Boys and girls from ages seven to 18 were invited to have some fun and learn some basketball fundamentals from professional NBA player Norman Powell last Saturday at Lincoln High School’s gymnasium for free.
Split into two sessions, close to 175 “Hoop Happy” youngsters were able to work on their basketball game under the watchful eye of Norman Powell and friends.
“My handles are not that good. I have problems trying to dribble behind my back, and I kept messing up, but the coach kept encouraging me. I learned some things today,” EBO baller Shyelour Lacsine shared. “I had a lot of fun and I’m glad I came here and I would come back again.”
Powell, a former Lincoln Hornet came back to the gym where he earned his fame, perfected his hoop skills and piled up a number of victories. He was very instrumental in Lincoln’s two straight CIF Titles, including a California State Championship. His basketball heroics earned him a scholarship to the University of California at Los Angeles. “It’s always been a dream of mine to give back to my community, to give the kids an opportunity to learn some things that they didn’t know,” he shared. “It’s an opportunity to let them know that they can achieve their goals.”
Powell and his volunteers took good care of the campers, providing them with commemorative t-shirts, food, prizes, autographs and photo opportunities with Norman the Raptor. All of this good stuff was part of the inaugural Norman Powell basketball camp experience.
“This was my first basketball camp,” shared Hilltop High student, Micaiah Iuli. “I really liked the whole experience. The coaches were really good. This was a good work out we worked hard but that’s what I like.” Hard work, determination and commitment was the camp motto.
“Those words describe Norman, that’s him exactly. Anybody that knows him knows that he doesn’t take short cuts. He is a very hard worker, and he earned everything the hard way,” Camp Coach Earl Woolridge shared. Norman Powell is living proof that good people can come out of Lincoln High School.
“People helped me when I was growing up and made a positive impact on my life. I want to do the same and help, and have a positive impact on people lives,” Powell shared.
