COLUMBIA, S.C. — Students who gathered at Cardinal Newman High School got a chance to show off their skills on the basketball court during the 6th annual basketball camp hosted by former pro player and coach Alex English.
Kids came from across the region participating in drills, game strategy and competitive play, plus took part in popular literacy games to win prizes.
"It's a full circle moment for me being able to give that opportunity to these kids that experience as well," English said. "We teach and have a little vocabulary class, that's one of our stations. We do basketball, we do training, but we also do learning, so that is important to me."
A special appearance was made by USC Women's Basketball championship player Ashlyn Watkins, who tells News19 this was her first time speaking at the camp.
As a former Cardinal, Watkins said she is ecstatic to be back home to pour into the future athletes, offering advice that will help them in the future.
"My advice would probably just be going to camps like this, keep getting better, experience different people," Watkins said. "Those people that you are playing with now, you are going to see them in college. It's a great thing to be here, so start now."
The camp began on Monday, July 22, 2024 and will run until Thursday July 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 3p.m at Cardinal Newman School.
Former USC player, now Minnesota Timberwolves player, PJ Dozier is expected to speak on Thursday.
