The Tullahoma High School basketball boys’ and girls’ teams recently held a youth basketball camp. The camp was a big success, with the programs seeing a total of 105 campers.

The Wildcats boys’ and girls’ programs have been on the up and up for the last two seasons in popularity. The stands feel like they have got more and more packed with each game that has gone by, and that is for good reason. The boys’ team has gone to the state tournament in back-to-back seasons, and the girls’ team just went to state for the first time since 1977. Over that time, it is clear that the program has especially grown popular with the youth, with the 105 campers that showed up for the THS-led basketball camp being a prime example of that.

“We love seeing the interactions between our players and the campers. Our programs are building connections, relationships, and giving back to our community, and that is a major part of what it means to be involved in high school sports,” Head Coach of the Tullahoma girls’ varsity basketball team, Chad Hibdon, said on his favorite part of the camp.

“Camps are always fun, watching our players work with the future Wildcats, and all the young kids are always so excited. It’s just a fun time for everyone. I’ve always enjoyed it,” said Head Coach of the Tullahoma boys’ basketball team, Jason Welch, on his favorite things from helping run the camp.

As Welch said, it was cool to see the players teach and share memorable moments with what could one day be future Wildcat and Lady Wildcat players. At the camp the campers went through a number of different drills, and the Lady Wildcats and Wildcats players cheered them on in every activity they did. The Tullahoma High School players are not NBA players, but this camp went to show that role models come at all ages.

“The large turnout is amazing and shows how much our players, coaches, families, and stakeholders are investing in Tullahoma Basketball,” Hibdon said regarding what the 105 campers said about the state of Tullahoma basketball.

“I think it says that you know the future for Tullahoma basketball is bright. We just have to continue to work and have fun at it and try to get better each day,” said Coach Welch.

The THS basketball programs have definitely become a staple of the community, and with the current coaching staff and players, the programs will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact on the youth of Tullahoma for years to come.