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WNBA player gives youths some hoop tips
By Cody Thorn, Joplin Globe, November 14, 2004 More than 30 basketball players had a chance to take lessons from one of college basketball's greatest scorer on Saturday afternoon. Jackie Stiles took time to conduct the camp for children at the Joplin Family Y-South. Stiles played at Southwest Missouri State University and later in the WNBA for the Portland Fire, before a rash of injuries put her on the sideline. Stiles and Chuck Williams, a teacher at SMS, have toured the country since 2001 holding basketball camps. This visit marked the second time the Stiles Camp has been in Joplin, following last year's visit at the Boys and Girls Club. "I really enjoy these camps," Stiles said. "That is how I got my start and there was really an impact if a coach gave me a couple of encouraging words; that really inspired me." Stiles talked to the players about topics from shooting to dribbling to layups. As a high school player, Stiles shot until she made 1,000 baskets a day - a task she did until she reached the collegiate level. Stiles, when describing proper shooting technique, used an easy acronym that the campers could remember, 'BEEF.' 'BEEF' stood for balance, eyeing the target, elbows in and follow through. She noted the importance of shooting and even brought up a memorable game - a 4-for-21 shooting performance during her sophomore year at Claflin, Kan., in the Class 2-1A semifinals. The day for campers was broken up into running drills, dribbling drills, shooting drills - coordinated by Williams. There was also a competition for most layups in a 30-second span and finally players were selected for one-on-one competition. Stiles, currently a member of the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, worked on shooting and ball handling with the campers and gave out tips. Stiles, still recovering from shoulder surgery, was aided in the camp by four players from Webb City High School, sophomores Aubrey Richardson and Tasha Hedgecorth and seniors Brittany Shewmake and Lacey Richardson. Many of the campers in attendance were either decked out in Stiles' T-shirts or jerseys or Webb City Cardinal attire. "It still means a lot to see kids wearing my jerseys," said Stiles. "That's one reason why I want to try to make a comeback." A question-and-answer forum followed, before the camp wrapped up with a picture and autograph session with Stiles. "We have done a few more lately, but typically when camps are held in the summer is when the WNBA season is," said Williams, who coached the Missouri Southern Lions men's team for 12 seasons. "We have held camps in the fall and winter across the country, but with her injuries we've been able to do more." Kori Page Rienbolt, an eighth-grader from Fort Scott, Kan., was impressed with the camp. Said Rienbolt, "I wasn't sure how many people would be here, but I was excited to meet a WNBA player and get her opinions." During the autograph session, Stiles told Rienbolt she was a really good player. "That was really neat," said Rienbolt. "I ask her a question about layups and I will use some of the drills we used here to get my shot better." "There usually is a great reaction to the camps," said Williams. "She is such a great role model. She is humble, she has a great work ethic and she relates well to young people." TO THE TOP |