By Angie Ledbetter

The sixth Annual Let’s Talk It Out Basketball camp was held at North Panola High School gym on Saturday with an estimated 130 kids participating.

The camp was divided into five age groups: 7-8 age group Cockrell Family Medical; 9-10 Learning 4 Today; 11-12 Western Sizzlin; 13 Stan Little; and 14 and up The Panolian.

The camp was started in 2003 to help young children with issues, according to founder Billy Brown.

Brown’s sister Rosemary McKinney is the co-founder.

“The only thing we could talk about from a stand point was let’s discuss it and talk about it so we came up with that name. We started this camp because so many young kids love the sport of basketball. We thought that would be a dynamite way to talk about sportsmanship, values, goals and ethics. It’s almost pulling them into getting the positive information they need otherwise they wouldn’t actually attend a session where they actually talk about all that.”

The camp did not draw as many participants as in the past.

“This year was down a little bit due to the heat I think,” said Brown. “Last year we had 230 so we prepared for 250 this year.”

Helping host the camp were volunteer coaches from the high school and community, family, people from different churches and people from the community.

“The kids learn information about Christ first of all, sportsmanship, values and goals and how to be successful in life and as an individual and how to be successful in school.”

As far as basketball Brown said the kids learned the basic fundamental skills of shooting, dribbling, passing the ball, rebounding and how to do jump shots.

Brown said, “One of the big things we concentrated on this year was hygiene. We’re having a lecture on it and giving away hygiene products.”

Brown also announced the formation of  Let’s Talk It Out Young Basketball League starting this Fall. More information will be forthcoming as plans are finalized, he said.

Prizes were given in each age group for free throw shooting and three point shooting. Competition for the prizes was held.

For the 7-8-year-old, MVP and free throw winner was JukamaronMickens. Kennland Lyons was the 3-point winner.

In the 9-10 age group, Jamarvis Echols was the MVP and free thrwo winner. Kenndy Lyons was the 3-point winner.

Winning in the 11-12-year-old category were Mardarikkious Walls, camp MVP and 3-point shooter. Rhysonne Bishop had the highest free throw points.

Roderick Bobo was the camp MVP of the 13-year-olds. Free-throw winner was LakeishaWilbourn and Darius Thomas as the  3-point winner.

Danny Cleveland was the MVP and the free throw winner of the 14 and up age group. Nadashaney Montgomery was the winner of the 3-point shootout.