Larry Hewett/Clarendon Citizen - Coach John Franklin Thames’ Lady Monarch Basketball Camp was a huge success in 2012. Girls and boys from Clarendon School District 2 and surrounding schools participated in the weeklong camp. (Bottom) Kristin Shaffer, Chelsea Cousar, Alexia Abraham, Petra York, Kareena Hilton, Sapphire Frierson, Hannah Davis, Courtney Goodman, Catera Manning, Hunter White and Coach Thames; (second row) Jay Land, Maggie Eppley, Ambria Brunson, Keanni Canty, Ashianna Jones, Tevana Evans, Kadaijah Gamble, MiKayla Johnson and Rabia Graham; (third row) Sandy Johnson, Keri Shaffer, Dyneshia Felder, Autumn Washington, Niyah Brand, Kamryn Shaffer, Madison Nelson and Anne Land Welch; (fourth row) Coach Lori Johnson, Sadie Johnson, Avery Goff, Measha Jones, Will Rigney, Jania Blackwell, Tevella Evans and Kayla Goldsmith; (top Row) Autumn Wells, Larionna Taylor, Sarah Jackson, Coach Kay Young, Coach Kerrie Cribb, Myleissa Hilton and Coach Stan Nickell. Not pictured: Anna Bench and Elana Bench.
The action was fast-paced. Basketballs were flying through the nets, dribbled behind the back, bounced off the backboards and sunk from the free throw line and beyond and that didn’t include all the scrimmages and contests.
The gymnasium that bears his name was teeming with young athletes last week gleaning tips and fundamentals from the winningest women’s high school basketball coach in South Carolina history – Coach John Franklin Thames
It wasn’t just the women who attended the weeklong camp. Male athletes attended too wanting to learn from a coach that’s respected by his peers and former athletes.
Helping throughout the week were coaches Stan Nickell, Kay Young, Lori Johnson and Kerrie Cribb.
The only time the attendees had that they weren’t on the court learning hands-on was when Thames had them watching a video of “perhaps the greatest creative offensive talent in history” – Pistol Pete Maravich. A Hall of Famer who played for LSU in the 1970s, Pistol Pete was known for his floppy socks that always ended up around his ankles. He didn’t worry about his uniform fit or how he looked. Pistol Pete was a spectacular showman who opened up the game of basketball with circus shots, hotdog passes and a “nothing but net” aim. His talent at the time was unparalleled and Pistol Pete holds almost every major NCAA scoring record.
“Now he was a basketball player,” Thames said about Pistol Pete. “He was a master of the game. He had a flair and a desire to win and he loved the game.”
Rebecca Harvin’s daughter, Makeba, played for Thames’ Lady Monarchs last season and attended the camp.
“I think this camp is great,” Harvin said Friday. “It gives the kids something extra to do. It helps them develop their skills. It teaches them sportsmanship and character.”
Thames and his coaches were everywhere on the court offering tips, techniques and fundamentals.
With a whistle draped around his neck and schedules in his pocket, Thames was first to offer the young athletes encouragement, a hug when needed or fist bump.
After handing out certificates, awards and medallions, Thames told the attendees, “I hope you had as much fun as I did.”
Thames presented Sandy Johnson with a special Sportsmanship Award. Last year, Thames was one medallion shy of having enough for each camp athlete. Without any hesitation, Johnson stepped up and gave his medallion to a young female athlete.
“That, my friends, is what sportsmanship is all about,” Thames told the young athletes.
Each attendee also received a special certificate from Substation II for a free meal.
When the last medallion was presented, Thames ended the camp.
“Camp is now closed,” he told the athletes. “Have a good season.”
The youngsters didn’t immediately rush out the gym doors. They surrounded Coach for one last hug. And the winningest women’s basketball coach in South Carolina history didn’t disappoint them. He had a big smile and a hug for each one.
Awards for the Week were given in each age group – High School, Junior High School and 6th grade and below.
Best Free Throw Shooter
1. Catera Manning
2. Keri Shaffer
3. Kamryn Shaffer
Best Three Point Shooter
1. Kenyatta Taylor
2. Keri Shaffer
3. Niyah Brand
Knock Out Winners
1. Chelsey Cousar
2. Keri Shaffer
3. Anne Land Welch
Offensive Player of the Week
1. Hannah Davis
2. Makeba Harvin
3. Niyah Brand
Defensive Player of the Week
1. Maggie Eppley
2. Jania Blackwell
3. Will Rigney
Sportsmanship Award
Sandy Johnson
