The gym at Pahrump Valley High School stayed active throughout the week of May 26–28 as young athletes gathered for the annual basketball camp led by Pahrump Valley High School Girls Basketball Head Coach Bob Hopkins and supported by volunteers from the school’s high school basketball programs.
Held Tuesday through Thursday at PVHS, the camp welcomed approximately 90 participants and was organized into separate sessions to provide age-appropriate instruction and development opportunities.
The first session each day, running from 8 to 10 a.m., was designed for third through fifth grade students. During that time, younger athletes focused on learning and improving basketball fundamentals in an energetic and supportive environment.
The second session, held from 10 a.m. to noon, was dedicated to students in sixth through ninth grade. Those participants attended as campers themselves, taking part in instruction, drills and gameplay tailored to their age group and skill level.
Throughout the three days, campers worked on key basketball fundamentals including ball handling, passing, shooting, footwork and teamwork while also participating in games and activities designed to build confidence and make learning enjoyable.
Helping make the camp possible were approximately 20 volunteers from both the Pahrump Valley High School boys and girls basketball teams. The high school athletes assisted with instruction, demonstrations, organization and encouragement throughout the camp, giving younger players an opportunity to interact with student-athletes currently representing PVHS on the court.
For many participants, the camp offered more than basketball instruction. It provided a chance to connect with older players, gain exposure to the high school programs and build excitement for continuing in the sport.
Hopkins, a longtime coach with decades of experience in the community, organized the event as an investment in developing future athletes while also creating leadership opportunities for current high school players.
While the camp is focused on youth development and community engagement, it also benefits the girls basketball program. Hopkins explained that after expenses and prize giveaways were deducted, the camp generated approximately $2,500.
Those funds will be used to help support girls basketball athletes by assisting players who want to attend camps but may face financial barriers and helping those who have difficulty meeting fundraising expectations such as team t-shirt sales.
With nearly 100 participants taking the court over three days and high school athletes volunteering their time to mentor and encourage younger players, the camp once again demonstrated the strong connection between youth sports and the future of basketball in Pahrump.
*Photos provided by Sarah Hopkins.
