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SSOCIATED
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EWSPAPERS OF
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ICHIGAN
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August 23, 2018
I
NKSTER
The 21st Annual Inkster Legends
Basketball Camp in Inkster earlier this
month was, according to Director Freddie
Smiley, “another success.”
Smiley said he wanted to thank all the
sponsors who made the free event possible
and the director and staff at the Booker T.
Dozier sports complex for all their work and
effort to helpwith the camps.
Smiley added that there were a number
of volunteers who helpwith the camps every
yearwho are invaluable to the program.
The camp presented awards to the most
improved player, the player with the best
attitude, a sportsmanship award and compe-
tition awards for layups, free throws and
front of the rim.
The most prestigious awards are named
for two former camp participants who epito-
mized the spirit of the sport and the camps,
Smiley said. One is named for Marice Love
who died playing basketball, the game he
loved and the other for Devon Smiley, anoth-
er former camper who died in an auto acci-
dent three years ago.
“Both were prime examples of what we
look for in all the kids,” Smiley said,
“respect, a good attitude, that winning smile
and the ability to always make others feel
good about themselves.” Devon Smiley was
Fred Smiley's grandson and an athlete of
unlimitedpotential, he said.
Smiley said that the father of one of the
campers was an employee at the recreation
complex. He told the participants that he
was a student in the camp as a child and that
the lessons he learned there helped himand
others build friendships. The campmeant so
much to him and his fellow campers, that he
called a friend who attended camp with him
who now lives in Chicago to explain that the
camps were still offered. The center employ-
ee said his friend drove from Chicago with
his daughter themorning of the camp so that
she could attend the life-changing experi-
ence.
“I was moved by his testimony,” Smiley
said, “so it had to resonate in the minds of
the campers.”
“We also give an award each year in
honor of coachWarrenWoods whowas a for-
mer Legends coach who passed away a few
years ago. He was a great motivator and an
excellent coach and teacher of the game,”
Smiley added.
George Blaha the Detroit Pistons
announcer for 41 years stopped by to visit
with the players in the afternoon session and
some of the players won George Blaha
Bobble head dolls, Smiley said, which were
a very popular item.
“It's still hard work but it's a joy to see the
effort and the progress these kids make in
just a short time. It is truly worth our time.
The impact it can have on a kid's life is
immeasurable,” Smiley said.
“Our motto is act as if you cannot fail,” he
added. “ Again thanks to everyone who par-
ticipated.”
Inkster Legends awards student honors
The members of the 21st Inkster Legends Basketball Camp enjoyed the coaching in all aspects of the game along with sportsman-
ship and ethics.
Winners of the Devon Smiley Character
Award during the recent Inkster Legends
Basketball camps were Zion Wimberly
and Myra Davis.
Best in Camp in the 9-12-year old division
were Aviere Jiminez and Kayla Beard,
shown with Camp Director Fred Smiley.
The winners of the Best in Camp Awards
in the 13-to16-year-old division were
Claude Hawkins and Lauren Hardy.
