VSU basketball camp hosts 37 teams

Jun. 25—VALDOSTA — The Complex at Valdosta State University was the site of nonstop action this past Friday and Saturday as it hosted a basketball team camp, attracting 37 teams from near and far.

The event showcased a vibrant mix of local talent and visiting teams, providing an exciting basketball weekend for players and spectators. The camp, organized by VSU, offered a prime opportunity for teams to get real experience ahead of the upcoming regular season. Valdosta State University provided the courts and officials ensuring a professional and well-managed environment for the games.

Basketball team camps offer a unique opportunity for teams to scrimmage against familiar and new opponents. Unlike sports such as football, which require extensive personnel and facilities due to their larger team size, basketball’s more manageable roster allows for comprehensive team camps. This focused environment is crucial for basketball teams, providing an invaluable chance to prepare.

“Coaches come here and work with their team. They are trying to get their team better,” said Mike Helfer, head men’s basketball coach at VSU. “This camp is fun, but it’s completely different than our other camps.”

The local teams that took part were the varsity team from Valwood High School and the junior varsity team from Lowndes. These teams and many others benefited from competing against diverse opponents, testing themselves in a series of scrimmage matches.

For the young athletes, the camp was more than just an opportunity to compete; it was a chance to bond with their teammates and understand their teams’ dynamics after losing last season’s seniors.

The experience of playing in a structured, competitive setting will undoubtedly pay off when the regular season kicks off.