Connection, Life Lessons, and Basketball Skills

In early June, Zion Hill Baptist Church and Darryl Hairston from DH Hoop Christian Basketball Program partnered together to provide an opportunity for youth aged 8-16 to learn and improve their fundamental basketball skills. Coach Hairston, a member of the church, has over 25 years of coaching experience and has mentored many players who have gone on to play in the NBA and professional teams overseas.

Upon arrival at the camp, participants were given a warm welcome by Zion Hill's staff and volunteers. Pastor Parker opened with prayer and greetings, while Coach Hairston introduced his coaching staff. The youth were enthusiastic and eager to participate in drills and exercises.

The camp featured special guests, such as Mfon Udofia, a former basketball player at Georgia Tech and assistant coach for the College Park Skyhawks, and Scott Draughn, who played for Winthrop University and the American Basketball Association. They spoke with the participants about goals, setbacks, and gave them invaluable advice on and off the court. The kids were also given the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session.

Despite varying skill levels, the kids worked together to improve their abilities in a supportive and safe environment. Coach Hairston mentioned that this was the best group of kids he had ever trained. During lunch breaks, the kids rested and hydrated while excitedly sharing their positive experiences. They expressed that they were having a great time playing their favorite sport and appreciated how nice the coaches were.

Moreover, the youth shared that they had learned new skills such as dribbling, layups, form shooting, defensive slides, and much more. One participant mentioned that the camp helped build their confidence and taught them determination. Overall, the partnership between Zion Hill Baptist Church and DH Hoop

Christian Basketball Program provided a valuable opportunity for youth to enhance their basketball skills and gain valuable life lessons.

According to one parent, this camp was their son's first exposure to basketball. He was impressed with the emphasis on the fundamentals of basketball and determination, all while keeping faith at the center. The parent appreciated the connections their child made with other kids his age and how they worked together to discover the fun of basketball. Additionally, they were grateful for the wise counsel and advice given beyond basketball.

Bo Carter, a member of Zion Hill, assisted Coach Hairston as a trainer for the camp. Carter was filled with excitement when given the opportunity to give back to his church family and positively influence the youth. He reflected on how he met Coach Hairston in a basketball tournament when he was just a youth, where Coach taught him lifelong skills and helped him play in AAU basketball and subsequently at Savannah State University. Coaching and mentoring young athletes has helped Carter find his place in life, and he hopes to one day have his own AAU (continued on page 12)