Michael Young - Sports Editor

A BHHS camper calls for support on the court.

The Blackville-Hilda High varsity and junior varsity boys to sharpened its round ball skills at the Louie O'Gorman basketball camp.

The clinic was held June 7-11 at the USC-Aiken Convocation Center.

The clinic included various activities, including one-on-one competition, team competition, free throw competition, film study and a slam dunk event.

Blackville-Hilda High was one of eight teams participating in the practices.

Others schools included Silver Bluff High, Porter-Gaud, Heathwood Hall Academy, Hammonds Academy, Pinewood Preparatory School, Holly Hill and Pee Dee Academy.

Highlights for Blackville-Hilda High include the varsity boys winning the team championship and Larry Johnson named Most Valuable Player of the camp.

"I was really impressed with the Blackville-Hilda coaches and players. They are a first class group," O'Gorman said.

"They have terrific talent and their players are well behaved."

Beasley said it was good exposure for his team.

"This was an opportunity for our players to show what kind of basketball skills they have on a big stage. Overall I thought they performed well well," Beasley said.

"Louie O'Gorman runs a terrific clinic with some of the best instructors in high school and college. He's knows basketball and how to work with youngsters."

O'Gorman is a 1954 graduate of Blackville-Hilda and former head master for Jefferson Davis Academy. He has been operating the camp for 45 years.

O'Gorman said the camp is about teaching fundamentals, competitiveness and good sportsmanship.

"The times have changed, but our camps represents the finest tradition of competition on the floor and remaining friends when the games are over," O'Gorman said. "Our success is in part that we promote goodwill among teams, schools, coaches and players. Many of these share friendships that have lasted a lifetime."