JOPLIN, MO – Young athletes in the four states area continue to stay busy. Around 40 kids would take their talents to Missouri Southern from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.
From working with prospects, to teams, Lions head coach Ronnie Ressel would put on a youth camp for girls in 3rd-8th grade.
Southern players would work for several hours with the young athletes, including the incoming freshmen. Toward the very end of the camp, kids and players would compete in a popular basketball game called ‘knockout’.
Coach Ressel said he would want all young athletes to have fun, but the camp’s ultimate purpose is to grow the game.
“We want to continue to grow the game,” said Ressel.
“Having these young ladies come to camp and be taught by college female basketball players, they can see them as role models. The kids can maybe see whether it’s four years or eight if they have an opportunity to go play college basketball.”
Incoming MSSU senior guard, Mackenzie Hart, said the camp also allows for her to bond with her fellow players.
“We’re bonding together, we’re having fun together and we’re teaching these girls that are going to grow up and they look up to us,” said Hart.
“I take that as an advantage because I want to be a coach. Being around little kids, improving them, and helping them grow is a big part of what I want to do.”
The camp would end with the kids nominating their favorite athlete, and receiving a ticket to Missouri Southern’s first preseason game. The next camp, one for elite prospects, will take place August 17th.