"We've had a lot of fun," said Jackson. "The players (Patriots, camp counselors) have had fun with the kids and they (campers) all seem to be enjoying themselves and having a good time."
"They've all done well," he said of the campers. "We try and develop skills for those who have played before and we try to help get those started that donÃt have the skills yet."
The week-long camp featured individual fundamental instruction, group play, self-improvement programs, free throw competition, hot shot competition and special guest lecturers.
Blake Henderson, a sixth-grader who is a four-year veteran of the Lincoln Basketball Camp, says he benefits from each camp.
"I keep coming to camp to see if I can get better and each time I go I learn more," he said
One area in particular where Henderson has seen an improvement is at the charity stripe.
"My free throws weren't the best," Henderson said. "Camp is just like a big practice and we kept working on our free throws. I'm a little better now."
For Wilson, the one-on-one instruction always is a positive that keeps him coming back each summer.
"I think you learn a lot better when they work with you alone than when you're in a group," Wilson said. "Sometimes, in a group, you don't get everything."
It doesn't hurt that Wilson gets to see some of his friends and classmates at the camp.
"I love playing basketball in the summer and I like seeing my friends," he said. "When schools out I don't see them as much but I do see them and get to play with them at camp."
Camp instruction was not limited to basic skills and competitions, campers also got to work on strengthening particular weaknesses in the game.
"I usually play either guard or forward, but I'm a little better on the inside," Wilson said. "They helped me learn how to play even better inside."
Henderson, who's been playing basketball for seven years, doesn't close his mind to personal improvement.
"I've been shooting the ball all my life. My main position is point guard or shooting guard," he said. "I like shooting and I always want to get better."
The competitive nature of the campers came to the forefront in competitions like hot shots, free throw shooting and three-point shooting.
"The competitions make you want to win, to do better," Henderson said.
"That's one of my favorite parts," said Wilson. "I like competing with each other. It's a lot of fun."
Even after a week of intense instruction and competition, both Henderson and Wilson are ready for next year's camp.
"I just love playing basketball and it's fun," Henderson said.
"I love playing basketball," agreed Wilson. "And I still need to get better. I still need work on my jump shots and ballhandling."
The campers participating this year included: Ben Harness, Tanner Smith, Carter Story, Marshall Meek, Bryson Yaden, Jentry Carrier, Dylan Cooper, Chase Phillips, Trenton Brown, David Brock, Alex Sergent, Landon Meek, Tucker Allen, Cooper Brown, Seth Harness, Noah Young, Luke Smith, Matt Sandlin, Adam Frith, Ethan Russell, Jared Howard, Devin Burchfield, Bryce Rowe, Nick Banks, Tate Harris, Trae Whittemore, Trenton Allen, Logan Sears, Tyler Jones, B. J. Hoover, Zach Baker, Jacob Conway, Neal Conley, Zach Leigh, Nate Brock, Markus Luster, TJ Torres.
Kody Cornelius, Blake Henderson, Jordan Smith, Justin Hubble, Jacob Dunn, Carter Dunn, Taylor Edwards, Colin Hart, Anthony Kozlesky, Nathan Hooper, Hagan Wilson, Blake Rowe, Tyler Dotson, Dylan King, Luke Hill, Dustin Burchfield, Chris Luster, Ben Banks, Jordan Elliott, James Jesse, Ronnie Sharp, Trenton Edgington, Ryne Otto, Cody Hall, Micah Ward, Cameron Honaker, Chris Butler, Alex Andes, Paul Gregor, Levi Gifford, Cameron Burgess, DeWayne Whitaker, Zack Hill, Tyler Brock, Cody Mullins, Tre` Owens and Jeremy Andes.
Camp Counselors assisting Coaches Jackson, Jones, Conley, Petrey and Miller were James Jackson and former Patriot Braxston Miller. Current Patriots leading stations were Ryan Young, Daniel Ralston, Noah Keeton, Matt Smith, Matt Cooper, Tanner Edgington, Julian Calhoun, Dylan Allison, Colby Long, Skyler Gilbert, Trevor Edgington, Joey Hurst and Joseph Vanhook.
