Hoops dreams: Fishburne basketball clinic teaches Y kids court, life lessons

The hook to the youth basketball players at the Waynesboro YMCA to get them out for a group practice Tuesday night was that practice was going to be led by members of the nationally ranked FIshburne Military School postgraduate basketball team.

In between the drills emphasizing proper ballhandling, defensive movement and shooting techniques, the players and FMS coach Ed Huckaby imparted some imporant life-lesson messages to the youngsters.

“When we talk about work ethic, we’re not just talking about work ethic on the floor,” said Huckaby, who likes talking about his team’s cumulative 3.35 grade point average as much as its Top 10 national ranking and roster that includes 14 players committed to Division I schools next year.

To Huckaby, it’s not basketball first or academics first that makes his program a success.

“Everything you do comes first,” Huckaby said. “You go to the basketball court and work hard. Work equally as hard in the classroom. Treat the academics, the classroom, your citizenship, your demeanor, your work ethic, your respect for other fellow human beings, your Christian life and walk, treat it all equally, and it will all take care of itself.”

Players in the five-team YMCA Junior Division took part in the clinic. Huckaby and Y executive director Jeff Fife are putting together plans to do multiple clinics for Y hoopsters next winter.

“I was very impressed and pleased with Fishburne and their athletes. Coach Huckabee’s message on character development, being excellent in the class room, and giving full effort both off and on the court was well received by our kids,” Fife said. “I enjoyed watching the athletes interact with our kids and work on skills development. The energy and enthusiasm was inspiring, and I look forward to future activities with Fishburne and their postgraduate program.”
 

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Story by Chris Graham. More Y news at WaynesboroYMCA.com.

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