Cardinals at Ilwaco Basketball Camp

WAITSBURG ­- Coach Westin Wallace saw growth in his Waitsburg team at the Ilwaco basketball camp June 24-27.

The young men improved individual and team basketball skills and bonded during team activities off the court.

The team of two eighth graders, a junior, and two seniors was joined by WHS alum Blake French, who traveled with the team as a mentor. The young team played against experienced varsity players from other schools but fought hard. The team figured out what worked and what did not. The older Cardinal players became better leaders for the younger players on and off the court. One Cardinal made it to the semi-finals in the 3-point shootout.

Coach Wallace said the camp was a fantastic experience for players Carter Barron, Liam Kiefel, Blake Benavides, Jackson Karl, and Lucas VanHoose. He was grateful for the support from the community, the parents, the Lions Club, and the Waitsburg Booster Club for the privilege of attending the camp. The boys will have many memories to look back upon.

"I believe this experience will pay dividends for us in the long term," said Coach Wallace. "The improvement and fight I saw in them from the start to the end made me very proud to be their coach as I witnessed their joy and work ethic."