY FROM OKC THUNDER, NBA CHAMP JALEN WILLIAMS. >> I’M JUST REALLY PROUD OF JALEN TEACHING ALL OF US AND I AND I’M PROUD OF MYSELF FOR BEING AN ALL STAR. AND I’M REALLY HAPPY RIGHT NOW. >> ANYTHING FOR THE KIDS. I WANT THEM TO WANT THEM TO HAVE AN AMAZING TIME. AS A KID. YOU DREAM OF THINGS LIKE THIS, AND I HOPE THAT WHEN THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL, THEY SAY THIS WAS THEIR FAVORITE THING FROM THE SUMMER. >> FROM PEARL HARBOR TO NBA CHAMPION. LIKE MANY OF THESE KIDS, WILLIAMS STARTED PLAYING BASKETBALL AT THE FORT SMITH BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, AND THEN IN HIGH SCHOOL, HE WAS A STANDOUT PLAYER FOR THE NORTHSIDE GRIZZLIES, WHICH IS WHERE TODAY’S CAMP WAS HELD. >> I THINK THE BIGGEST THING IS TO SHOW THEM THAT, LIKE THEY’RE GOING THROUGH ALL THE PLACES THAT I WENT THROUGH, I WAS AT THIS HIGH SCHOOL AT THAT BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, WHERE IT HAS MY FOOTPRINTS. WALKING THROUGH THE GYM, I WALK THOSE SAME STEPS. SO I THINK THAT’S THE BIGGEST THING, IS SHOWING THESE KIDS THAT ME AND ZAY, WE CAME THROUGH THESE SAME BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS, THESE SAME HIGH SCHOOLS, SAME JUNIOR HIGHS AND SAME PARKS. >> AND I KNOW HE’S EXHAUSTED, BUT HE’S HERE TO GIVE BACK TO THE KIDS HERE IN FORT SMITH. >> MAYOR GEORGE MCGILL WAS CHEERING THEM ON FROM COURTSIDE. >> IT GIVES PEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE WHAT GIVING BACK ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE, AND WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE ON THE RECEIVING END. GIVING IN OF ALL OF THIS. AND SO WE ARE A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHAT A CLOSE KNIT COMMUNITY CAN DO. >> AND WHILE BECOMING A CHAMPION ON THE COURT MIGHT SEEM IMPOSSIBLE, AS THESE KIDS LEARNED, IT ALL STARTS WITH DREAMS AND HARD WORK. >> I COULD DO THIS TO ONE DAY. YOU HAVE TO LEARN THE GAME OF BASKETBALL AND PLAY EVERY DAY. >> NOW THE PROCEEDS FROM THE BASKETBALL CAMPS BENEFIT THE GRIZZLY CUB, YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER. ORGANIZATION. WILLIAMS SAYS THE BASKETBALL CAMPS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN THIS TIME NEXT YEAR AND FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. IN FORT SMITH, BRETT RAINS 40/29 NEWS. >> IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, YOU CAN ACTUALLY WATCH THURSDAY’S PARADE WITH JALEN WILLIAMS AND ISAIAH JOE CELEBRATING WITH FANS. >> YEAH. SO THAT’S ON OUR WEBSITE 40/29 TV.C

Jaylin Williams hosts second annual youth basketball camp in Fort Smith

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Updated: 5:29 PM CDT Jul 25, 2025

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Hundreds of young basketball enthusiasts gathered in Fort Smith for the second annual Jaylin Williams Youth Basketball Camp, an event that has quickly grown in popularity. With tickets selling out in just 40 seconds, the camp has become a summer highlight for kids eager to learn from Oklahoma City Thunder NBA champion Jaylin Williams.The Fort Smith camp, held at Williams’ alma mater, Northside High School, brought 150 kids together for an unforgettable day of basketball drills, lessons, and inspiring mentorship. “Oh, I will remember this for my whole entire life,” said 7-year-old participant Jack Jones from Fayetteville, beaming with excitement. “I’m just really proud of Jaylin teaching all of us tonight. And I’m proud of myself for being an All-Star. I’m really happy right now.”Reflecting on his motivation for hosting the camp, Williams said, “Anything for the kids. I want them to have an amazing time. As a kid, you dream of things like this, and I hope that when they go back to school, they say this was their favorite thing in the summer.”The NBA champ’s connection to the community is deep-rooted. Williams began his basketball journey in Fort Smith at the Boys and Girls Club before starring for the Northside Grizzlies in high school. He emphasized the importance of showing kids that dreams begin where they stand today. “Walking through the gym, I walk those same steps,” Williams said. “I think the biggest thing is showing these kids that me and came to these same Boys and Girls Club, the same high school, same junior highs, and same parks.”Fort Smith Mayor George McGill cheered on the young athletes from courtside, commending Williams for his dedication to the community. “I know he’s exhausted, but he’s here to give back to the kids here in Fort Smith,” McGill said. “It gives people an opportunity to see what giving back actually looks like and what it feels like to be on the receiving end.”The camp not only inspired dreams but also encouraged teamwork and dedication. “I could do this too one day,” Jones said. “Teamwork and you have to learn the game of basketball and play every day.”Proceeds from the camp benefit the Grizzly Cub Youth Football and Cheer organization, ensuring that the event gives back to the community in more ways than one. Williams told 40/29 News that the camp will return next summer and for years to come, continuing to offer kids opportunities to dream big and work hard.

Hundreds of young basketball enthusiasts gathered in Fort Smith for the second annual Jaylin Williams Youth Basketball Camp, an event that has quickly grown in popularity. With tickets selling out in just 40 seconds, the camp has become a summer highlight for kids eager to learn from Oklahoma City Thunder NBA champion Jaylin Williams.

The Fort Smith camp, held at Williams’ alma mater, Northside High School, brought 150 kids together for an unforgettable day of basketball drills, lessons, and inspiring mentorship. “Oh, I will remember this for my whole entire life,” said 7-year-old participant Jack Jones from Fayetteville, beaming with excitement. “I’m just really proud of Jaylin teaching all of us tonight. And I’m proud of myself for being an All-Star. I’m really happy right now.”

Reflecting on his motivation for hosting the camp, Williams said, “Anything for the kids. I want them to have an amazing time. As a kid, you dream of things like this, and I hope that when they go back to school, they say this was their favorite thing in the summer.”

The NBA champ’s connection to the community is deep-rooted. Williams began his basketball journey in Fort Smith at the Boys and Girls Club before starring for the Northside Grizzlies in high school. He emphasized the importance of showing kids that dreams begin where they stand today. “Walking through the gym, I walk those same steps,” Williams said. “I think the biggest thing is showing these kids that me and [my peers] came to these same Boys and Girls Club, the same high school, same junior highs, and same parks.”

Fort Smith Mayor George McGill cheered on the young athletes from courtside, commending Williams for his dedication to the community. “I know he’s exhausted, but he’s here to give back to the kids here in Fort Smith,” McGill said. “It gives people an opportunity to see what giving back actually looks like and what it feels like to be on the receiving end.”

The camp not only inspired dreams but also encouraged teamwork and dedication. “I could do this too one day,” Jones said. “Teamwork and you have to learn the game of basketball and play every day.”

Proceeds from the camp benefit the Grizzly Cub Youth Football and Cheer organization, ensuring that the event gives back to the community in more ways than one. Williams told 40/29 News that the camp will return next summer and for years to come, continuing to offer kids opportunities to dream big and work hard.



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