For the eleventh straight year, Al Jefferson is coming home to
Prentiss to host his annual basketball camp at the former Prentiss
High School.
Dates for the camp are July 22-24. The camp is free for all
participants, but there are limited spots for all age groups, so early
registration is recommended.
The three-day camp is broken up into four 2.5 hour sessions of
fundamental basketball skills instruction.
It all begins on Monday, July 22 at 9 a.m., with a morning session for
youth and junior high girls, ages 6-12 and grades 1-7.
Monday afternoon, the youth and junior high boys, ages 6-12 and grades
1-7, get their turn from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Beginning at 9 a.m. July 23, is a session reserved for high school
girls, ages 12-18 and grades 8-12.
The third and final day of the camp, which also begins at 9 a.m. July
24, will include high school boys ages 12-18 and grades 8-12.
Last year’s camp had over 300 participants the first day alone, with
hopes of exceeding that number this year.
Registration begins each day at 8 a.m. and will last until space is
filled or the start of the session.
Registration for the youth boys afternoon session on Monday begins at
noon and ends at 1 p.m.
All campers are required to have a completed and signed parental
release form before participating in any camp activities.
Campers need to bring these to registration the morning of the camp or
parents can fill one out at registration.
This camp is strategically placed in the year so each participant will
receive school supplies right before the start of school. Along with
the supplies, participants also received a basketball, t-shirt, lunch
and snacks throughout the session.
The camp is run by the National Basketball Academy out of Ohio.
“This is the  only camp of its kind in the state of Mississippi.” said camp director Mitchell Williams.
Big Al’s hope is to reach out to his community to encourage players to
maintain a positive outlook both on and off the court through sports.
For more information, log on to AlJefferson25.com or
Facebook.com/AlJefferson25, call (601)-792-4581, or email Mitch at
spotes7@yahoo.com.