Kemp hosts annual basketball camp

Hardeman County native and professional basketball player Willie Kemp held his annual youth basketball camp at the Bolivar Middle School (BMS) June 16-19. Kemp taught the youth basketball drills, provided encouragement for obeying rules and working hard, and brought special guest and NBA player Earl Barron to speak to the youth.
Barron told the campers they needed to work hard and practice their basketball skills but also work hard in the classroom.
“Coaches want players who are smart,” Barron told the youth. “They want someone who they can show a play to and they can go out and do it.”
Barron, who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, told the campers to not take their ability for granted or their size. He said even if they are tall, that does not guarantee they will be in the NBA. Barron told the youth they have to work hard for what they want. Barron earned an NBA Championship ring with the Miami Heat in 2006.