Camp “Hoop it up’ with Rich & Ro” is a slam dunk

Barry Byers Posted June 15, 2010 8:00pm Lady Gladiator Basketball

Image: “Hoop it up’ with Rich & Ro” campers are in full uniform — (L-R): Coach Megan Richards, Paige Henderson(22), Brycelen Richards(5), Michaela Tarrant(32), Evie Hernandez(21), Destiny Harris(40), Hailey Routson(4), Jenna Holden(3), Emily Cunningham(24) and Coach Kaitlyn Rossa. Not pictured: Peyton Henderson. — “Hoop it up’ with Rich & Ro” campers are in full uniform — (L-R): Coach Megan Richards, Paige Henderson(22), Brycelen Richards(5), Michaela Tarrant(32), Evie Hernandez(21), Destiny Harris(40), Hailey Routson(4), Jenna Holden(3), Emily Cunningham(24) and Coach Kaitlyn Rossa. Not pictured: Peyton Henderson. (Barry Byers)

Several aspiring young basketball players recently participated in the “Hoop it up’ with Rich and Ro” girls basketball camp. With dreams of starring for the Italy Lady Gladiators someday, players practiced in the old Italy gym each morning from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..

Campers dribbled, passed and took their best shots, all while learning the tricks of the trade from two of Italy’s best, Italy High School juniors Kaitlyn Rossa and Megan Richards.

Rossa and Richards were both All-District performers this past season and helped lead the Lady Gladiators to a playoff win for the first time in 18 years, winning a bi-district championship for the school.

The highlight of the camp was when each camper raced up and down the court adorning authentic Lady Gladiators’ uniforms. Though the fit was a bit loose, the campers wore their old gold, white and black uniforms well.

“I was nervous at first, but I really enjoyed working with those girls. It was fun for Ro and I to work with girls that really love the sport,” commented Richards regarding her experience as a coach during the camp.

Rossa shared her excitement by saying, “It was a blessing to be able to put this camp on, helping younger girls excel in a sport that I love, the feeling is amazing. Rich and I decided to take them to the dome and let them try on the uniforms because we thought it would be fun for them to see how it felt to be Lady Gladiators, how we get pumped in the locker room, running out, and then playing an actual game on the court.”

“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.” It’s easy to show up on game day and play, however, there is only an average of about 30 high school basketball games one might play in each season. Champions make good use of the other 335 available practice days, especially during the summer months.

Thanks coach Richards, coach Rossa and campers for putting in the practice time this past week, knowing basketball season is several months away. That’s the will to prepare and that’s the message sent by “Rich and Ro.”

Go Lady Gladiators!

Rossa and Richards — Kaitlyn Rossa and Megan Richards teamed up to put on the “Hoop it up’ with Rich and Ro” basketball camp for the next generation of Lady Gladiators. (Barry Byers)

Just give me the ball — Paige Henderson sports her authentic Italy Lady Gladiators’ apparel during the camp. What she lacks in size she makes up for with a big smile. (Barry Byers)

For the win — Jenna Holden takes aim during a shooting drill where the campers tried to out hoop the coaches. (Barry Byers)

Practice, practice! — Brycelen Richards takes a shot during the camp. (Barry Byers)

I’ll fill this out — Evie Hernandez gets a little help from fellow campers while displaying her jersey numbers. (Barry Byers)

Taking a timeout — Campers take a well deserved break after scrimmaging. (Barry Byers)

Evie dots the “I” — Evie Hernandez dots the “I” on Italy. (Barry Byers)

Paige goes by the book — Paige Henderson shows her shooting form she practiced during the four day camp. (Barry Byers)

Holden her basketball — Jenna Holden plans to dip this basketball in championship gold as a Lady Gladiator. (Barry Byers)

The right touch — Michaela Tarrant takes advantage of the camp to hone her basketball skills. (Barry Byers)

This is my destiny! — Future Italy Lady Gladiator Destiny Harris is ready to fulfill her destiny on the court. (Barry Byers)

Brycelen gears up — Brycelen Richards shows the form that will be packing the dome with fans someday soon. (Barry Byers)

Emily can’t wait — Emily Cunningham modestly poses for her picture during the “Hoop it up’ with Rich and Ro” girls basketball camp in Italy. (Barry Byers)

Evie is ready — Under that oversized Lady Gladiator jersey is the next golden star, Evie Hernandez. (Barry Byers)

Hailey can hoop — Hailey “The rout is on” Routson hopes to put points on the scoreboard for the Lady Gladiators when she is in high school. (Barry Byers)