Basketball campers develop defensive fundamentals

Former Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies and Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach Tom Barr instructs incoming Junction Hill fifth-grader Jayley Harrill, left, and Fairview third-grader Jace Brassfield on Monday during the opening day of his youth defensive basketball camp. Held at the Jimmie Carroll Sports Complex at 540 E. Olden St., the specialized program drew about 50 athletes from 15 area schools. "There's never enough time for coaches to work on their defense," Barr said of the camp's unique curriculum. "We're just teaching them basic defensive fundamentals that they can use, whether their team is going to play a zone or man-to-man defense. Whatever kind of defense their team plays, we develop that." The camp runs through Wednesday for students entering second through eighth grade. Space also remains available for Barr's upcoming shooting camps, scheduled for July 13 through 15 and July 20 through 22 for athletes entering first grade through high school. During the shooting camps, daily sessions run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for girls in first through eighth grades, 10:30 a.m. to noon for boys in first through eighth grades and 1 to 2:30 p.m. for high school players. Registration is $115 for one camp or $215 for both remaining sessions. To register, parents may text Barr directly at 417-293-5391.