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Monticello Trojans finish 7-0 in Florida camp Melodie Phelps News Editor It was an experience that every basketball team needs—traveling together to a team camp and then putting together summer performances on the court to go undefeated. That’s what the Monticello Trojans experienced recently, when they traveled to Fort Walton Beach, Florida for the Beach Bash Team Camp. The Trojans went 7-0 against teams from Mississippi, Florida, Ohio and Arkansas. But even more important than the wins was the team chemistry, according to Coach Abbott, who is beginning his second year at the helm of the MHS boys basketball program. “I think this experience really helped us with our team chemistry,” he said. As he watched his team play during the camp, Abbott said that was the biggest strength that he noted—team chemistry. “I think the players learned what they can do and what they need to work on...what are their strengths and what are their weaknesses,” said Abbott. “If they want playing time, they know what they need to work on.” Besides basketball, the trip included a night of camping in Alabama, half a day at the ocean, and a day at a theme park in Birmingham. Abbott notes that this was more than just a camp experience. “I think out of the 20 players who made this trip, 15 or 16 of them had never been to Florida or had never been to the ocean,” said Abbott. “This was just something that I think every team needs to do once a year...Get away from everybody except your teammates.” Last year, the Trojans attended a camp at Tennessee Tech, but actually traveled back and forth each day. Abbott said a year ago, as he assumed coaching duties, that this team would have fun. “As long as I am coach here, we will try to plan something like this that mixes basketball with these kind of experiences and life skills,” said Abbott. The team departed on Thursday morning and then camped for the night near Montgomery, Alabama. They drove to Fort Walton the next morning, then began competing in games. Monticello’s junior varsity also competed and finished 2-3 in the camp. On Sunday, the team spent three to four hours at the beach, before beginning the journey back across Alabama. The team traveled to Birmingham to spend the night Sunday night, then headed out Monday morning to Visionland, which has adjacent theme parks. The team traveled back to Monticello on Monday night. “I think this is great exposure to what’s outside this county,” said Abbott. “Basketball needs to be mixed with some fun and some life skills, and I think that is the job of the coach.” The team has plans to venture even further next summer, traveling to camp in Hawaii. Abbott said future plans also include a tournament in San Diego. Add a comment |
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