Young basketball players had the opportunity to learn from Russellville High School coaches and players at a two-day camp held July 15-16.

About 30 boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade participated in the clinic, held at the Russellville Middle School gym. Campers worked on dribbling, shooting, passing and defense while having summertime fun.

The camp is one of many that has been held at RHS this year, and it served as a chance for the coaches and current players to make a positive impact on future Golden Tigers.

New RHS girls head coach Jermaine Groce said he was excited to work with the children. “We’re out here today working on fundamentals and trying to give back to the community,” Groce said. “It’s an excellent opportunity to teach the fundamentals of basketball to the up-and-coming generation of Russellville basketball players. I just want to give back in any way possible.”

Groce is no stranger to the Russellville program having graduated from RHS and served as an assistant coach over the past few years. “My primary focus is to just grow the game of basketball and to get people to buy in to what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to develop at Russellville High School,” he explained. “Anytime I can be around young kids and help develop the game, I’m all about it.”

Russellville boys head coach Patrick Odom echoed Groce’s sentiments. “Coach Groce said it best: It’s a great opportunity, and we enjoy having this little bit of time to be able to invest in what will become our future players,” Odom said. “We have our players in here, and you see the brotherhood and sisterhood part of it with our older kids investing in the younger kids.

“For us, it’s a chance just to give back and be a part of our community, and it’s always fun doing that.”