The first two weeks of basketball camp have been tremendous. The summer started out with 3rd and 4th graders. Dave Rieker, the head basketball coach at St. Ursula Academy was our presenter and did a fabulous job. It’s not always easy to work and teach 8 and 9 year olds but our coaching staff including Marty McGurk, Andy Mix, Michael Graffin, and Dick Zelner were outstanding. I must give a lot of credit to the kids as well, who listened attentively and tried to work on everything that was asked of them. Congratulations.

In the afternoon session we had a great turnout for our post camp. I took over the presentation and tried to give our junior and senior high campers as much information as possible to help them become a better post player.  It is my philosophy that everyone should learn to play the post as well as the perimeter. The more versatile the player, the more valuable they become to their team. I was given a few notes from campers on the last day telling me how much fun they had and how much they learned.

Letter number one was from Ryan Bowering of Adrian, Thank you for offering the inside camp, I had a great time this week. I have attended Steve Mix camps for the past two years and have learned a lot at all of them, but this camp has helped me learn to play the position I play most- the post. The “Jack Sikma” is a new move I learned in camp this week. I plan to add this to my game right away.

My parents say this camp is a great value. They’re glad I could attend. I believe the skills I’ve learned this week will help me become a better player for my team.

Another note from Alison Hedges of Otsego High School said, I feel that this post camp has really made me a better post player and I feel that I’ll be able to do a lot more in games. The things I learned at camp are all the things that will help me improve as a player. Not only did I learn tons, but I also met new friends, and I just got to do what I love, play basketball. Also the coach’s were great. No matter what, they were always there to help and correct if I needed something. I had so much fun and my next couple of years of high school I know I will be a future participant at the Steve Mix Camps. Thanks guys for all your input.

Our 2nd week was another smash hit, the campers worked hard, our coaches once again did a marvelous job, and our guest speakers may have been the best ever. Marty McGurk, assistant girls coach at Toledo Central Catholic, was our presenter. The coaches, Pat Joyce, Sean Ginnan, Dick Zelner, Gary Geller, Michael Graffin, and Eric Croyle, all did a wonderful job once again.

Our first guest speaker on Monday morning, was Leroy Bates, head coach at Toledo Libbey High School, who talked about defense. His message to the kids was to get your opponent out of his comfort zone, by getting in tight and forcing him to do something he might not be used to. Later on Monday Von Graffin, head coach at Bowling Green High School discussed ways the kids can improve immediately and how to accept criticism.

On Tuesday Jim Rucki, head coach at Findlay High School, went over half court offense. Jim then talked to the campers about finding their roles on the team, because not everyone can lead the team in scoring. Before lunch Ed Heintschel, head coach at Toledo St. John’s stopped in to discuss the transition between junior high and high school and the competitive toughness that each one will have to have to make it at the next level. The afternoon was an eye opener for the entering ninth graders as Joe Suboticki head coach of Toledo Scott, showed them what a typical high school practice would be like. To end the day Rod Hersha, head coach at Napoleon High School talked about shooting. Coach Hersha challenged the kids to make 10’000 shots this summer because “practice makes permanent”.

Wednesday, the teaching continued with Steve Williman, head coach of Liberty Benton High School, discussing one on one skills. Steve’s great line was “the thrill of victory is often due to the monotony of repetition”. How apropos is that? The kids were really excited when Louis Orr (pictured right), the new men’s basketball coach at BGSU stopped in. Louis had an extremely important message about academics, and forming good habits while still young. On Thursday morning Dave Boyce of Perrysburg High School talked about up tempo basketball and the importance this style now plays in today’s game. What a great way to start our summer camps.

9th Grade Girls Camp

Our 9th grade girl’s camp was another giant success. Despite being hot the first three days the girls worked hard, and improved by weeks end.

On Monday after doing our NBA type of warm-up, the girls were introduced to Bruce Smith. Coach Smith is the head boy’s coach at Whitmer High School. Bruce introduced to them the proper way to shoot and handle the ball, which go hand in hand.  Coach Smith started out with form shooting, and finished with how to shoot off the dribble. They were also introduced to a lot of drills that they could take home and work on in the driveway.

Later Monday morning Gary Geller discussed the transition that is about to take place, going from 8th grade into high school.  Coach Geller, the head girls coach at Fremont St. Joes talked about academics and what varsity coaches will expect from the new kids on the block. Later in the afternoon Steve Mix introduced them to the proper way to play the post. A couple of the campers said they were able to utilize a few of the moves during their games later in the week which is always nice to see.

Tuesday we were very fortunate to have a couple of tremendous speakers. During the morning session Tom Kontak, head girls coach at Genoa high school, talked to the girls about always being prepared, working hard, and always being a good teammate.  Coach Kontak at one point pulled a $20 bill out of his pocket and emphasized not only the value of the $20 bill but how each and every camper has value to her team. During the afternoon session, Mark Schrock, head girls coach at Perrysburg high school, took them through his 2 ball ballhandling drills. Our feature speaker that day was the assistant women’s coach at The Ohio State University, Debbie Black. Debbie was just great and talked to the kids about her 18 years of professional basketball, 9 in Australia and 9 in the WNBA. At 5’ 3” Debbie proved to the kids that your height doesn’t matter as long as you have the drive, dedication, desire, and determination to be as good as you want to be.

The week just continued to get better when Keith Diebler came in on Wednesday morning. Coach Diebler is the head boys coach at Upper Sandusky high school. Keith was an immediate hit when he started discussing up tempo basketball. He worked on skill development and told the kids to never limit your offensive skill set. We are lucky enough to have Coach Diebler back later this summer for another camp. Keep an eye out for the playing at the next level camp, it will definitely improve your game. Dave Rieker went over new rules that the kids will run into during their transition from junior high to high school.  Dave is the new head coach at St. Ursula Academy, and an official, what a combo. Our last speaker at camp was a new comer to our camps, Manny May. Coach May is the head girls coach at Waite high school. Manny discussed defense with the kids and did a marvelous job.

Our camp ended on Thursday afternoon on a high note. We had our one on one championship, won by Emily Adelman, of Hudson, Ohio. Our free throw champion was Stephanie Yoder, from Pettisville. Our team champion was Coach Rieker’s team. His team consisted of Taylor Rae Derby, Tiffane Hicks, Victoria Bruning, Ashley Kahrs, Jessica Feller, Kayla Oxendale, and Danielle Smith. We wrapped up camp with our shoe game, one that everyone enjoys. Thanks to everyone for working hard through the heat.

8th Grade Boys Camp

The summer continues to move along. This week the 8th grade boys were in camp, and it was another tremendous camp. The opportunities to learn are endless for these young hoopsters. Monday morning started with Jim Rucki, the head coach of Findlay High School. Coach Rucki started the week off with the fundamentals of shooting. You cannot improve your game without the basics being formed first, and Jim did a great job of teaching this aspect of the game. Monday afternoon Coach Marty McGurk went over defense, and once again did an excellent job of teaching the defensive side of basketball. The kids left this day with a tremendous understanding of what the Steve Mix Basketball Academy is all about.

Tuesday, we were lucky enough once again to have Steve Williman, the head coach at Liberty Benton, instruct the campers.  Coach Williman was able to take Coach Rucki’s instruction one step further, and continue to help build their pyramid. Coach Williman worked on shot fakes, jabs, jab and go, and jab and rips. After lunch Dave Boyce came in and spoke to the campers and left a lasting impression. You will have to ask the campers what Coach Boyce did with the broom. Coach Rod Hersha, the head coach at Napoleon High School spoke next and continued to build the campers offensive pyramid. Coach Hersha worked on double moves with the basketball, and he was very impressive. The kids worked hard and hopefully will work on these moves throughout the summer.

Thursday morning Coach Keith Diebler, head coach at Upper Sandusky High School helped the kids put one more level on their pyramid. Coach Diebler got the boys up and moving right away. Keith showed a lot of what we call driveway drills, ones that you can work on individually to improve your game. Coach Diebler left them with a wonderful saying. “It is the beginning of a new day. I can waste it – or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I want it to be a gain, not a loss; good not evil; success and not failure.”

Our one on one champion this week was Aaron Bruot, from Bryan. Our free throw champion was Nathan Stark of Edgerton. The team championship went to Coach McGlaughlin’s team. The roster included Gage Beaber of Gibsonburg, Joshua Harris of Oak Harbor, Rick Deichert of MVCD, Brian Butts of Anthony Wayne, and Jimmy Graham of Arcadia. Logan Steingass of Pandora Gilboa, Kolby Seemann of Patrick Henry, Damon Tanner of Bedford, Mitch McGurk of St. Catherine’s and Jon Sandwisch from Woodmore. Congratulations to everyone and continued good luck to all.

8th Grade Girls Camp

This camp was just a lot of fun. This group was energetic, hard-working and determined to improve. Everything we asked them to do and try they did so enthusiastically. Our first speaker Monday morning was Connie Lyon, the head coach of Findlay High School. Coach Lyon did a fabulous job discussing defense. Our campers wrote down a few things that Connie went over. Kalyn Tate liked the footwork aspect.  We all know that good footwork is one of our building blocks to a good foundation. Mary Grace Fitzgerald enjoyed when Connie shared with them that “trusting your team mates, and to do your best all the time was important”.  Hannah Cox and Megan David enjoyed hearing about overall fundamentals of defense and how that aspect of the game wins games.

Monday afternoon Rod Hersha, the head coach of Napoleon High School was kind enough to come back once again to discuss shooting. Hunter Johnson enjoyed the way Rod went over form shooting, placement of your feet and arms, shot fakes, off the dribble moves, and counter moves. Coach Hersha also talked about the types of drills you can do at home in your driveway. Mary Grace Fitzgerald remembers that your knees should be over your toes, your rear end behind you, and your shoulders in between. She says it made her shot better. Kalyn Tate remembers Coach Hersha telling them how to position your hands. How your body, feet and arms should all be aligned so when you shoot you are always in balance. Hannah Cox said she really had a good time and felt they were both extremely interesting.

On Tuesday morning I was able to take Coach Hersha’s shooting discussion even further. Remember that you must have building blocks to improve your game. I ended up teaching one on one moves from the five spots on the floor, baseline, angle’s, and the top of the key. Those moves included straight drives (left and right handed) to the hoop. From there we went to 1 dribble into jump shots, spin moves, half spins, half spins into step thru’s and the in/out dribble. Every move in this segment we used the shot fake.  From here we went into moves coming up from the baseline utilizing a screen, catching the ball at the nail. Off the move we wanted the girls to shoot jump shots, and then the same moves as before. We did add one move which was the reverse pivot into a jump shot. If you see kids using these moves this summer or this winter I bet they learned them at The Basketball Academy.  Katherine Melick enjoyed attempting all of these.

Wednesday, Keith Diebler came back and really solidified what we were teaching all week. Keith is the head coach at Upper Sandusky High School, and he brought his son Jake who will be a junior at Valparaiso University with him. It was enjoyable to watch Jake go through the workout.

Our camp individual winners this week were Jamie Sobczak. Jamie was our one on one champion, and Lauren Diehl was our free throw champion. Our team camp champions this week, coached by Steve Lucius from New Riegel High School, included Kasey Geraghty from Rossford, Maddie Klein from Arbor Hills, Chelsie Jagodzinski from Regina Coeli, Hunter Johnson from Lake, Jesse Ruth Sworden from St. Paul, Jamie Sobczak from Perrysburg, Marisa Shook from Anthony Wayne, Rachel Orr from Fassett, and Natalie Adamski from Christ the King.  Congratulations to everyone. I would also like to thank all the coaches Dick Zellner, Todd Bostater, Mark Schrock, Pat Joyce, Dick Heller, and Steve Lucius for all there hard work and efforts to help and teach all of our campers to be better basketball players.

7th Grade Boys Camp

Let me throw out a few adjectives regarding the campers this week, enthusiastic, spirited, intense, and passionate. Keith Diebler, the head coach at Upper Sandusky High School was able to get the campers to play this way all week. At the beginning of each day Keith gave a very important message that would get the campers thinking about the current day.

Mondays saying was "Do the things that are hard and the power will come."

Tuesdays saying was "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Wednesday, Keith stressed this saying, "What you get by reaching your goals is as important as what you become by reaching your goals."

As you can see Coach Diebler is a believer in the power of positive thinking and had the campers playing hard and having fun all week. Let me share with you a few thoughts the kids wrote down regarding their experiences at camp.

Kevin Olszewski from Christ the King said "I loved this camp because the people are intense, and the people care. This is the best camp I've ever been to, and I've been to more than 20 basketball camps."

Josh Borton from Pettisville said there were two things that he enjoyed about the camp, "the coaches were great and he learned a lot about basketball. Playing the games were a lot of fun because all the coaches made it a lot of fun."

Jake Wise from Temperance MI wrote "I thought the camp was excellent. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot from my coaches. This camp has really motivated me to work hard to get to the next level."

Jacob Sigman from West Side Montessori wrote that he "thoroughly enjoyed camp not only because it was wonderful exercise but it also taught me many things about basketball. It taught me to trust my team, to never doubt myself, to hustle, to do my best, and to have fun. I definitely had fun and learned a lot. This camp has given me a new initiative to practice more at home and to improve. This camp was a great experience, and I'm glad I came."

Thanks for all the hard work and effort you guys put in all week, and a special thank you to the coaches that worked so hard this week, Marty McGurk, Jake Diebler, Gary Geller, Pat Joyce, Andy Mix, and Shawn Ginnan.

Next Level/ Workout with Diebler Camp (High School)

This was an intense week of hard work, but what a learning experience. There were 33 high school campers that wanted to improve their games, and I firmly believe each one did. The campers learned new moves off the dribble, utilizing the jab step, and the intensity that you must play with in order to win. Coach Diebler asked the campers to bring in barbells on Thursday so he could go over drills that are designed specifically for basketball. He also discussed nutrition with them as well.

Emily Reynolds of Elmwood wrote that she learned a lot. "Coach Diebler helped me develop new moves and to get my shot off quicker. I was able to improve my weak hand with the drills that were taught. There were a lot of drills that were taught that I can now do on my own." Emily went to say that Jake Dieblers workout may have been "the hardest thing we did all week. I'm not going to lie, I was tired." She also thanked the coaches for pushing her and teaching her so much.

One of Emily's teammates at Elmwood, Brooke Morgart, also discussed her experiences. "There are so many moves off the jab step, to make my weak hand better and to get my shot off quicker. I learned the correct way to play defense and how to recover correctly. The coaches taught me a lot about the game and how to be the best player I can be."

Coach Diebler will be back for the 7th grade girl's camp next week. I would like to thank the coaches that worked this week with the older group, Marty McGurk, Jake Diebler, and Pat Joyce.

After next week Coach Diebler will be back in early September for all interested parties. Times and dates will be emailed or sent out to all the campers. If you are interested in emailing Keith yourself, you can reach him at Keith_d@treca.org. Hope to see you in September.

7th Grade Girls Camp

As the summer continues along the camps just improve with each passing week. We were lucky enough once again to have Keith Diebler, the head coach at Upper Sandusky lead our camps this week. Instead of trying to explain how I felt about the camps this week, I will let a few of the kids share their experiences. 

This one went unsigned but I feel it explains perfectly what we were about this week. “This week was fun. The coaches were good and encouraging. I really did learn a lot and I really hated to see the week end. The things that I learned this week I will take home and practice until I get it down.

Even though this was my 5th basketball camp this summer, this one I really learned a lot more than what I learned in the other camps. I really encourage Coach Mix to keep this camp going.
           
Thank you to Coach Mix and Diebler for all their hard work and what they taught me. Most of all I think this camp was mostly about respect and setting life time goals, and I thank you for that. Thank you for making my week fun, challenging and respectful. Thanks again.”

Hattie Strong made a great suggestion after describing how much she enjoyed camp. Hattie said she would have liked to rotate around to every coach during a few of the drills. Thanks that’s a good idea.

Aundrea Pinkelman described her experience as follows, “I learned how to dribble with my weak hand. I also learned some new games. I liked almost everything except the crunches (sit-ups) we had to do for not winning one of the games. I liked all the coaches and how they liked to be there with us. They were a lot of fun and had great personalities. I loved that camp and I am hoping to come back another time.”

I would like to thank all of our coaches, Keith Diebler, Marty McGurk, Andy Mix, Kati (Walsh) Spenthoff, Jake Diebler, and Dave Rieker, for a great week. You guys always make it fun not only for me, but everyone involved.           

The Next Level/ Workout Camp for 8th/9th Grade

Coach Diebler taught this camp as well, and did another fabulous job. Keith will be back on September 8th with his sons Jake and Jon for another opportunity to expand your game and take it to another level. The information regarding this chance is available by calling 419-874-9619 or emailing Coach Diebler at Keith_d@treca.org. Every camper was asked to write something regarding camp, and they were all terrific. I have chosen a few to let them describe their week at camp. I am sure that most of these campers never knew they could play at this level and speed until they came here.

Paul Frye wrote, “I think that the camp was a lot of work. You kept people hustling, and did some stretching before anything. What I liked about this camp was that if you did not hustle or run off and on the court, you attempted to do it again. You had to break previous records, if you did not, you did that challenge again. We all dramatically improved in the time space of twenty-four hours.  Every single time we did anything, we improved on it. What I liked about this camp is that you proved to us that we can do anything if we put our mind to it.”

Sydney Shaffer described her time at camp as follows. “Coach Diebler helped me a lot in the game of basketball. Some of the things he taught us were to be confident in yourself, and in your teammates. Coach Diebler also taught me how to be aggressive and hustle, and how working hard is very important.” Sydney later went on to say “one of my favorite things about camp was that Coach Diebler always read a quote every day at camp and it inspired me to push myself and to do things that weren’t always easy.”

Jamie Sobczak said, “this camp at the Basketball Academy, presented by Coach Diebler was by far the best camp that I have ever attended. Not only has he taught me how to be a better defensive player by staying low against my opponent and being a better shooter by having my hands and body in position to receive the ball, but he also taught me that diet and nutrition are also part of the whole picture of being a better athlete.

Both Coach Diebler and his son Jake have taught me many things, but mostly to have a positive attitude, respect for others and the game, and never give up whether it is in the classroom or on the court. I have hung the rim picture on my ceiling, I have been at the library to get another book to do more reading, and I have the Six Steps to Winning where it can remind me of what my visions should be about.”

Don’t forget about our other camps that we have planned for August and later this fall. We have our Ballhandling, Shooting, and Conditioning program that will help you prepare for your upcoming season. Also, don’t forget September 8th and another chance to work out with the Dieblers,Keith, Jon and Jake.

5th/6th Grade Boys Camp

Junior High Ballhandling, Shooting and Conditioning

5th & 6th Grade Boys and Girls Camps – Shooting, Ballhandling, and Conditioning

The last two weeks, just like every other week before, have been outstanding. Despite the hot weather, the campers maintained their enthusiasm, and excitement toward becoming better basketball players throughout the weeks. There was a lot of energy in The Basketball Academy, thanks to the campers. The coaches once again did an exceptional job. During the 5th and 6th grade boy’s camp, Bill Faine took over the reins and really worked on the fundamentals of the game. Dave Rieker took control of the afternoon Junior High Boys Shooting, Ball-handling and Conditioning Program and worked the kids extremely hard. 

Our last week of camp, August 6th -9th involved the 5th and 6th grade girls, followed by our Junior High Girls Shooting, Ball-handling, and Conditioning Program. Our coaches did a marvelous job maintaining their excitement toward teaching the game, and the campers responded in kind. Marty McMurk had the honor of working with the morning group, while Dave Rieker took the afternoon session. It was a pleasure that Kate Achter worked during the afternoon Junior High Program. You could feel the excitement that the campers had when they realized who Kate was and that she played for Bowling Green State University, one of the top ranked basketball teams in the nation this past year.

Ten weeks of camp have come to a close and it’s always sad when that happens. I have enjoyed working closely with the coaches, and especially the campers. There is a lot of talent in this area, but like anything else if you want to be great at something you have to work at it. To the campers, take the drills we have shown you, continue to work hard, and good things will happen. I will see some of you in the Fall for our Workout with the Dieblers (Keith, Jake, and Jon) or in our other Fall programs.  For information regarding those, go to our website. For the campers that are not returning this year, I would like to wish you all the best of luck and thanks for coming.

WORK HARD — HAVE FUN