More than 100 Yuma kids attended four-day camp to learn tricks on court

YUMA, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – Thursday marked the final day of Day 4 of another version of Arizona Western College’s summer basketball camp. And it did not disappoint.

After 12 hours of basketball fun, more than 100 Yuma County kids left the House Gymnasium with smiles on their faces. Some campers leave with a nice autograph from the camp coach, but everyone leaves with camp photos and, of course, lifelong memories.

And it’s something that Kyle Isaacs, the Matador’s men’s basketball head coach, has fondly remembered from his childhood and still carries with him during his days on the sidelines.

“It’s been a great week, and it’s really encouraging to see so many people in attendance,” said Isaacs. “I used to go camping and take pictures of camp all the time. Luckily my mom saved all the pictures so I could go back and maybe never see that person again in my life.” It’s really unique to hold on to.” ”

And the kids learned so much more than they could have imagined in just four days of hard work, and classes were even taken away.

“It was amazing, it was a lot of fun. It was a life-changing experience,” said Dominique Montilli, a student at Woodard Middle School. “I learned leadership skills and communication skills.”

The week flew by, and you might be surprised at how productive it was.

“I actually really enjoyed the camp,” said Riley Anderson, a student at Centennial Middle School. “One of the things I’ve learned is to never give up and always do your best.”

The camp included drills and lots of games that focused on the basics that campers could take with them into the coming winter to keep them engaged and active each day. At that time, we needed a lot of cooperation to make it happen.

In addition to Isaacs and men’s assistant coach Carter Law, camp coaches also included local high school coaches Jeff Frazin of Cofa, Marcus Weeks of San Luis, and Angel Esparza and Sonny Figueroa of Antelope.

Getting 1% better in basketball every day is always the goal, but it was set as a bonus to all the life lessons packed into the week, and it’s a goal that can be applied in many ways beyond the game.

“There are four different themes for the day, but my favorite is day one: ‘Put both feet in,'” added Isaacs. “What we’re trying to tell all of these kids is that not only can this apply to basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, whatever they’re playing, but it can also apply to their lives and schoolwork. I mean, whatever you do, you have to step on both feet and give 100% effort.”

All in all, it was a great crowd with a lively atmosphere that filled the gymnasium. Isaacs and his colleagues advise campers and parents to keep an eye out for the upcoming winter camps scheduled for January.